Mendokoro Ramenba in Makati: The First Ramen Bar Concept in the Philippines
If you happen to pass by Salcedo Village in Makati, you’ve probably heard of this popular ramen house that’s always filled with diners waiting for hours in long queues just to be served with a hot bowl of ramen. Well, you should be curious because this restaurant is unlike any other!
Established in 2014, Mendokoro Ramenba is the first-ever ramen house in the country to adopt a common Japanese ramen bar concept that brings diners closer to the kitchen. Inside the restaurant, counter seats surround the open kitchen, offering a unique and authentic Japanese dining experience to locals and expats alike.
The 23-seater dining counter
You will also be amazed by how aesthetically pleasing the restaurant’s interior is. Unlike other ramen houses with designs similar to restaurants in Japan, Mendokoro boasts a bright, modern interior, lending a sophisticated appeal.
Having a ramen bar concept is actually quite challenging especially in the Philippine setting where Filipinos are used to dine as a family or group on tables. It may be unconventional for some but surprisingly, many customers seem to love the concept since 2014.
When it comes to their specialty, Mendokoro Ramenba is known to put a lot of time and effort into their every bowl of ramen. Each bowl is also served as soon as they are ready as the taste of the soup and texture of ramen noodles change in as fast as 15 seconds!
Owner Ryan K. Cruz adds that the temperature plays a big role in enjoying ramen which is why it is best to savor it while it is hot and fresh from the kitchen—the not-so-secret rule to enjoying ramen.
Choose from Mendokoro Ramenba’s ramen menu which includes the TanTanMen. One of the favorites among the tonkotsu ramen choices, this ramen is made with sesame base and tonkotsu broth topped with ground pork. It also has chili oil that gives this ramen a red-orange color. But no need to worry because it only has a mild spicy flavor that you can surely handle.
TanTanMen
If you are looking for something out of their usual menu, order the Garlic Shoyu. It is a shoyu-based ramen with a touch of garlic, served with a tender piece of chashu or braised pork belly marinated for less than a day. It has all of the garlic flavors you’ll never find in any other ramen in their menu, making it a must-try!
Garlic Shoyu
Last, but definitely not the least, is an item from Mendokoro’s secret menu, the Super Chashu. It is the upsized version of their shoyu ramen topped with a double-marinated chashu meat. No wonder it is the best choice for first-time diners at Mendokoro Ramenba!
Super Chashu
These ramen specialties are the exact reason to visit Mendokoro Ramenba, and the fact that many people are actually willing to fall in line patiently for at least an hour at certain times of the day, tells you just how special their ramen is.
So, go ahead and enjoy a bowl of ramen in more branches in the Metro such as the new one on the ground floor of The Arton Strip by Rockwell along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. The centerpiece of this beautiful ramen bar is a mesmerizing chandelier made from over 30,000 wooden pieces that cascade down like a bamboo forest. The curved counter seating encircles the kitchen, so you’re right in the heart of the action. The minimalist Japandi style and touches of greenery on the wall, make for an IG-worthy place perfect for enjoying their famous bowls.
IMAGES from Mendokoro Ramenba Facebook page
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Exclusive Offerings at Mendokoro – Mitsukoshi Mall
IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba
Mendokoro Ramenba in Mistukoshi Mall, BGC invites you to savor their exclusive options. For a change, try their Tantan Mazesoba, a soupless ramen consisting of ground meat, blanched veggies, and chewy noodles sitting on a creamy and nutty sauce.
Tantan Mazesoba / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba
Or savor its delightful take on Curry Tsukemen: perfectly cooked noodles and other toppings paired with a curry broth for a dipping experience that’s both comforting and soul-warming.
Curry Tsukemen / IMAGE from Mendokoro Ramenba
