Ippudo in Makati: Your Go-to Spot for Tonkotsu-based Ramen
Ramen with flavorful broth, firm noodles, and tantalizing toppings? Check. Comfortable dining space? Check. Sumptious appetizers to complement the meal to boot? Also check! These and more are what diners should expect to experience and cherish at Ippudo.
Greenbelt branch / IMAGE from Ippudo’s Facebook page
Founded in 1985 by Shigemi Kawahara, the internationally-renowned Ramen King, Ippudo opened their first branch in SM Megamall in September 2014, eventually branching out in various parts of the Metro throughout the years.
Ippudo are famous for their tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen options, which has a distinct delicate and creamy flavor. Must-tries include the signature ramen: Shiromaru with original tonkotsu broth, ultra-thin noodles, pork loin, bean sprouts, kikurage (wood ear mushrooms), and spring onions as well as the Akamaru, a modern reinvention featuring special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil in addition to sliced pork belly, bean sprouts, kikurage, and spring onions.
Shiromaru Supreme
Akamaru Ramen / IMAGES from Ippudo’s Facebook page
For those with a penchant for spicy food, the Karaka-men has thin, curly noodles, spicy miso paste, fragrant garlic oil and ground pork, with cashew nuts and torched sliced pork belly. It also has an array of toppings for diners to add-on, such as tamago (salted soft-boiled egg), chashu (simmered pork belly), nori (seaweed) and more.
Karaka-men / IMAGE from Ippudo’s Facebook page
In addition to ramen, Ippudo has an extensive range of side dishes such as Hakata-style gyoza served with vinegar, pork buns made with braised pork belly coated in a special sauce and Japanese mayonnaise in a soft steamed bun, and their flavorful take on chicken karaage, all of which go extremely well with their noodle and rice dishes.
Karaage
Gyoza / IMAGES from Ippudo’s Facebook page
At the Greenbelt branch, diners will find themselves in a inviting dining space, which blend modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements. The exterior has sleek black facade accented with wooden slats and geometric patterns. A signature red noren (curtain) drapes over the entrance, welcoming diners into a warm, minimalist space.
Inside, the restaurant showcases an open kitchen concept, where skilled chefs work behind a glass partition, adding to the immersive ramen experience. The dining area is decorated with wooden furnishings, amber lighting, and an eye-catching display of ramen spoons.
IMAGE from Ippudo’s Facebook page
Behind the brand is the Standard Hospitality Group (SHG) under the leadership of John Concepcion. With years of experience in the food industry, the restaurateur continues to pamper Filipino diners and their love for hearty, quality dining in the country.
This March 29, 2025, Ippudo will be opening their flagship shop in Uptown BGC. This new ramen bar has a sleek interior, thanks to light wood interiors, amber lighting, and a modern open-kitchen that allows diners to witness the magic behind every bowl. Aside from their signature tonkotsu ramen, they will have small plates, fluffy baos, sushi, and highballs for eveyone to enjoy.
IMAGE from Ippudo’s Facebook page
With ramen of the highest quality, hospitable service with attention to detail and unique ambience, Ippudo aims to create an exquisite and delightful ramen dining experience for its customers throughout the world.
