March 19, 2025

INOSHO Ramen in Makati: A Bold, New Take on Japanese Ramen

A bold, new progressive ramen concept is coming—INOSHO Ramen, a restaurant that fuses Tokyo’s deep-rooted ramen culture with a modern Manila dining experience, redefining how we enjoy ramen with innovative techniques and unexpected flavors. Before INOSHO Ramen officially opened its doors in Salcedo, Makati, Manila got a taste of what was to come through a successful pop-up collaboration with Ramen Nagi last November 2023.

IMAGE from INOSHO Ramen

The event introduced INOSHO Ramen’s signature bowls to local ramen lovers, giving a glimpse of the unique depth and boldness that define its flavors. Following an overwhelmingly positive response, INOSHO Ramen has now found its permanent home, bringing its distinctive take on Japanese ramen to the heart of Makati.

A Ramen Legacy: From Japan to Manila

IMAGE from INOSHO Ramen

INOSHO Ramen was first introduced in 2006 by renowned ramen master Mr. Nakamura in Japan, where he spent nearly two decades perfecting a ramen style that masterfully balances deep umami flavors with a bold kick of spice. At INOSHO, broth is an art form. Slow-simmered for two days—achieving a depth of flavor that shorter cooking times simply cannot replicate—his signature Tonkotsu-Gyokai broth blends the richness of pork bones with the depth of seafood, creating a multi-dimensional broth that’s both creamy and intensely flavorful. Unlike traditional tonkotsu, INOSHO’s gyokai infusion—made from niboshi (dried baby sardines), katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), sababushi (dried mackerel flakes), and sōda katsuobushi (dried Spanish bonito flakes)—adds a delicate oceanic umami, giving each bowl a complexity that lingers on the palate. By carefully balancing tonkotsu and gyokai stock, INOSHO creates an exquisite harmony of land and sea flavors, making every bowl a true expression of Japanese ramen craftsmanship.

Now, this expertise comes to Manila, bringing with it a level of craftsmanship and dedication that has made INOSHO Ramen a standout in Japan’s competitive ramen scene. Leading the kitchen is Chef Nakamura, whose mastery of traditional ramen-making continues to define the brand, alongside Chef Christian Lansang, a rising star in Manila’s culinary scene, with a background in Michelin-starred kitchens in Tokyo and Sweden. While ramen remains the heart of INOSHO Ramen, the menu extends beyond the bowl with refined small plates and progressive izakaya-style dishes, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of Japanese comfort food designed to pair seamlessly with cocktails and sake. This fusion of Japanese tradition and global influence makes INOSHO Ramen a unique player in Manila’s evolving culinary landscape.

Signature Ramen & Dipping Noodles

At INOSHO, every bowl is crafted with care by our artisan founder, making it a true hole-in-the-wall gem rather than just another franchised brand. Our ramen is as authentic as it gets, carefully balancing tradition and innovation.

Kara Kara Uo Ramen / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

● INOSHO Ramen – The signature bowl that showcases INOSHO’s refined Tonkotsu-Gyokai broth, topped with 12-hour slow-cooked braised pork belly (Chashu), naruto maki, menma, leeks and nori.

● Kara Kara Uo Ramen – A one-of-a-kind spicy version of the INOSHO ramen featuring Tonkotsu-Gyokai broth, elevated by Inosho’s spice powder, original chili oil and bonito powder for a bold, lingering heat.

● INOSHO Tsukemen – Thick, chewy noodles paired with an intensely concentrated Tonkotsu-Gyokai dipping broth, coating each strand with deep umami with 12-hour slow-cooked Braised pork belly, menma, nori, leeks and Bonito Powder.

Kara Kara Uo Tsukemen / IMAGE from INOSHO Ramen

● Kara Kara Uo Tsukemen – A fiery twist on Inosho Tsukemen , infused with Inosho’s spice powder, bonito powder, and umami-packed chili oil, delivering the bold, signature heat of INOSHO.

At INOSHO, our noodles are carefully crafted to complement the broth, focusing on elasticity and texture. Thick and chewy, they act as the perfect supporting actor to the rich, complex soup.

A Unique Way to Enjoy INOSHO Ramen

INOSHO’s humble yet flavorful sides—Jiro Veggie, Jiro Tomato Veggie, and Hot Hot Jiro Veggie—are more than just accompaniments. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying side dish or an unexpected way to deepen your ramen’s flavors, INOSHO’s signature sides offer something for every palate.

For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, the Jiro Veggie, a medley of bean sprouts and cabbage, provides a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the broth. The Jiro Tomato Veggie adds a tangy depth with crushed tomatoes, subtly enhancing the ramen’s umami. For those who crave heat, the Hot Hot Jiro Veggie brings a fiery kick, delivering a lingering spice that transforms each bite.

IMAGES from INOSHO Ramen

These aren’t just side dishes—they’re an essential part of the ramen experience. In true Japanese fashion, diners can stir them into their broth for an “aji hen” (flavor change), allowing the ramen to evolve with every bite. A splash or two of vinegar further enhances this transformation, adding layers of acidity and depth, creating an infinite combination of flavors to explore. Many of our Japanese regulars return multiple times, experimenting until they find their personal sweet spot.

For a heartier option, the Jiro Meshi and Tomato Jiro Meshi layer crunchy vegetables, savory seasonings, and deep umami notes over rice, creating a vibrant, textural contrast to traditional donburi. Meanwhile, the Hot Hot Jiro Meshi dials up the spice, adding another bold dimension to the dish.

And for those looking to end their meal on a comforting note, plain rice (“gohan”) pairs perfectly with leftover soup—especially from Karakara Ramen or the soon-to-come Maze Soba in April. This simple yet satisfying ritual rounds out the meal, letting diners savor every last drop of INOSHO’s bold, umami-packed flavors.

Pro-Tip for Tsukemen Lovers: If you have leftover dipping sauce after your Tsukemen, don’t let it go to waste! Ask your server for “soup-wari”—a light broth that you can mix into your remaining sauce, turning it into a warm, comforting finish to your meal.

From Ramen to Craft Cocktails and Spirits

At INOSHO, the art of Japanese comfort food extends beyond the plate and into the glass. Our bar menu is more than just an accompaniment—it is a meticulously crafted experience that enhances and deepens the flavors of our dishes. Each cocktail is a thoughtful balance of Japanese spirits, modern mixology, and bold, umami-driven flavors, designed to complement every bite.

While we offer a selection of highballs, classic cocktails, sake, and other drinks, the true stars of our bar program are our signature cocktails—each a unique fusion of precision, creativity, and Japanese-inspired ingredients. Every sip tells a story of craftsmanship and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary techniques to create drinks that are both unexpected and unforgettable.

Maho Kazuri / IMAGES from INOSHO Ramen

● Sakura G&T – A delicate yet complex take on the classic gin & tonic, combining Roku Gin, lychee boba, Monin cherry, Schweppes tonic, and shiso leaves for a floral, subtly herbal refreshment.

● Kyoto Pearl – A light, effervescent highball featuring Suntory Kakubin whiskey, Monin melon, soda water, and tapioca pearls, offering a smooth, fruity contrast to smoky whiskey
notes.

● Hana Kokoru – A vibrant, citrus-forward cocktail blending Sun Sui Gin, Monin passion fruit, lemon juice, and hibiscus tea, creating a bright, floral depth.

● Maho Kazuri – A rich and indulgent twist on a whiskey sour, featuring Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, matcha powder, milk, and gold flakes for a luxurious, umami-laced sip.

● Hoku Zoku – A crowd favorite, this daring combination of Geikeikan Sake, pineapple juice, calamansi juice, wasabi, and furikake, delivering an unexpected interplay of sweet, tart, and umami with a lingering warmth.

At INOSHO, the cocktail menu is as thoughtfully curated as the food—designed to stand alongside our bold, umami-packed ramen and progressive izakaya style dishes. Whether you’re here for a hearty meal, a late-night drink, or a perfectly paired sake, the bar at INOSHO offers an elevated drinking experience where every glass tells a story of tradition, creativity, and impeccable balance.

From Tokyo to Manila, nearly two decades of mastery and refinement have culminated in this moment. With the expert craftsmanship of Chef Nakamura, the mastermind behind INOSHO Tokyo, INOSHO Ramen in Manila is proudly introduced. His dedication to perfecting ramen and izakaya culture brings a taste of Tokyo’s finest to the heart of Manila. This ramen shop comes to Makati today, March 19, 2025.

This is a press release. Minor edits were made prior to publishing.