Ah, ramen… Nothing else can compare to this popular Japanese noodle soup, what with its rich broth, chewy noodles, tender meat, and assortment of vegetables. Whether it’s shiyo, shoyu, or miso-based, ramen treats the palate to a burst of umami flavours and strong aromatics. If you’re on the hunt for places to satisfy your cravings for this bowl of goodness, then look no further! Here we round up some of the best authentic Japanese restaurants for ramen in the Philippines to check out. Read on and get ready to slurp away!
Also read: You Can Have Filipino Ramen with Adobo Egg at This Manila Restaurant
Best ramen spots in Metro Manila
1. Mendokoro Ramenba – Makati
First up on our list of the best restaurants for ramen in the Philippines is none other than Mendokoro Ramenba! This noodle bar operated by Nippon Hasha Inc. has become a household name among serious ramen lovers. It offers pretty much everything you look for in a bowl of ramen: rich and creamy broth, slightly firm noodles, and chashu pork cooked to perfection. As for its space, it boasts modern interiors with a hint of traditional Japanese design which adds up to the authentic Japanese dining experience.
Our top picks: Super chashu, tantanmen
For more information, visit Medokoro Ramenba’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
2. Ramen Wave – Marikina
Who said you have to travel all the way to Japan just to experience eating ramen like a true local? Marikina City has its very own indie ramen house where customers get to indulge in yummy Japanese eats Ichiran-style. At Ramen Wave, you can enjoy a more intimate dining experience with its “shared-focused” tables. Menu-wise, it offers a variety of hearty ramen bowls, as well as staple Japanese appetizers like karaage, gyoza, and katsu.
Our top picks: Tantanmen, karaage, pork bun
For more information, visit Ramen Wave’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
3. Menya Kokoro — Bonifacio Global City
Home to arguably the best mazesoba (soupless noodles) in town, Menya Kokoro treats you to nothing less than a true Japanese feast! Its menu comprises a generous selection of eats from ramen and soba noodles to rice bowls and bento boxes — all made with the freshest and finest ingredients. Fancy an at-home ramen treat? They also have DIY kits for delivery and pick up!
Our top picks: Tokyo Mazesoba, Zenbu Mazesoba
For more information, visit Menya Kokoro’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
4. Ippudo – Bonifacio Global City
Ippudo has taken the global food scene by storm with its everso-popular tonkotsu ramen. Founded in the ’80s by The Ramen King aka Shigemi Kawahara in Fukuoka, Ippudo revolutionised the era of ramen through innovation and craftsmanship. Now, with over ten branches across Metro Manila, it lets Pinoys in on one of Japan’s most comforting bowls of yummy goodness crafted to perfection! In fact, frequenters here say nobody else can do creamy broth like Ippudo.
Our top picks: Akamaru special, tantanmen, shiromaru special
For more information, visit Ippudo’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Also read: Sugurin Ramen House in Cavite Serves Authentic Japanese Noodle Bowls
5. Ramen Nagi – Quezon City
Are you willing to splurge a little more for a glorious bowl of ramen? Ramen Nagi is sure to get the most back for your buck with its generous servings! It offers four signature flavours that you can further customise according to your taste preferences.
A must-try for first-timers here would be its Butao King, a traditional tonkotsu ramen with a rich and aromatic broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, their Red King is sure to set your tastebuds on fire! They also serve up delectable side dishes that pair well with your choice of ramen like karaage, gyoza, fried shrimp with tartar sauce, and more.
Our top picks: Butao King, gyoza, chicken karaage
For more information, visit Ramen Nagi’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
6. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka – Quezon City
Passionately cooking up one of the best shio ramen noodles in the metro is Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. To make its hearty noodle soup, Santouka makes everything by hand and from scratch. Their philosophy is to serve “family-friendly, delicious, and healthy ramen,” hence its milder-tasting broth. If you prefer light yet mouthwatering flavours that aren’t too overpowering, then Santouka will surely be an instant favourite.
Our top picks: Shio ramen, Char Siu ramen
For more information, visit Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
7. Marudori – Makati City
Marudori is a new and hip authentic noodle house brought to you by Nippon Hasha, the ramen giant behind Ramen Yushoken and Mendokoro Ramenba. It specialises in the classic tori paitan (chicken broth) ramen, as opposed to the crowd favourite tonkotsu ramen. It also offers other delicious chicken-based side dishes like garlic chicken chahan and shiro miso karaage. Needless to say, Marudori is the place to be for all things chicken!
Our top picks: Shio Paitan, Shoyu Paitan, Chicken Gyoza
For more information, visit Marudori’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
8. Nadai Fujisoba – Taguig City
On a tight budget? It’s absolutely possible to have a ramen feast in the Philippines without breaking the bank! Head over to Nadai Fujisoba in Taguig City where you can score a bowl of noodles for as low as ₱168! Ramen aside, customers here can also take delight in other classic Japanese dishes like donburi, tempura, soba, and udon bowls. Overall, its selection of chows is more than enough to satisfy your cravings for umami flavour.
Our top picks: Akamaru special, tantanmen, Shiromaru special
For more information, visit Nadai Fujisoba’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Also read: Okonomiyaki Instant Noodles — Fast and Easy Recipe!
9. Botejyu – Quezon City
For over 70 years, Botejyu has been serving some of the best-tasting ramen, okonomiyaki, and teppanyaki all the way from The Land of the Rising Sun! Its extensive menu also features some of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine such as sushi, yakitori, tonkatsu, ebi tempura, and the like. Up for a Japanese feast with the family? They also offer set meals comprising their bestsellers for a pretty good deal.
Our top picks: Char Siu Pork, seafood mix okonomiyaki, BBQ chicken jumbo yakitori
For more information, visit Botejyu’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
10. Shinjuku Home of Authentic Ramen — Makati City
Tucked away in the quaint enclave of Little Tokyo in Makati City is Shinjuku Home of Authentic Ramen. This no-frills bistro has been serving original Japanese ramen in the Philippines for more than 30 years. Its best-seller, shoyu ramen, is made with slightly firm yet chewy noodles, light broth, tender meat, and topped with seaweed. As simple as that sounds, Shinjuku just knows how to do authentic Japanese cuisine right!
Our top picks: Shoyu ramen, Manten ramen, Gomokumen chashumen
For more information, visit Japonesa’s official Facebook page.
Also read: 10 Things to Do in Japan for First-Time Travellers
That’s about it for this round-up of the best places to grab ramen in the Philippines! Head to these spots on a rainy day (or any day, really) and delight the senses with a hearty, wholesome noodle soup. If your favourites didn’t make it to our list, we’d love to know more about your suggestions. So, be sure to hit us up on our official Facebook page. Itadakimasu!
