Explore 10 of Metro Manila’s Finest Ramen Spots
Within the vibrant streets and bustling energy of Metro Manila, a fervent admiration for ramen unfolds. This beloved Japanese dish represents comfort and connection in the heart of the city, where Eastern and Western flavors intertwine.
Each bowl of this steaming delight tells a story of artisanal mastery, flavorful broths, and traditional noodles. To help you navigate through the abundance, we are here to unravel the top 10 best ramen spots that blend flavors seamlessly, promising a remarkable culinary journey.
1. Mendokoro Ramenba (Makati City)
Mendokoro Ramenba is celebrated for its authentic and delectable ramen. Its quaint and cozy ambiance adds to its appeal, making it a favored spot among ramen enthusiasts. The establishment distinguishes itself by offering an intimate dining experience for 21 patrons, with a distinctive boat-shaped counter that allows diners to witness the ramen being meticulously prepared.
The menu, focused solely on ramen and gyoza, enables them to perfect each dish, resulting in rich, soulful flavors that evoke Japan. An exclusive dining atmosphere is created with their no-takeaway policy, limited seating, and long queues, keeping enthusiasts eagerly coming back for more.
Highly Recommended: Their signature Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen is a must-try. Complement it with their Gyoza, pan-fried dumplings, for a complete experience!
Where to order: Dine in; +63 (2) 7 215 1751 and +63 (2) 8 478 9625; takeaway kits; nipponhasha.com; @mendokoro_ramenba
2. Ippudo (Makati City)
Originally from Japan, Ippudo offers a wide range of ramen with creamy tonkotsu broth. The modern and stylish setting makes it an ideal place to savor a bowl of ramen. Ippudo in Makati City stands out with its distinctive blend of tradition and innovation as a globally renowned ramen chain from Japan, bringing an authentic and time-tested ramen experience to the heart of Makati.
The restaurant’s signature dish, the Shiromaru Motoaji, features a creamy tonkotsu broth that has been perfected over the years. Alongside the classic options, Ippudo offers creative variations and seasonal specials to cater to varied tastes. With its stylish and contemporary interiors, Ippudo provides an ambiance that appeals to both traditionalists and those seeking a fresh take on this beloved Japanese comfort food.
Highly Recommended: Ippudo Ramen is a must-try for first-time visitors. For a spicy indulgence, try Ippudo’s Spicy Ramen. Their Gyoza, or pan-fried dumplings, is a popular choice as a side dish. For a refreshing drink, indulge in Ippudo’s Ichiru Sake, a Japanese-inspired cocktail made with sake, lemon, and other ingredients!
Where to order: Dine in; +632 239 2570; takeaway; Grab Food; pickup; @ippudoph
3. Ramen Nagi (Makati City)
Ramen Nagi, a popular ramen chain originating from Japan, is known for its unique “Butao” ramen, featuring a rich and creamy tonkotsu broth that can be customized with various toppings and spice levels. Customers can make their preferences known using a sheet of paper, with options for broth richness, garlic, spice level, and more.
Ramen Nagi offers an impressive range of gourmet toppings, enhancing the dining experience with diverse flavors and textures. The founder and master chef, Ikuta Satoshi, showcases dedication to quality through handmade noodles and carefully crafted broths, providing an exceptional and interactive culinary journey.
Highly Recommended: Customers highly recommend the Black King, featuring black garlic squid ink ramen, and the Red King for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Also, don’t miss out on ordering a Tamago, a popular add-on that complements the ramen dishes!
Where to order: Dine in; +632 907 4654; takeaway; ramennagi.com.ph; @ramennagimanila
4. Yushoken (Muntinlupa City)
Yushoken is a cozy ramen spot renowned for its delicious tonkotsu ramen. The noodles are freshly made in-house, and the broth is simmered for hours to achieve a rich flavor. The restaurant, under the visionary leadership of Elbert Cuenca and Ryan Cruz, upholds traditional Japanese ramen techniques, including a 20-hour slow-cooked tonkotsu broth, handcrafted noodles, and premium imported ingredients.
The rich and soulful flavors in each bowl transport customers to the bustling streets of Japan. With a simple yet refined menu focusing on perfecting ramen and complementing it with delectable side dishes like chicken karaage, Yushoken offers an extraordinary and authentic culinary experience.
Highly Recommended: The “Tantanmen” is highly recommended, best paired with their famous gyoza for a complete dining experience.
Where to order: Dine in; +63 (2) 8808 7424; @ramen_yushoken; takeaway
5. Tsuta (Makati City)
Tsuta, the first Michelin-starred ramen shop in Japan, offers top-notch ramen in Makati, featuring unique and innovative flavors. Renowned Chef Yuki Onishi crafts exquisite bowls with a soy-based shoyu broth infused with truffle, elevating the taste to new heights. Tsuta’s handcrafted noodles, made from a unique blend of whole wheat and Italian flour, provide an extraordinary texture.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to meticulously sourced ingredients, like premium Ajidouraku chicken and select vegetables. Tsuta’s fusion of Japanese artistry and global culinary influences makes it a distinctive destination that redefines ramen excellence.
Highly Recommended: Shoyu Soba is highly worth the try, known for its incredibly smooth and light taste, with a delightful truffle flavor in the soy sauce broth. The ajitama, a seasoned soft-boiled egg, is also cooked to perfection, adding to the overall excellence of the dish.
Where to order: Dine in; takeaway
6. Mitsuyado Sei-Men (Makati City)
Mitsuyado Sei-Men specializes in “dipping ramen” or tsukemen, where the noodles are served separately from the broth, allowing customers to dip them for a rich and flavorful experience. As the “House of Tsukemen,” the restaurant specializes in dipping ramen, where noodles are served separate from the broth.
This interactive dining experience allows patrons to customize the intensity of flavor by dipping the noodles to their preference. The broth is a delectable blend of rich pork bone and fish flavors, creating a delightful umami explosion. With a variety of toppings and sides to choose from, Mitsuyado Sei-Men offers a delightful fusion of Japanese and Filipino influences, making it a unique and exciting destination for ramen enthusiasts.
Highly Recommended: One of the highly recommended dishes to order is the Double Cheese Sauce Tsukemen, which features a creamy and indulgent cheese sauce for dipping the noodles.
Where to order: Dine in; +63 (2) 8 511 1390; takeaway; Instagram @mitsuyadoseimenph
7. Hanamaruken Ramen (Metro Manila)
Hanamaruken Ramen is famous for its “Happiness Ramen,” featuring slow-braised pork rib that is tender and packed with flavor. This signature bowl features succulent slow-braised pork rib, known as “Happiness Ribs,” that effortlessly falls off the bone.
The tender meat and rich flavors of the ribs complement the delicious tonkotsu broth and handcrafted noodles, creating a heavenly and unforgettable taste. The restaurant’s commitment to using premium ingredients and traditional cooking techniques ensures an unparalleled ramen experience. Hanamaruken’s dedication to crafting the perfect balance of textures and flavors, centered around the exceptional Happiness Ribs, makes it a true standout and a go-to destination for ramen enthusiasts seeking pure culinary bliss.
Highly Recommended: The signature dish, Pot Belly Ramen, is definitely worth the try. The restaurant is also known for its Double Happiness Signature Ramen and delectable Gyoza, highly recommended by customers.
Where to order: Dine in; 0917 589 4547; Instagram @hanamaruken_ph; takeaway
8. Ramen Daisho (Quezon City)
Ramen Daisho offers classic and hearty ramen bowls with a variety of toppings and flavor options. The show-stopping feature involves the chef dramatically igniting a wall of fire that roars above the sizzling hot bowls.
Beyond the captivating spectacle, Ramen Daisho delivers exceptional flavors, with a selection of rich and aromatic broths, complemented by tender chashu and perfectly cooked noodles. The menu offers customizable options, allowing patrons to tailor their ramen to personal tastes. The restaurant’s focus on providing top-notch service, together with the fiery culinary performance, creates an unforgettable and thrilling dining experience that distinguishes Ramen Daisho from other ramen spots.
Highly Recommended: Try Ramen Daisho’s Yakibuta Chahan, a unique dish that combines ramen noodles with a savory pork and vegetable stir-fry. This dish has been highly recommended by customers for its taste and quality!
Where to order: Dine in; takeaway
9. Ramen Ron (Mandaluyong City)
Ramen Ron is a hidden gem tucked away in Mandaluyong City, serving authentic and delicious ramen with a focus on quality ingredients. What sets it apart is the legendary Master Chef Atsushi Ukokkei’s dedication to crafting each bowl with meticulous attention to detail.
The simplicity allows for the highest quality and consistency, creating a symphony of flavors that captivate the senses. The small, unassuming space adds to the authentic Japanese ramen bar experience, where patrons can savor the mastery of a true ramen artisan, making Ukokkei Ramen Ron a must-visit for ramen aficionados seeking unparalleled excellence.
Highly Recommended: The best food recommendation to order at Ukokkei Ramen Ron in Mandaluyong City is the Shoyu Ramen. This particular dish is highly praised for its smooth shoyu taste, making it a standout choice for visitors.
Where to order: Dine in; +63 2 856 4588; takeaway
10. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (Makati City)
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka stands apart with its unwavering commitment to traditional Hokkaido-style ramen. The signature Shio Ramen, featuring a delicate salt-based broth, captures the essence of Hokkaido’s culinary heritage.
The noodles, made in-house following a generations-old recipe, perfectly complement the flavorful broth. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Japanese ramen shops, Santouka offers an immersive experience. This dedication to preserving Hokkaido’s culinary legacy, coupled with exceptional flavors and attentive service, makes Santouka a standout destination for ramen enthusiasts seeking an unparalleled taste of Japan.
Highly Recommended: Shio Ramen is their signature dish, highly praised by customers for a satisfying and authentic ramen experience!