I love noodles and I love soup so having ramen is the perfect combination for me! Whenever I’m Japan, I would always make it a point to try local hole in the wall ramen shops to try new flavours. During my last trip to Sapporo, where they are known for their ramen alley, a small street with small ramen shops. Good thing it was only walking distance from my hotel. I remember having ramen for lunch, dinner and even midnight snack just to try them as much as I could during my stay.
Luckily here in Manila, there are also a lot of ramen shops to choose from. Some are franchises from Japan while some are local brands yet tastes like ramen I usually have in Japan. My top pick would have to be Mendokoro Ramenba.
I first tried this back in 2015 in their original branch, Ramen Yushoken in Molito, Alabang. And I could still recall how I truly enjoyed my bowl of ramen than I went back 2 weeks after for more. Luckily, its management decided to open another branch closer to me in Salcedo Village in Makati City. However, they only had a sitting capacity of 21 seats (if I’m not mistaken) which meant the wait was long, 2 hours long during peak hours, and at least 30 mins in the afternoon. And recently, they opened another Mendokoro branch in BGC, which had a bigger sitting capacity and less but there is still waiting time, shortened to an hour.
The wait is always worth it, trust me!
I lost count on how many times I’ve eaten in Yushoken/Mendokoro that I had the chance to try all of their Tonkotsu Ramen being offered.
The Shio is salt-based and the lightest in terms of taste of them all. This would be my second favourite. The pork chase of Shio is EXCELLENT, chargrilled and very tender.
Shio with a side of Gyoza
Shoyu is a crowd favourite. This is soy sauce based and a bit more flavourful than the Shio because its drizzled with black garlic oil. Plus Shoyu has the same pork as the Shio.
Shoyu
Miso is miso based and rich. Also very filling because of the amount of toppings, 2 kinds of pork, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts and chives. This is also a good bowl of miso ramen compared to other ramen shops.
Miso
Last but not least, my favourite, the Tantanmen. I’d recommend this for spicy lovers like me and it is the most flavourful of them all. Tantanmen also has miso paste in it and also sesame paste. Then it’s topped with ground pork that may look so simple but it is super flavourful.
Tantanmen with side of Karaage Chicken
You can also add a Tamago to your order of ramen and don’t forget to order their sides.
Mendokoro is known to have the BEST Gyoza, i’m sure everyone agrees with this! You can order either 3 or 5 pieces. Their Chicken Karaage is also good and best paired with their Chahan. Sadly the the 2 last items mentioned are only available in their Alabang Branch.
Ramen Ranking:
Tantanmen - my favorite. If you love some spice, pick this!
Shoyu - if you’re a first timer, try this because it is the safe choice!
Shio - if you want something light!
Miso - If you like miso and a lot of toppings!
So, if you haven’t tried Mendokoro ever, go for the Shoyu, add a Tamago and definitely order the Gyoza! Warning, prepare a big tummy space.
Please also note that the restaurant does not allow take-outs. But due to the current pandemic now, happy to say, they are already allowing take-outs and deliveries of their limited menu right on your doorstep. I was thrilled when they announced this in early April 2020 and ordered myself right away. Due to the large amounts of order, mine took almost 2 weeks, my longest wait ever, to be delivered but it was worth it!!
Tantanmen Take Home Ramen Kit
The packaging was thought of and executed very well that it tastes almost exactly the same as dinning in their shop. Even the pork chasu and ground pork were so tasty and didn’t feel like I was taken out. My only comment would be the noodles, a bit overcooked, but upon my second time ordering (2 weeks later), I’m glad to say they have improved their noodles and are still continuing to do so!
That's all for now! Hit me up if you have any comments or foodquiries!
Stay Tuned and Stay Hungry!
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