Ramen in
Metro Manila.

The essential list

10 bowls worth the journey.

1. 01

   Illustrated

   Mendokoro Ramenba

   Order: Shio or super chashu ramen

   Mendokoro grew from the same ramen group behind Yushoken and became a Manila institution through counter seating, concentrated broths and a tightly controlled kitchen rhythm.

   Order this

   Shio or super chashu ramen

   Why it matters

   Mendokoro grew from the same ramen group behind Yushoken and became a Manila institution through counter seating, concentrated broths and a tightly controlled kitchen rhythm.

   Before you go: Expect a queue. Confirm the branch and arrive outside the main lunch or dinner rush.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
2. 02

   Illustrated

   Ramen Yushoken Alabang

   Order: Shoyu or tantanmen

   Yushoken established a serious destination ramen counter in Alabang and helped shape the group that later opened Mendokoro. Its reputation rests on consistency and a focused menu rather than novelty.

   Order this

   Shoyu or tantanmen

   Why it matters

   Yushoken established a serious destination ramen counter in Alabang and helped shape the group that later opened Mendokoro. Its reputation rests on consistency and a focused menu rather than novelty.

   Before you go: This listing refers to Alabang; do not follow a similarly named branch without checking the address.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
3. 03

   Illustrated

   Ramen Ron

   Order: Tantanmen or the current special

   Chef Margarita Forés developed Ramen Ron with Japanese ramen chef Tamura, giving the restaurant a genuine chef-to-chef story and a distinctive place in Manila's ramen history.

   Order this

   Tantanmen or the current special

   Why it matters

   Chef Margarita Forés developed Ramen Ron with Japanese ramen chef Tamura, giving the restaurant a genuine chef-to-chef story and a distinctive place in Manila's ramen history.

   Before you go: Check the current menu and operating status before travelling; specials can change.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
4. 04

   Illustrated

   Hanamaruken Ramen

   Order: Signature happiness ramen

   Osaka-born Hanamaruken is known for a long-braised pork rib laid across a rich shoyu bowl. That single signature makes it more than another imported chain name.

   Order this

   Signature happiness ramen

   Why it matters

   Osaka-born Hanamaruken is known for a long-braised pork rib laid across a rich shoyu bowl. That single signature makes it more than another imported chain name.

   Before you go: Confirm the branch and order the signature rib bowl if it is your first visit.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
5. 05

   Illustrated

   Ramen Nagi

   Order: Butao king

   Ramen Nagi's Manila outposts brought the brand's customizable, assertive tonkotsu style to a broad local audience. It is useful when you want intensity and control over spice, garlic and noodle texture.

   Order this

   Butao king

   Why it matters

   Ramen Nagi's Manila outposts brought the brand's customizable, assertive tonkotsu style to a broad local audience. It is useful when you want intensity and control over spice, garlic and noodle texture.

   Before you go: Start near the recommended settings before customizing aggressively.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
6. 06

   Illustrated

   Ippudo Philippines

   Order: Akamaru Shinaji

   Fukuoka-born Ippudo brought its modern Hakata tonkotsu style to Manila, pairing a creamy pork broth with thin noodles and a more polished dining-room experience. Akamaru is the house bowl that best shows the brand's layered seasoning.

   Order this

   Akamaru Shinaji

   Why it matters

   Fukuoka-born Ippudo brought its modern Hakata tonkotsu style to Manila, pairing a creamy pork broth with thin noodles and a more polished dining-room experience. Akamaru is the house bowl that best shows the brand's layered seasoning.

   Before you go: Confirm the Metro Manila branch and current menu; toppings and promotions can vary by mall.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
7. 07

   Illustrated

   Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

   Order: Shio toroniku ramen

   Santouka's Hokkaido roots show in a milky broth simmered for hours and a restrained salt-seasoned bowl. The toroniku pork cheek is the signature companion when the branch has it available.

   Order this

   Shio toroniku ramen

   Why it matters

   Santouka's Hokkaido roots show in a milky broth simmered for hours and a restrained salt-seasoned bowl. The toroniku pork cheek is the signature companion when the branch has it available.

   Before you go: Ask about toroniku at the specific branch and check current hours before visiting.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
8. 08

   Illustrated

   Mitsuyado Sei-Men

   Order: Marutoku tsukemen

   Mitsuyado Sei-Men specializes in tsukemen, serving noodles separately from a concentrated dipping broth. Its Manila branches make the Japanese dipping-noodle format an easy comparison with local tonkotsu counters.

   Order this

   Marutoku tsukemen

   Why it matters

   Mitsuyado Sei-Men specializes in tsukemen, serving noodles separately from a concentrated dipping broth. Its Manila branches make the Japanese dipping-noodle format an easy comparison with local tonkotsu counters.

   Before you go: Dip a few noodles at a time and check the current branch menu for the Marutoku set.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
9. 09

   Illustrated

   Ramen Kuroda

   Order: Kuro ramen for the house classic or Aka ramen for spice

   Ramen Kuroda's Philippine concept centers on making Japanese ramen accessible with signature pork-broth bowls and straightforward set meals. The Kuro and Aka options provide a clear classic-versus-spicy comparison.

   Order this

   Kuro ramen for the house classic or Aka ramen for spice

   Why it matters

   Ramen Kuroda's Philippine concept centers on making Japanese ramen accessible with signature pork-broth bowls and straightforward set meals. The Kuro and Aka options provide a clear classic-versus-spicy comparison.

   Before you go: Check the branch menu; the brand's set offerings and side dishes vary by location.

   Read the full story Open in Google Maps
10. 10

    Illustrated

    Marudori

    Order: Tori paitan ramen

    Marudori is the Manila group’s chicken-focused ramen sibling, built around tori paitan rather than the pork-bone broth that dominates many nearby shops. Its chicken broth, tsukemen and seasonal cold ramen give the brand a distinct role in the city's list.

    Order this

    Tori paitan ramen

    Why it matters

    Marudori is the Manila group’s chicken-focused ramen sibling, built around tori paitan rather than the pork-bone broth that dominates many nearby shops. Its chicken broth, tsukemen and seasonal cold ramen give the brand a distinct role in the city's list.

    Before you go: Choose tori paitan for the house style and verify which Metro Manila branch is open.

    Read the full story Open in Google Maps