LOOK: Mendokoro Ramenba opens first branch in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — Mendokoro Ramenba is expanding its ramen empire for the first time in Quezon City!

The homegrown ramen joint opened its fifth Metro Manila branch at The Arton Strip along Katipunan Avenue on the last week of September: a smaller, more intimate, sophisticated, and cozier space catering to families and students from nearby neighborhoods and campuses.

The 42-seater setup retains Mendokoro’s signature open-kitchen design, giving diners a firsthand view of the busy ramen chefs at work. The design is inspired by traditional ramen shops in Japan, where customers sit around the kitchen and are served their meals right in front of them.

The Katipunan experience

The minimalist and warm interiors are impressive, inspired by ancient Japanese architecture. Guests are greeted by two Nio statues, reminiscent of the fierce guardians found at ancient Japanese temple gates, drawing inspiration from the Edo period. The ceiling chandeliers are made from over 30,000 pieces of wood.

Mendokoro’s signature tonkotsu ramen menu is available, all made with the brand’s rich and creamy broth simmered for 14 hours with pork bones, paired with chewy house-made noodles and its top-tier chashu.

The classic Shio Ramen (P470) is a true-to-its-roots choice made with the simple but savory salt-based tare, while the best-selling Shoyu Ramen (P510) is a soy sauce-based broth packed with a bolder umami profile. The Tantanmen (P540), perfect for spice lovers, is a rich sesame paste blend with ground pork, delivering a nutty and spicy flavor.

There are some off-menu items, too — like the Ebi Tonkotsu Ramen and Chashu Burger.

The latter features fluffy, soft buns sandwiching a thick-cut piece of Mendokoro’s premium chashu – tender and grilled just right to let its meaty, smoky flavor shine. It’s paired with a tangy but light mayo and lettuce for freshness.

Try out the Tsukemen — chilled, thick noodles served with a savory dipping broth, a style created by Chef Kazuo Yamagishi. We enjoyed the Tokusei (P570), made with kelp, tuna flakes, dried mackerel, and tonkotsu broth, which stands out for its strong umami and fish-forward taste. The Karai Tokusei (P620) is its spicy counterpart.

For appetizers, the Gyoza (P170 for three, P280 for five) remains a classic favorite – moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. These traditional Japanese seasoned pork dumplings are pan-fried on one side and steamed on the other, with wrappers made fresh daily.

The Maze Soba (dry ramen) options are also available for those who want to try something different. And, as always, Mendokoro maintains the same process: order at the counter, take your seat and enjoy the firsthand view of the bustling kitchen while your food is freshly prepared.

There are water pitchers, condiments, tissue, and utensils placed around the bar for a more convenient dining experience.

Mendokoro Ramenba — which first opened in 2014 — has other branches in Salcedo Village in Makati, BGC, MOA Square, Mitsukoshi, Molito Alabang, and Cebu.

The brand is under Nippon Hasha, the restaurant group established in 2011 that is also behind Marudori, Kazunori, 12/10, and Ramen Yushoken.

Mendokoro Ramenba Katipunan, open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, is located at the upper ground level of The Arton Strip, Katipunan Avenue corner Highland Drive, Blue Ridge, Quezon City. — Rappler.com