Mendokoro Ramenba is a ramen shop inspired by the authentic ramen houses in Japan where you can seat in a table facing each other and sit side by side. I heard many great reviews on this restaurant so I decided to give it a try and to see what the hype is all about. I arrived at around 530pm in the restaurant and many people were already lining up. You need first to line up at the cashier where you order, pay and received your slip number. My friend and I waited for 30 mins in order for us to have a seat. It's cool that you got to see how they prepare the ramen and it's a must that you can't overstay on the place since many people are waiting for their turns. We ordered Shio Tonkotsu Ramen and Gyoza.




Shio Tonkotsu Ramen (380php) - This is by far the best ramen I have ever tasted here in Manila. The soup base was thick and creamy. The pork literally melts in your mouth upon eating. Lastly, the noodle was cooked what I preferred to be which is firm, perfect for the warm and tasty soup.

Shio Tonkotsu Ramen

Gyoza, 5 pieces (200php) - Was quite surprised that their Gyoza was good too. The filling was generous and loved how it was perfectly seasoned.

Gyoza

Okonomiyaki (270php) - Classic Japanese Okonomiyaki with an ippudo twist. Japanese flour, yam, egg, and chunks of chasyu with black konnyaku, okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. This is a perfect appetizer start off our meal. If you are a takoyaki lover, this would be a sure hit for you.

Okonomiyaki

Hakata Style Gyoza (210php) - Original pan-fried dumplings. Classic gyoza that surely won't disappoint and it's sauce really complements well with the dumpling.

Akamaru Shinaji - Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth enhanced with special blended miso paste and fragrant garlic oil. Served with thin noodles, pork belly, kikurage and spring onions. For the hardness of the noodles, we chose the extra hard upon their recommendation. All the raves and reviews for this ramen is really true. The ramen has the right balance of spice and creaminess. Their noodles and pork belly didn't disappoint also. Truly, one of the best ramen I've ever tasted.

Beef Ishiyaki Rice - Stewed beef with yakiniku sauce, melted butter, corn, cherry tomatoes, crisp garlic chips, french beans on a bed of Japanese rice, served in a hot stone pot. I think this is their version of a beef pepper rice. It was my first time trying this meal and I was surprised that it was really good. The combination of all the ingredients (especially the beef, it was soft and flavorful) really satisfied my taste buds.

I really commend all the staff in Ippudo, they were really nice not just to us but to all of their customers, they also made sure that our orders were served well. I must say that this Ramen shop has one of the nicest staff here in Manila. 

Be sure to catch one of the best Ramen shop here in Manila, they will open publicly on August 31, Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia, 2nd floor in front of SM Cyberzone.