Marugame Udon - Ayala Malls Circuit Makati — Attraction in Makati

We visited Marugame Udon recently and it was our first time trying their food. We were already there at exactly 10am but there was no one to attend to us just because the whole staff started their meeting at that time. So we left and went somewhere to buy other stuff. When got back, 10mins after I think, there was only one girl at the cashier area, others are in the kitchen already. Although the girl was kind and courteous enough to guide us as to how to order and what's best to order. So we tried their sukiyaki ninja udon, pork samurai, tempura kakiage, tempura tamago and cheese sausage tempura. Both udon are big enough per serving. Taste was good, the noodles were perfectly cooked, but somehow, both it were not hot enough. Tempura tamago was good, as well as the cheese sausage tempura. The tempura kakiage was big, tastes good, but it was too oily. I am guessing that since they just opened the shop, those fried products need to be drained still. The ambience was good, very Japanese mood. I enjoyed that little self-service spot where you get to fix your own dipping sauce, condiments, toppings, utensils, water and whatever you may be asking from the waiters. Will we visit Marugame Udon again? Yes. But I hope they change that morning staff meeting to an earlier time, like 930 maybe? And also, I hope someone monitors that big exit door as some customers who are also not familiar yet with them, enters through that door. Two groups who entered that time was able to order ahead from those who were already there, so, that somehow needs to be addressed, to avoid future customer-conflicts. Other than that,...

Marugame Udon is the best affordable Japanese noodle franchise in the Philippines. Brought in by Ben Chan's (Bench) Suyen Group in 2017, it was originally established in Japan in 2000. It is supposed to bring out the best in traditional Marugame preparation of Sanuki style udon noodles complemented by Dashii broths and sauces. The chain is under the umbrella of Toridoll Corp based in Kobe, Japan. As of now, there are over 1000 locations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Russia, UK, Australia and the US.

My recommendations and go-tos here are #1 and #2 in the menu, Beef Ontama and Chicken Paitan Noodles which are similarly priced at P210 for the regular size.

I normally pair these with Chicken Karaage at P60 each stick, Tonkatsu at P75 each or Gyoza (P105, 3 pieces).

Perfect place for a reasonably priced quality meal at the Marugame Udon branch I ate at, GF of the Ayala...

I had a disappointing experience at Marugame Udon. I ordered the Teriyaki Chicken and Beef Yakinuki, and was informed it would take 10-15 minutes to prepare. However, the person standing next to me in line, who placed the same order, was served immediately.​

When I inquired about the delay, the server offered an unreasonable excuse instead of apologizing. This lack of accountability and transparency was frustrating and left a negative impression. Such responses can make customers feel undervalued and frustrated.​

This incident aligns with other customer experiences at Marugame Udon, where service inconsistencies and unsatisfactory responses to feedback have been reported. ​

For those considering dining at Marugame Udon, it's advisable to be prepared for potential service delays and...