compared to other branches of mendokoro, this is by the branch i don’t like the most. it’s a bit humid and feels more cramped. it can get really warm when the weather is sunnier than usual. i’m only highlighting this bit upfront as the food quality and service for me is as usual.
the food quality stays consistent through the branches with their umami broths and take on innovative meal sets partnering with their sister ramen concepts like marudori and yushoken. relatively the same, but somewhat different.
though i do have a few thoughts to the filipino teishoku which took 30 minutes to serve. as with their other seasonal sets, this is shareable, but buck for back varies and this one wansnt worth it for me. i guess of course there’s a bit more preparation to it than their standard menu items hence the wait time. i love mendokoro and i appreciate how they always try to innovate and strike a balance between blending the local taste to the japanese way of ramen, but the filipino teishoku was not it for me no matter how much i love inasal. i guess it was a bit much with the chicken oil, chahan, and the soy onion sauce too. i also didn’t get why it was named lechon ramen but mainly had chicken meat instead (???). i did love the broth, though. the corn drink was fine and you’d grow fond of it as it reminds you of mais con hielo with more foamy milk than just milk and less of the crispy corn flakes bits. the dumpling is fine as usual, but this one’s a combination of shrimp and meat with a dipping sauce with a bit of a kick vs their usual gyoza. you also get a bit of ginataan, but less the mochi bilo bilo and more of just sweet potato and sago. i’ve tried their previous teishoku last march and that was waaaay better.
the staff though is just as accommodating and they do a good job keeping the line in check and answering queries well about their menu items and service/wait times. payment is upfront just like their other branches, so you don’t have to think about it when you finish your meal.
i do have to give it to mendokoro for trying. this is to say i’d still wait on their seasonal offerings and still up to try new concepts. im still a loyalist as its still one of the best ramens for me in manila. and that’s kind of the point of seasonal offerings… that some sets you love… some sets you don’t and that’s also...
Read moreMendokoro Ramenba is one of those spots that consistently delivers a top-notch dining experience. Their Ebi Ramen is a must-try, featuring a rich, flavorful broth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp. The noodles are always cooked just right, making every slurp satisfying. If you want to try something different, their Shio Ramen is another fantastic option. The delicate, yet flavorful broth has a light saltiness that brings out the freshness of the ingredients, and it pairs perfectly with the tender noodles.
One of my favorite things to order here is the Chashu Burger. The flavor of the marinated pork is incredible—tender, juicy, and smoky, all wrapped up in a perfectly toasted bun. It’s a unique twist that really sets Mendokoro apart from other ramen places.
Of course, you can’t visit without trying their gyoza. The dumplings are always crispy on the outside, with a juicy, savory filling inside that never disappoints. They complement the ramen dishes beautifully and are a great addition to any meal.
The service is always friendly and attentive, making every visit pleasant. The cozy atmosphere adds to the experience, making it an ideal spot for a solo meal or a gathering with friends. With great food and a welcoming vibe, Mendokoro Ramenba is always worth...
Read moreEach Mendokoro/Yushoken has a branch special. i tried the hot pot wagyu ramen. They don’t tell you the price (it’s 1500 if I’m not mistaken) until you order. You feel really special because for some reason because the staff is passing the message “One order of hot pot ramen!” to one another really loudly. The tray comes and everyone is looking at you because your food looks different and really good.
How is it? It’s delicious—A5 wagyu belly which you shabu-shabu in a delicious dashi. The mizuna is a nice touch. You get about 1/4th a bowl of curry noodles. As you rotate between the different items in front of you, the different flavours make the eating experience interesting and not boring. Usually eating wagyu in a fancy wagyu place serves it as simple as possible with just salt and pepper or maybe a ponzu sauce. But the curry noodles albeit a unconventional pairing stood up to the richness of the wagyu. You can’t help but wonder if you’re still in Mendokoro. But then again I feel like this experience is uniquely Mendokoro.
Anyway, it’s quite good-I probably wouldn’t order it again but it was worth trying. And if you think about it, 1500 for mendokoro curry noodles and about 50g of wagyu is actually really cheap and probably more satisfying than eating in Wagyu...
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