Ippudo Ramen Manila, Philippines

During my first visit at Ippudo located at SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall to try what many said could be the Best Ramen in Manila by far, I knew that it will take me couple of more visits before I could write about it. Not because my first visit earned me an unpleasant experience, it was the opposite as a matter of fact. Save for the unavailability of the much talked about Ippudo Pork Buns, just like the other Manila Food Bloggers who wrote a review of Ippudo, my experience was nothing short of impressive.

You see, Ippudo is one of those restaurants which opening in Manila attracted numbers of curious food enthusiasts resulting to long lines of diners for several weeks.  In situation like that, it can be a bit of a challenge to strike gold when it comes to consistency. That thing, I wanted to check on hence, the wait before a blog post.

Just like what I did during the time when people were mad rushing to dine at IHOP when it also opened a franchise here in Manila, I braved the long line at Ippudo. I do not intend to write about the grueling  hours of waiting, I believe the internet provided us with several accounts of people who also did that. So I am going to spare you with the details.

What you will see here however are the dishes I have tried on several occasions. Sadly, those pork buns remain elusive. I've visited them five times since it opened September of last year, to this day, I still have not tried their pork buns, can you believe that?

A lot has been said about the history of Ippudo; the year of its conception (1985), its place of origin (Fukuoka, Japan), its founder (Shigemi Kawahara), and the number of branches it now has (more than 80 and counting). Let me skip expounding on that.

While I do not claim any mastery in the subject of ramen and will never ever be able to provide you with comparative analysis of every ramen joint in Manila, I know when I tried something that will make the glutton in me really happy. Ippudo is one of them.

Ippudo Philippines Operations Manager Chef Yota Shiiba is said to be staying here in Manila for three years to make sure that their diners here in the Philippines is getting the best possible service and high quality food that Ippudo all over the world is known for. 

Ramen selection at Ippudo is very straightforward and limited to three choices; Shiromaru Motoaji, Akamaru Shinaji, and Karaka-Men.

Shiromaru Motoaji

(Php375/Plain, Php405/with Tamago, Php470/with Chashu, Php480/Special)

Ippudo’s original tonkotsu broth served with ultra-thin noodles, pork loin, bean sprouts, kikurage and spring onions. Classic Hakata-style ramen.

Of the three ramen in the menu, I deem this is the lightest one in terms of flavor.  If you are the type who wants straight up ramen devoid of drama in complexities of flavor, this might be the best option. If you have kids with you, this can also the best bet. As for me, I find it okay but it leaves me wanting for more flavor. I love the ultra-thin noodles though, it kind of reminds me of angel hair pasta.

Akamaru Shinaji

(Php390/Plain, Php420/with Tamago, Php460/with Chashu, Php490/Special)

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. A refined, modern-style ramen.

This noodle strike me as the middle ground among the options. It suggests a fine balance between the mild flavored ramen and the one which borders to overwhelming. This is my favorite among the three flavors.

Karaka-Men

(Php390/Plain, Php420/with Tamago, Php460/with Chashu, Php490/Special)

Ippudo’s original tonkotsu broth served with wavy thin noodles, pork belly, kikurage and spring onions. Special spicy miso with ground pork and fragrant garlic oil add kick to the senses.

It was only recently that I outgrew my aversion to spicy food so it took me tree visits to Ippudo before I appreciate the Karaka-Men. It's flavor was a bit overwhelming for me at first due to the level of spiciness. Eventually, I learned to appreciate the flavor that I wouldn't mind having it again on my next visit.

Ippudo's original tonkotsu broth, which I learned takes 15 hours to cook, plays a vital role in giving Ippudo's ramen its distinct taste that everybody seems to love. Given that, diners ordering additional servings of noodles.

Aside from ramen, there are plenty of other dishes that can be enjoyed at Ippudo. Curry Cheese Harumaki (Php190) is a combination of cheese, curry, and minced pork in a spring roll form. One of my favorite dishes at Ippudo. Daishimaki Tamago with Mentaiko Mayo (Php150) for those who cant do without tamago when dining in a Japanese restaurants. While it looks boring from the get-go, the mentaiko or spicy fish roe lends a nice flavor to an otherwise simple taste of the egg.

The Hakata Style Gyoza (Php195/5 pieces) is the quintessential side dish one may enjoy as an accompaniment to their ramen. The Goma Q (Php140) are slices of cucumber with n addicting flavor brought about by the combination of sesame oil, chili, garlic, and other spices.

Ippudo Teppan Tonkotsu Spicy Rice with Nikumiso (Php290) on the other hand is a spicy tonkotsu rice with spicy minced pork, miso, egg, and crisp ramen. Be sure to mix everything together well, otherwise, you'll end up with uneven flavor.

Ippudo Ramen is a kid friendly restaurant hence, a special utensils for the kid. (Remember to consider Shiromaru Motoaji ramen if you want your kids to enjoy an Ippudo Ramen experience.)

The place can accommodate around 79 person in one go. The interior is probably one of the most I liked when it comes to ramen places in Manila. The place can be busy especially during dinner service, but not to the point of suffocating.

Another thing that I love about Ippudo is that they have drawers under the chairs where diners can place their bags and other things. Nothing beats the sense of assurance that your things are safely tucked near you while you are enjoying your ramen feast.

Considering I am not the type who would go crazy over ramen, I took a great liking for Ippudo. Sure, their ramen variation maybe limited, but since they focuses on the quality of their products instead of quantity, it can never be a bad thing. The pork buns, I have still yet to try. It was such a torment that of the five times I was there, they always run out of those elusive porcine bliss. I guess it gives me all the more reason to come back.

Ippudo Ramen Manila, Philippines
3/F Mega Fashion Hall
SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Contact No.: 470-1837
Website: www.ippudophcom
Facebook: /ippudoPH
Twitter: @ippudoph
Instagram: @ippudoph