Inosho Ramen has recently burst onto the Manila food scene, marking a bold new chapter for authentic Japanese cuisine in the Philippines. Born in Tokyo and steeped in nearly two decades of culinary expertise, Inosho Ramen is celebrated for its unique Tonkotsu-Gyokai broth—a masterful blend of pork and seafood that brings an intense, layered umami flavor to every bowl. With its debut in Makati’s vibrant Salcedo Village, this ramen concept has been carefully adapted to suit Manila’s taste preferences while still retaining the essence of traditional Japanese ramen.
The Art of Broth: A Symphony of Land and Sea
At the heart of Inosho Ramen is its signature broth. Unlike conventional tonkotsu broths that rely primarily on pork bones, Inosho’s recipe integrates a special gyokai infusion. Slow-simmered for over 48 hours, the broth blends rich pork bones with the delicate flavors of dried baby sardines, bonito, and mackerel flakes. This unique combination creates a creamy, robust soup that delivers deep umami with a subtle kick of spice—a balance meticulously perfected by Chef Nakamura. The result is a harmonious fusion of land and sea flavors that elevates the traditional ramen experience into an art form.
A Dining Revolution in Manila
While Inosho Ramen’s roots trace back to Tokyo’s storied ramen culture, its entrance into the Philippine market comes with a thoughtful local twist. Following a successful pop-up collaboration with Ramen Nagi last November, the overwhelming positive response from Manila’s food enthusiasts prompted the opening of a permanent branch. Designed to be Manila-friendly, Inosho Ramen has fine-tuned its menu to align with local tastes—infusing a hint of spice and richness that Filipino diners adore.
In the Makati location, every bowl is an invitation to experience a modernized izakaya-style dining adventure. The restaurant’s interior reflects a minimalist design with subtle nods to Japanese tradition, creating an atmosphere that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in culinary heritage. Diners can choose from a variety of offerings: the classic INOSHO Ramen features the signature broth paired with tender 12-hour braised pork belly, while the Kara Kara Uo Ramen adds a fiery twist with a proprietary blend of spice powder and chili oil. For those seeking an interactive experience, the tsukemen variant presents thick, chewy noodles served alongside a concentrated dipping broth, allowing each bite to be customized to personal taste.
Beyond ramen, Inosho Ramen offers a range of izakaya-style small plates that complement the rich, savory broth. Dishes like Jiro Veggie and Jiro Tomato Veggie provide refreshing, crunchy contrasts to the creamy soup, while a spicier option elevates the overall flavor profile with an extra kick. Even the bar program is thoughtfully curated, featuring signature cocktails such as Sakura G&T and Hoku Zoku that pair seamlessly with the menu—each drink crafted to enhance the dining experience with a blend of traditional Japanese ingredients and modern mixology.
The brand’s innovative approach goes even further by introducing a local twist to its franchise model. While its origins are steeped in Tokyo’s culinary excellence, Inosho Ramen in Manila is tailored to be more accessible and relevant to Filipino diners. This includes adjustments in spice levels, a focus on hearty portions, and an ambiance that resonates with Manila’s modern urban lifestyle. The result is a dining destination that not only respects its Japanese heritage but also adapts to the evolving tastes of the local market.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of rich, umami-packed broth or the promise of a uniquely Manila-friendly twist on a classic dish, Inosho Ramen stands ready to redefine the ramen experience in the Philippines. As it continues to gain momentum and attract a dedicated following, it remains a testament to the power of culinary innovation and cultural fusion—a true celebration of flavor that welcomes all to savor its bold, unforgettable taste.
