Marudori in Manila - Amazing Chicken Ramen

Frank
Feb 13, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Nov 17

Marudori in Manila serves lip-smacking, rich chicken ramen (tori paitan). Marudori also serves a number of tasty Japanese side dishes.

Marudori - Locations in Manila

Marudori is managed by the Nippon Hasha ramen group. They're the same group behind the Mendokoro Ramenba and Yushoken ramen shops in the Philippines.

Chinese character engraved on a light gray speckled tabletop, illuminated by soft overhead lighting, with a warm-toned floor in the background.

However, Marudori is focused on showcasing chicken as an ingredient.

Marudori currently has 2 locations in Metro Manila - with more on the way I'm sure. Pictured below is their Rockwell, Makati location.

Modern cafe with wooden tables and chairs, empty and well-lit. Pendant lights hang from the ceiling. Large windows in the background. — Rockwell Branch Interior

The other location is also in Makati (Barangay Belair). Roomy and with an inviting interior, the Rockwell branch is the perfect place to get your slurp on.

Shio Paitan - Salt Chicken Ramen

Let's get to it! When it comes to rich chicken ramen (tori paitan), Marudori serves two variations. One is seasoned with shio, or salt. This is pictured below.

Shio Paitan at Marudori in Rockwell — Shio Paitan

The shio seasoning is light and bright, dramatically clearing the way for a beautiful, silky smooth chicken soup. The chiyu (chicken oil) on top also contributes to this silkiness.

Blue-patterned bowl of ramen with eggs, greens, and chicken. A white spoon rests on the side, set on a light gray tabletop.

Furthermore, the yuzu citrus peel is the center of the bowl is a refreshing touch.

For toppings, you're treated to spinach, menma (bamboo shoots), spring onions (negi), chicken breast slices, and an egg.

Chopsticks lifting noodles from a patterned blue bowl on a wooden table. The background is softly blurred, creating a cozy dining atmosphere.

The noodles are appropriately thick and of excellent quality.

Shoyu Paitan - Soy Sauce Chicken Ramen

In this one, in place of a shio seasoning is shoyu (soy sauce). The shoyu furnishes the bowl with a tangier base.

But what changes the soup flavor most is mayu (black garlic oil). The mayu makes for a sweet, garlicky finish.

A bowl of ramen with sliced meat, boiled eggs, and greens in a patterned blue bowl. Elliptical spoon on the side. Creamy broth base. — Shoyu Paitan

In terms of toppings, they're similar in this shoyu paitan. But there's one big topping change - the chicken slices are grilled and marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce.

Bowl of ramen with half-boiled eggs, grilled meat, and greens in a blue-patterned bowl. A white spoon rests on a gray table.

Expectedly, the shoyu paitan is sweeter in flavor overall.

Chopsticks hold noodles over a blue-patterned bowl of ramen in a restaurant with wooden tables and a warm ambiance.

Heading to Japan soon? My Tokyo Ramen Guidebook is a deep dive into the city’s top ramen bowls.

Tantanmen

Tantanmen is a spicier ramen style derived from Chinese dan dan noodles.

In Marudori's tantanmen, the same rich chicken soup is put to use. Two types of chili are the main source of spiciness and the soup's bright red color.

Tantanmen is their spicy ramen — Tantanmen

But it's not only spicy. Orange sesame paste bestows the soup with a mellow, down-to-earth flavor. Perhaps the most interesting addition is tomato jam. It provides the soup with a sweet, acidic jolt.

Bowl of ramen with soft-boiled eggs, greens, and noodles in a blue-patterned bowl on a gray surface. White spoon on the side.

For toppings, there are quite a few differences. You'll find peanuts, negi (spring onions), bok choy, an egg, and minced chicken.

Fantastic Japanese Side Dishes

Marudori takes full advantage of a spacious kitchen. Made with proper care, all of their delicious sides will make you feel like you're in Japan.

Plates with skewered glazed meatballs, grilled cubes, fried balls, and sauces on a white speckled table. Lime garnish, Asian style dishes. — Clockwise: Chicken Meatballs and Chicken Breast Yakitori, Karaage

Appropriately, there's plenty of yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) choices. The sticks of chicken tsukune (meatballs) and chicken momo (breast) are top sellers.

Golden fried dumplings on a rectangular ceramic plate with lime wedge and dark sauce on a small dish, set on a light surface.

The karaage (fried chicken) might be my personal favorite though. Uniquely round, they're juicy on the inside and wonderfully crispy on the outside.

Grilled prawns atop shredded salad on a patterned plate with a lemon wedge, set on a light countertop. The mood is fresh and appetizing.

Whether yakitori or a shrimp salad, there's something for everyone on the menu.

Marudori - Top-Notch Ramen in Manila

With its savory chicken ramen and extensive menu of the sides, Marudori is among the very best for ramen in Manila.

Empty outdoor café with black umbrellas, gray tables, and chairs. Sunlight filters through trees. Large glass window with colorful sign.

Everything they serve is just as good as you get in Japan!

Rockwell Branch

Makati Branch