Marudori: Mendokoro’s Sister Serving Chicken Ramen

Before the year comes to an end, I want to post about the ramen spot that will end up in my top five restaurants for 2022. It shouldn’t be a surprise because it’s Mendokoro’s sister—Marudori.

Marudori is the latest concept of the Nippon Hasha, the group behind Mendokoro Ramenba and Ramen Yushoken (check out the branch exclusives I tried in both ramen spots here). While its older siblings focus on Tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen, Marudori specializes on Paitan (chicken-based) ramen. In fact, “Maru” means “whole” and “dori” is derived from “tori” (chicken), conveying that Marudori uses all parts of chicken to make their soup.

They opened the first branch in Rockwell and the second one in Salcedo Village (both in Makati City), where Mendokoro used to be.

I like their philosophy in opening the ramen shop. They opened Marudori so that people who couldn’t try the pork-based ramen of Mendokoro and Yushoken due to social and dietary restraints can now enjoy what they do best! I’m impressed!

Let’s now talk about the food!

Tori Paitan Ramen

Let’s start with the Tori Paitan Ramen. Although the broth is made from chicken, it’s still rich and creamy like Mendokoro’s. All have al dente noodles, which I love.

So far, I’ve tried the following:

Shio Paitan: This one is salt-based and has slices of chicken breast, which are melt-in-the-mouth. It’s the softest chicken breast I have ever tried! (I hope that sounded alright. LOL.)

*Shio Paitan* (PHP430). Add PHP80 for *Aji Tamago* (marinated hard-boiled egg).

Shoyu Paitan: This one is soy-based and has grilled chicken thigh fillet, which is smoky and slightly sweet.

*Shoyu Paitan* (PHP460). Add PHP80 for *Aji Tamago*.

Tantanmen: This sesame paste-based and spicy ramen is simply amazing. If you love Mendokoro’s Tantanmen like I do, then this one won’t disappoint!

*Tantanmen* (PHP490). Add PHP80 for *Aji Tamago*.

I wasn’t able to try the Ebi Miso because I’m allergic to shrimp.

Off The Menu

So far, I’ve only tried the Tori Titan Ramen, which has a huge piece of grilled boneless chicken thigh. It was so huge that lifting it with my chopsticks is already a workout for my fingers.

The boneless chicken thigh is just like the one in Shoyu Paitan but on steroids. The chopped chilis give a nice kick so don’t forget to mix it in.

Sides/Extra

While the ramen is already a filling dish, your Marudori will be made complete with side dishes. Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

Gyoza (Japanese dumplings): Like other items in Marudori, this is made with chicken. It reminds me of Xiao Long Bao (Chinese soup dumplings) because of it’s juiciness and it’s vinegar and ginger dip. It also has a crisp bottom.

Tori Momo (chicken thigh skewers): It’s sweet, tender, and smoky.

Tsukune (minced chicken skewers): Think of it a meatballs on a stick. It’s also smoky.

Like its sister restaurants, Marudori doesn’t disappoint. I’m just puzzled that it doesn’t get the same attention and following as its sister ramen shops. Whenever I visit, I get seated easily. But I’m hoping that more and more people will be exposed to the amazing chicken ramen of Marudori. I highly recommend this place to you!

P.S. I will be updating this article as I get to try more items in Marudori!

Rockwell Branch Address: G/F 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Dr., Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 11AM-11PM | Contact Nos.: (02) 8771-1827, 0917-6259326

Salcedo Village Branch Address: G/F V. Corporate Centre Building, Soliman St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines | Operating Hours: Daily, 10AM-11PM | Contact Nos.: (02) 8771-1792

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