Buchiton Tonkotsu Ramen has partnered with the Del Mundo Group of Companies (DMG) to introduce Filipinos to the authentic taste of Hiroshima ramen.
Buchiton, which has been making ramen in Japan for over 20 years, is known for its rich, flavorful broth crafted from high-quality ingredients. The company imports its signature broth directly from Hiroshima to ensure an authentic experience for its customers.
“We are excited to bring the rich flavors of authentic Japanese ramen to Filipino food enthusiasts,” said DMG CEO Nelson Del Mundo. “Filipinos have developed a strong affinity for ramen, and Buchiton is eager to satisfy this growing demand.”
Withlink Co. Ltd., the Japanese operator of Buchiton, tapped DMG as its master license partner in the Philippines to ensure the high quality of the tonkotsu ramen and other menu items.
Withlink belongs to Yoshinoya Holdings Co. Ltd., which is known for Japan’s world-famous beef bowl. DMG is a major food group operating 29 restaurant outlets under brands such as Mesa, Hayashi Restaurant, Old Town White Coffee, Bari Uma Japanese Ramen, and now Buchiton Tonkotsu Ramen.
DMG believes in the top-notch quality and authenticity of Buchiton products while remaining cost-friendly to the Filipino market. Withlink and DMG plan to open at least 23 outlets across the Philippines by the end of 2026. The first store opened at SM San Lazaro in Manila on August 1, 2024.
Buchiton offers three main ramen varieties: Shiraton, Akaton, and Kuroton. The menu also includes popular Hiroshima side dishes like gyoza and karaage.
Straight from Hiroshima, one of the major cities on Japan’s Honshu Island known for its savory and flavorful culinary delights, Buchiton Tonkotsu Ramen is known for its specialty broth crafted to create a distinctive taste profile. It achieves this taste through a combination of high-quality ingredients and innovative, flavorful toppings directly sourced from Japan.
The authentic, rich, and creamy broth is meticulously prepared using traditional methods. The broth is slowly cooked for hours to extract maximum flavor from pork bones, resulting in a deep umami taste that is both savory and satisfying.
This authentic preparation method, combined with fresh, handmade noodles and carefully selected toppings, ensures a genuine Hiroshima ramen experience that stands out for its depth of flavor and attention to detail.
“It’s the broth that matters,” said Matthew Ablis, COO of DMG. “The specialty broth is imported from Hiroshima, Japan. This is what makes our ramen deliciously unique.”
The ramen is seasoned with chili bean sauce, chili oil, and chili peppers to create complex spiciness that complements the umami of the pork.
DMG believes Buchiton’s high-quality, authentic ramen can be offered at affordable prices to the Filipino market. The company is also seeking franchisees to expand the brand’s reach nationwide.
Buchiton Tonkotsu Ramen opened its Philippine store at SM San Lazaro on August 1, 2024, and plans to rapidly expand its network in the country, with 23 outlets planned by 2026.
“Buchiton targets to open three outlets this year, 10 by 2025, and 10 by 2026,” Ablis said.