By Karishhma Mago By Karishhma Mago | January 27, 2022 |
From New York's Flushing and Union Square to New Jersey's Cherry Hill and a host of other locations in the works, something is cooking- literally. As you step in, the feeling of a whole new world envelops you; the cozy haven presents an ambience of warmth and familiar embrace. The aroma- a tasteful blend of pork, corn, wakame, bamboo shoot and garlic. The rich flavors and feel of 5-star gourmet meals served in an array of cultural bliss. Welcome to Kyuramen- home of delicious Japanese ramen.
Ramen is a cultural Japanese dish with several tastes and flavors. Although South Japan's Tonkotsu Shio ramen is the most popular, Kyuramen offers up to nine different tastes of ramen, including the Tokyo Tonkotsu Shouyu, Kyushu Tonkotsu Shio, Sapporo Miso Ramen, Korean Kimchi Ramen, and Japanese Curry Ramen. These nine different flavors of ramen on the menu form the foundation for the name, Kyuramen, as "Kyu" is the Japanese term for "Nine".
Founder Gary Lin created the brand after his love for Japanese ramen took him on a journey to Japan to understand not just the tastes and recipes, but also the nuances and culture of the traditional Asian cuisine. Gary has taken on a mission to lead a cultural revolution where Americans and other Westerners can walk into a KyuRamen location for the first time, have a taste of the ramen and fall in love with it. "We intend to be the Starbucks of Ramen in the U.S.", he says with a wry smile.
Whatever flavor you eventually decide to go with, the dish is a colorful experience on its own. Straight or Wavy noodle dipped in light-flavored or thick soup base, served with Pork broth- consisting of Pork Chashu, Wakame, Bamboo Shoot, Nori, Half marinated egg, Scallion and Corn- all visibly popping in a classic bowl. While there are variations from one type of ramen to the other, the basic ingredients are the same. The flavors often range from white or black garlic, regular, mild, spicy or hot.
With locations already open to customers in Flushing and Union Square in New York and Cherry Hill in New Jersey, there are plans to expand to other cities like Long Island, Chinatown, and Bayside in New York as well as other states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Minnesota, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Although Kyuramen is working to ensure every location offers the same quality and top-notch back-of-house experience, the brand is open to customizing its menu to suit the unique preferences of its host communities.
"It's an entire experience", says Gary. "We continue to work in every location to ensure people come to love and accept this amazing cuisine in America as it has become popular in many other parts of the world. We also try to maintain the quality all through, that's why for every new location we open, we take an entire team to train the new team in the new city. But again, we know that people's tastes are different, so we're flexible while maintaining the richness and originality of ramen", he adds.
Photography by: