Ramen Nagi’s story begins with the simplicity of a single bowl and continues with a thriving community.
Chef Satoshi Ikuta, the founder of the popular restaurant chain, dreamed of uniting people through the language of ramen. This vision comes to life in the brand’s journey, where the delicious broth, satisfying noodles and flavorful spoonfuls turn a simple dish into a shared global experience.
Culinary entrepreneur’s spirit
Born out of his childhood love of ramen, Chef Ikuta trained for 10 years at traditional Hakata ramen businesses.
Shibuya, Shinjuku Golden Gai and Tachikawa Ramen Square in Tokyo were the sites of his victories, thanks to his rebellious attitude, which was embodied in the weekly guerrilla ramen shop “aida kari” practice.
Along with Winnie Chua-Go, Michael Kho, Erickson and Roxanne Farillas and others, Chef Ikuta’s idea crossed the Pacific Ocean in December 2013 to open the first Ramen Nagi at SM Aura in Manila.
Global reach
The brand became well-known very fast, commemorating achievements like the Ebi King in 2014 and the People’s Choice Award from Zomato in 2015.
In 2017, the Manila King was introduced, catering to the palates of Filipinos, continuing the journey.
In 2020, Ramen Nagi’s innovative approach resulted in the introduction of ramen kits, enabling fans to savor their favorite dishes at home.
The Kiddie Meal in 2021 and Hot Nagi-to-Go demonstrated how flexible the brand is to accommodate a range of tastes.
Beyond the Philippines, Ramen Nagi expanded globally, opening its first store in Singapore in 2017 and boldly venturing into the US market. The brand now boasts over 60 locations worldwide, including 41 in the Philippines.
A decade of excellence
As Ramen Nagi commemorates its 10-year journey in the Philippines, inclusivity takes center stage.
The launch of vegan ramen meets the demand for plant-based options, ensuring everyone can savor the deliciousness of the Japanese noodle dish.
Collaborations with Tokyo’s renowned ramen stores like Ramen No. 11, Antcicada and Inosho add exciting new experiences to the menu.
Celebrating “Ramen Nagi X: A Decade of Excellence,” the brand recently hosted a special event at its first-ever store in SM Aura last 13 December.
Chef Ikuta showcased his dedication by crafting a two-day limited special bowl, The Wagyu King, priced at P1,010.
Ramen Nagi also offered a special Butao treat for P10 with any one ramen purchase for the first 100 customers. This exclusive offer was available last 15 December across all Ramen Nagi branches nationwide from 6 p.m. onwards.
Ramen Nagi’s decade-long journey is more than serving a bowl of ramen; it’s a celebration of shared stories and laughter over steaming bowls of broth and noodles.