Kyuramen, a global Japanese ramen restaurant, is just weeks away from opening its first Ohio location at SouthPark Mall in Strongsville. Founded in 2014 by Gary Lin — and imported to Cleveland thanks to Sheng Long Yu — the quickly expanding brand is reinventing the ramen experience.
The immersive interior features distinctive honeycomb seating that stacks glowing booths on top of each other. A corridor with numerous nooks and snugs attempts to replicate the feel of a “ramen alley” in a historic Japanese district. Other design elements include paper lanterns, Shoji screens and a large wishing tree onto which guests can pin their hopes and dreams.
“I’ve been to a lot of ramen places, but this one really catches my eye,” Yu explains. “From the design and atmosphere — just the feel when you walk in.”
Kyuramen currently has about 50 locations in the United States, but another 50 already are planned. In addition to the striking interior, the big draw is the food, a sprawling selection of Japanese specialties. The main attraction, of course, is the ramen, which comes in various forms and permutations. In addition to the thick, creamy tonkotsu broth, diners can order shio ramen, shoyu ramen or miso ramen. There is also Korean kimchi ramen, Japanese curry ramen and vegetable ramen.
Yu, a Strongsville resident for more than 20 years, says that he was tired of having to travel long distances for a quality bowl.
“I’ve lived here for a long time, and every time I want ramen I have to travel to Ohio City or Chicago or New York,” he says. “So we wanted to bring something new to the area.”
Yu, the driving force behind Shinto, Lao Sze Chuan, YYTime, Build the Pho, Kenko Sushi and others, says that despite its popularity, ramen is still largely uncharted territory for many local diners.
“Most people are not as familiar with ramen,” he explains. “People are familiar with pho and other kinds of noodles, but most people only know the basics of ramen. Kyuramen offers more than just the basics.”
To pair with the ramen are starters such as shrimp tempura, fried oysters, yakitori, steam buns, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and more. There is also a selection of rice burgers, kamameshi — or “kettle rice” — and omurice, the social-media sensation that is a fluffy omelet sliced tableside to reveal a creamy core.
To drink there is beer, sake and soju.
In the front of restaurant is a standalone TBaar shop, which offers a great selection of bubble teas, milk teas, fruit teas and smoothies.
Yu revealed that he is already at work planning a second Kyuramen location on Cleveland’s East Side.
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