The warmth of the broth, the satisfying texture of the noodles, and the explosion of flavors in every spoonful are just a few of the things we can’t get enough of with ramen.
Beyond this, ramen is a dish enjoyed by friends and families, bringing people closer through its shared experience. This is the vision that Chef Satoshi Ikuta, founder of Ramen Nagi, has always held—to connect the world through the language of ramen.
Ikuta’s passion for ramen began in his youth, leading him to train for over a decade in various classic Hakata ramen shops. He honed his skills and developed a rebellious spirit, evident in his “aida kari” practice—borrowing bar space once a week to run a guerrilla ramen shop. This entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to win a contest for a spot in Tokyo’s famous Tachikawa Ramen Square, followed by successful shops in Shibuya and Shinjuku Golden Gai.
In December 2013, Chef Ikuta’s vision crossed the Pacific Ocean, reaching the bustling streets of Manila. Together with Erickson and Roxanne Farillas, Winnie Chua-Go and Michael Kho, they opened the first Ramen Nagi at SM Aura, bringing authentic Hakata ramen to the Philippines.
Over the past decade, Ramen Nagi has amassed a string of milestones. In 2014, they launched the First Limited king—the Ebi King, followed by winning the prestigious People’s Choice Award from Zomato in 2015.
Ramen Nagi’s successes in the Philippines continued to roll in, with the introduction of the First Manila King in 2017, a unique offering tailored to Filipino palates. Determined to bring the joy of ramen to everyone, Ramen Nagi launched innovative offerings in 2020 and beyond. In 2020, they launched ramen kits, allowing ramen enthusiasts to enjoy their signature dishes in the comfort of their own homes.
For the little ones, the Ramen Nagi Kiddie Meal was introduced in 2021, making the ramen experience accessible and fun for children. And for those on the go, Hot Nagi-to-Go offered a convenient way to enjoy their delicious ramen anytime, anywhere.
Aside from its success in the country, Ramen Nagi further expanded and opened its first store in Singapore in 2017. Afterwards, they took a bold step by opening their first US store, sharing their passion for ramen with a global audience. Today, the brand has grown to over 60 locations worldwide, including the 41 shops in the Philippines.
A decade of ramen excellence
As Ramen Nagi celebrates its decade-long journey in the Philippines this year, the brand has embraced inclusivity alongside its continued spirit of innovation. They have launched their vegan ramen, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of ramen.
Ramen Nagi also collaborated with other renowned Tokyo ramen stores like Ramen No. 11, Antcicada, and Inosho, creating exciting new ramen experiences for their loyal customers and ramen enthusiasts alike.
Erickson Farillas, the visionary leader who brought Ramen Nagi to the Philippines, eloquently summarized the brand’s remarkable journey: “Over the past 10 years, Ramen Nagi has witnessed diverse stories of people. We have seen families, friends, and couples bonding over and sharing the comfort of our warm bowls of ramen. We have been a part of birthdays, anniversaries, and even proposals, playing a small but meaningful role in people’s lives.”
“But our journey is far from over. Ramen Nagi stays committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of ramen creation and exceeding expectations,” he added.
The culmination of these milestones was celebrated with a special event “Ramen Nagi X: A Decade of Excellence,” that was held at their first-ever store in SM Aura. Guests witnessed firsthand the dedication of Chef Ikuta as he cooked a two-day limited special bowl, The Wagyu King, created specifically for the occasion.
Ramen Nagi’s 10-year journey transcends the mere act of serving a bowl of ramen, becoming a celebration of the stories and laughter shared over steaming bowls of broth and noodles.
Visit any Ramen Nagi outlet and savor the flavors that have brought people together for a decade.
