In this week’s vendor spotlight, we’re introducing Shoryu Ramen and owner Tak Tokumine. Tak wanted to bring his hometown speciality of Hakata tonkotsu ramen to the UK, so he established Shoryu Ramen in 2012. Now Shoryu Ramen is a distinguished ramen restaurant in London and Manchester, known for its variety of delicious ramen, all bursting with rich flavours and fresh organic ingredients.
Read our brief Q&A with Shoryu Ramen to learn more about their roots and outstanding dishes.
Meet Shoryu Ramen
Q: What’s the inspiration behind your business?
A: Shoryu Ramen specialises in Hakata tonkotsu ramen from the Hakata district of Fukuoka city on the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. Hakata tonkotsu ramen is a style of ramen made with a thick, rich, white pork soup and thin, straight ramen noodles. Our Hakata tonkotsu ramen recipe has been specially created by our Executive Chef Kanji Furukawa who was born and raised in Hakata, to provide the UK with highly crafted, genuine tonkotsu rarely found outside Japan.
Q: Where are you from and how has that shaped your business?
A: Shoryu’s owner Tak Tokumine is also a native of Fukuoka city and along with Kanji is dedicated to championing his hometown’s local speciality. Tak conceived London’s most loved Japanese food hall, Japan Centre in 1976 after settling in the UK. Fast forward to 2012, he saw London’s appetite for Japanese food was becoming more sophisticated and there was an opening for a Hakata style ramen bar. This inspiration helped revolutionise the Japanese offering in London’s dining scene. Tak’s determination and love for his hometown’s speciality has helped Shoryu flourish into the ramen powerhouse it is today.
Q: How would you describe your food in 5 words?
A: Authentic, hearty, moreish, comforting, casual
Q: What’s your favourite meal on your menu?
A: Our signature dish, the Shoryu Ganso Tonkotsu ramen: rich 12-hour pork broth ramen topped with char siu bbq pork belly, nitamago burford brown egg, kikurage mushrooms, spring onion, red ginger, nori seaweed.
Q: What should we order from you when…
…. we feel Indulgent?
A: Karaka Tan Tan Tonkotsu (s) tonkotsu broth with a twist – rich & spicy minced pork, marinated in white miso, garlic and chiu chow chilli oil
…. we crave something healthy?
A: White Natural (ve) our unique tonyu soy milk, miso, konbu & shiitake broth, atsuage fried tofu, kikurage mushrooms, menma bamboo shoots, spring onion, tender broccoli, nori seaweed.
… we want to celebrate?
A: Sides of Shoryu buns, Chicken Karaage, Takoyaki and a bowl of ramen!
What’s the ingredient you always find yourself reaching for when you’re cooking at home?
A: Soy sauce and miso paste.
Get Shoryu Ramen meals delivered to your office
Whether you’re looking for daily subsidised meals, meals for special occasions, or a way to motivate your employees working from home, our full suite of services has you covered. Learn more.
