Inside the First U.S. Location of Japan’s Taishoken Ramen

Taishoken’s legendary ramen is almost here: It will open to the public on July 13, with a limited quantity of 300 bowls of ramen.

The San Mateo restaurant (47 E 4th Avenue) is the U.S. sister location of the Japanese ramen shop founded in Nakano in 1951 by Masayasu Sakaguchi. The original restaurant, which has spawned many more locations through various family members and apprentices, was where tsukemen —the style of ramen in which cold noodles are dipped into hot broth — originated.

The business remains in the family: CEO Yoshihiro Sakagachi, grandson of Masayasu Sakaguchi, and Mitsuo Sakaguchi, son of Masayasu Sakaguchi, are behind the expansion. When it opens, it’ll serve its famous tsukemen, as well as traditional ramen, soupless ramen, small plates like edamame, beer, and sake. There’ll also be a vegan option. Check out the full menu below.

The minimalist 56-seat space was previously a Japanese restaurant called Kisaku. Now it offers wooden booths with deep benches, table seating, and stools at the steamy ramen counter, where guests can watch dishes as they’re prepared.

Here’s a look inside the first U.S. location of the restaurant:

Patricia Chang

Opening hours to start will be July 13-14 from 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (or until sold out), with a grand opening on July 17 from 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

After that, regular hours start July 23: It’ll open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch from 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

• Legendary Taishoken Ramen Plans First US Location in San Mateo [ESF]
• Taishoken USA [Official]
• Taishoken USA [Instagram]