How to Open a Ramen Restaurant
Arguably the most popular Japanese dish outside of sushi, ramen has become a staple for most foodies.1 If you're considering opening your own ramen restaurant, you'll need to make sure you have everything you need, including a location, concept, and the right restaurant equipment. This guide will serve as a practical starting point for learning how to open a ramen noodle shop.
Steps to Make Your Own Ramen Restaurant
When opening a ramen shop, follow these steps:
- Develop your ramen concept and research your target market
- Create a focused, scalable menu that stands out from the competition
- Choose a strategic location with sufficient kitchen space and visibility
- Purchase essential ramen cooking and serving equipment
- Hire and train staff on prep, cooking techniques, service, and sanitation
- Build your brand identity, including name, logo, and customer experience
What Do You Need to Open a Ramen Restaurant?
Although it's a seemingly simple dish, ramen involves a complex process of crafting noodles, broth, and toppings that blend together perfectly to create an umami experience. Operating a ramen restaurant successfully means having the right cooking equipment, serving supplies, and prep tools.
Furthermore, if you make your own noodles, you'll want dough kneading and noodle cutting equipment. Asian restaurant equipment designed for consistency is key to maintaining quality across each bowl of ramen served.
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Ramen Shop?
Below is an overview of common fixed and variable costs of opening a ramen shop. These estimated averages may not reflect the actual cost of your own restaurant, which can vary widely depending on your location, menu, and size.
| Item | Type of Cost | Frequency | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Equipment | Fixed | One time | $20,000-50,000 |
| Mortgage/Rent | Fixed | Monthly | $6,000 |
| Permits & Licenses | Fixed | One time or annual | $3,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | Fixed | One time or as needed | $10,000-$20,000 |
| Food | Variable | Monthly | $5,000 |
| Staff | Fixed or Variable | Monthly | $4,000-$8,000 |
| Marketing & Branding | Fixed | One time/Monthly | $5,000 at startup |
| Insurance | Fixed | Monthly or Annual | $1,000-$3,000 |
In total, starting up your own ramen shop can cost over $100,000. Make sure you have enough funds before launching your ramen operation.
Must-Have Ramen Cooking Equipment
- Commercial Noodle Cooker: Cooks noodles quickly and evenly for consistent texture. Easy to use for portion control and preparing fresh noodles
- Stock Pot Burner: Handles large volumes of broth with high heat output and fast temperature control
- Soup Warmer: Keeps broths at ideal serving temps without over-reducing. Ideal for operations serving many different soups
- Prep Tables: Provide organized space for assembly and topping, with refrigerated space below for easy ingredient access
- Refrigeration Units: Store bulk ingredients safely and within reach for prep and service
Essential Ramen Serving Equipment
- Ramen Bowls: Deep, wide bowls designed to hold generous portions of ramen while retaining its heat
- Soup Spoons (Chirirenge or Renge): Feature deep wells for traditionally enjoying ramen broth
- Chopsticks: Provide an authentic noodle-slurping experience. Find disposable or reusable options
- Tray Sets: Keep bowls, sides, and drinks together for quick dine-in service
- Condiment Holders: Great for organizing and presenting extras like chili oil, garlic paste, and sesame seeds at the table
- To-Go Containers: Durable, leak-resistant packaging preserves heat and quality for takeout orders
Find more serving supplies for Asian restaurants here.
Prep Tools Needed for a Ramen Kitchen
- Japanese Knives: Feature sharp blades with hard steel for cleanly slicing proteins, vegetables, and garnishes
- Mandoline Slicer: Speeds up uniform slicing for toppings like green onions, radishes, and cabbage to boost your ramen's flavor
- Mixing Bowls: For prepping marinades, sauces, and toppings
- Digital Scale: Ensures consistent portioning of noodles, proteins, and toppings if needed
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Help with ingredient portioning and are critical for flavor consistency in batch recipes
- Fine Mesh Strainers: For skimming broths, straining small ingredients, and cooking pasta
- Cutting Boards (Color-Coded): Help maintain a clean, safe food prep environment and maintain knife safety
- Food Prep Containers: Keep prepped items organized, labeled, and accessible during service
Sourcing Ingredients: What Do You Need for Ramen?
Ramen's basic ingredients are noodles, oil, broth, tare, and a mix of toppings. If you're making your ramen from scratch, you'll need to ensure you find the right ingredients for the noodles and broth, which must be prepared days in advance. Day-of service requires fresh vegetables and seasonings. Below are some ingredients commonly found in ramen:
- Noodles: water and specific kinds of flour and salt
- Oil: vegetable oil, garlic, spices, peppers
- Broth: stock base, vegetables, seasoning
- Tare: soy sauce or miso, spices, sake
- Toppings: boiled eggs, soy sauce marinade, pork, bamboo shoots, fish cake (narutomaki), etc.
Shop All Ramen Supplies at KaTom
After you've found your location, purchased equipment, and hired your staff, you're ready to start serving steaming bowls of ramen. Throughout the process, KaTom Restaurant Supply is ready to help you find the right equipment for the job. Our catalog offers a wide selection of ramen cooking equipment, serving supplies, and prep tools to completely outfit your shop with everything needed to make it run.
References
- What Caused the Ramen Boom in the U.S. Myojo. Accessed May 2025
