Calling all soup sippers, noodle slurpers, and ramen lovers of all stripes. A brand new set is landing in London this week (today in fact) that you won’t want to miss. None other than Ivan Orkin (of ‘Chef’s Table’ and Ivan Ramen fame) is finally opening up his first permanent ramen shop here in London. It’s set to become the hottest destination for ramen in the city.
Ivan Ramen opens in Clerkenwell this week, on November 19 – that’s today! The restaurant is walk-in only, so be prepared to queue because it’s sure to be a popular spot. But it’ll be worth it for a taste of the internationally renowned food that people have travelled across the world to try. Plus, he’s even come up with a special new dish inspired by our city’s own culinary history.
Ivan Orkin – ramen master
To those unfamiliar with the ramen master, Ivan Orkin isn’t quite what you’d picture as a world-renowned creative force in ramen. But anyone who has watched the lauded ‘Chef’s Table’ series will be more than familiar with the man. A lifelong obsession with ramen led Orkin to dive deep into the tradition of the dish and the surrounding culture, before opening his first shop in Tokyo in 2006.
In the time since, he has also opened up shop in his home town of New York City, and even Las Vegas. And now, it’s our turn as he turns his eye to a London opening.
Ivan Orkin, Founder of Ivan Ramen, said:
“Tokyo, New York… and now London! What an incredible honor to share our food in three of the world’s most iconic cities. London isn’t just a world-class restaurant destination. It is home to one of the most exciting ramen scenes anywhere. I’ve always loved this city, and I’m beyond thrilled to finally be a part of it.”
This isn’t the first time Londoners have been able to try his food. Back in 2023, a sold-out pop-up landed in our city for a few months, doling out bowls of Ivan Ramen’s mazemen (a brothless ramen). But now we can finally taste even more of the ramen maestro’s food.
On the menu at Ivan Ramen
Obviously, the main draw here is the ramenand guests can slurp away on classics like the Tonkatsu (rich pork broth and shoyu-braised pork chashu) and Tori Shirt (rich chicken broth, minced chicken, egg yolk, crispy togarashi chicken). The Spicy Miso Red Chilli is also sure to be a hit with London’s spice-seekers.
But don’t go ignoring the rest of the menu. As you might guess by its relatively restrained offering, ramen may be in the name, but Ivan Orkin has directed his passion to perfecting all of the dishes. Other options include Chicken Gyozas, Ivan’s Karaage, Crispy Nasu (a fried aubergine dish), and more.
London even has its own special dish on the menu in the form of a Salt Beef Bun. This dish is “inspired by the flavours of a classic East End bagel and filled with warm salt beef, pickled cucumbers, and fiery karashi mustard mayo.”
The new spot combines the restrained aesthetic of his original ramen shop in Tokyo with the bright and bustling energy of the American openings. There are just 26 seats in the restaurantand the restaurant features “a minimal interior palette with bright and colourful manga artwork and lightbox artwork.”
So, fancy some noods? Then head on down to Clerkenwell, where world-class ramen awaits.
