Ivan Orkin’s journey to becoming one of the world’s most respected ramen chefs is anything but ordinary.

A New Yorker who discovered Japanese food as a teenager, his curiosity grew into a lifelong passion. After studying Japanese language and literature, he moved to Tokyo, where his love for Japanese food culture deepened.

ABOUT IVAN RAMEN

“The Ivan Ramen story is really about my love of Japan…I want people to love Japan like I do. When they come and eat a bowl of ramen, I want them to feel the love I have for Japanese things, Japanese food, and Japan itself.”

— Ivan Orkin

IVAN ORKIN: A LIFE IN RAMEN

In 2007, Ivan opened his first ramen shop in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward. For many, the idea of an American running a ramen shop in Japan seemed impossible.

But Ivan’s dedication to craft—his painstaking attention to broth, noodles, and every ingredient—quickly won over local diners and critics alike. His shop became one of the city’s most talked-about ramen destinations, and Ivan became one of the few foreigners to gain real respect in Japan’s ramen world.

When he returned to New York in 2013, Ivan opened Ivan Ramen on the Lower East Side. The restaurant was met with instant acclaim and remains a staple of the city’s dining scene. His story, and his bowls, reached an even wider audience with the release of his bestselling cookbook Ivan Ramen and his appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table.

Now in London, Ivan brings that same philosophy of care and creativity to a new city — serving ramen that stays true to its spirit and tradition.