Ramen - springy noodles in rich warm broth, topped with tender slices of meat.
It is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, and much loved around the world.
Lucky for us here in Auckland, there are now numerous ramen stores offering slurp-tastic Japanese ramen such as Ajisen Ramen.
Diverse ramen offerings in Auckland
From bowls served piping hot with rich creamy broth, to spicy soups and even dry broth-less ones, you’d very easily find out to suit your preference.
Ajisen Ramen is one that has gained a cult following since the chain opened its first outlet on Kingdon Street in Newmarket in 2019.
Following the success of the second in Takapuna in 2022, the chain is now on an expansion run - with 12 reportedly planned across New Zealand in the next five years.
Auckland ramen fans will be thrilled to see the opening of Ajisen Ramen stores on Lincoln Road in West Auckland and another in Ti Rakau in Botany this year.
Signature and unique flavours in Auckland
Ajisen Ramen hails from Kumamoto, Japan where it started in 1968 today has more than 750 stores worldwide, including Australia, the USA, Canada, Italy, Singapore, China, Philippines and Japan.
It specializes in Kumamoto-style tonkotsu rich pork bone broth and a “secret recipe” roast garlic and onion flavouring, and makes its own wheat flour noodles fresh at the chain’s flagship store in Newmarket.
Ramen dishes that have been created exclusively for the New Zealand market include the award-winning kaiju ramen and volcano mazesoba.
Kaiju, meaning monster in Japanese, a spicy tonkotsu ramen with spicy chicken karaage, chashu and tamago, has been named among the top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats list for 2024.
Success and expansion plans
During a recent visit, Ajisen’s international chief director Osamu Honda revealed that the two Ajisen stores in Auckland were doing better than most others overseas, which prompted its growth plans.
Honda believed Ajisen had the potential to grow to become the biggest ramen chain in New Zealand.
Outside of Auckland, new restaurants are being planned for Rotorua, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
It is estimated that each store would need between 20 to 25 staff and so potentially, close to 300 new jobs would be created.
Ajisen Ramen’s global journey
The chain first started as an eight-seat eatery in Kumamoto 55 years ago and began expanding internationally in 1994 to Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.
It also expanded the menu from just ramen soups to cater to a wider clientele. In Auckland, Ajisen also serves a range of donburi rice bowls, gyoza dumplings and Japanese side dishes.
Franchise Opportunities with Ajisen Ramen
Ramen Eatery Limited, which holds the franchise and retail rights to operate Ajisen Ramen in New Zealand, is currently in talks with potential franchisees.
If you want to find out more about how you can own an Ajisen Ramen franchise, contact Jeff Ng at Ramen Eatery Limited, email:xxxxxxxxxxxx or mobile:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This article is a collaborative sponsored content brought to you by Ajisen Ramen.