Much-loved Welsh ramen joint Matsudai Ramen was born from a place of love in 2019, beginning as a creative outlet for self confessed 'ramen geek' James Chant, whose career up until three years ago had been in the music industry. Now after operating as a successful pop up, the opening date for the first permanent restaurant has been announced.
Although having never set foot in a professional kitchen, James turned his hand to cooking after whipping up a bowl of ramen - a Japanese-style noodle soup served in a broth and topped with things such as sliced pork and nori - one day while figuring out where his life would take him next. Read more on that here.
Starting out serving his ramen through popular restaurant pop-ups, after less than a year James and his 'cult ramen crew' were, like the rest of the world, hit with Covid and forced to get creative in the kitchen.
Read more What diners are saying about Cardiff's newest restaurants and bars
They began making DIY ramen kits for those who were missing Matsudai's renowned delicious bowls to try and make for themselves at home. The team soon began delivering kits up and down the UK, receiving praise from the likes of Jay Rayner and Tom Parker Bowles.
Now, James is set to open the doors of his first permanent "proper, no-corners-cut ramen" restaurant, right here in his home city of Cardiff, for people to try his delicious bowls straight from Matsudai Ramen's brand new open plan kitchen.
After a five month refurbishment, decking out what used to be Natwest bank on Clare Road in Grangetown, Matsudai Ramen at the Bank - Wales' first ramen shop - will open on Saturday, August 6 , to the public. It will be serving seasonal ramen dishes and side plates that will include some of founder and chef James’ signature recipes including karaage (a Japanese method of deep frying) chicken and mushrooms.
Speaking about this new venture, which has space to house 70 people, James said: "I’m so excited to have this opening date in the diary. It’s mind-boggling to me that we’re about to open a restaurant - Wales’ first ramen shop - and in my hometown no less."
He added: "The feedback from the local community in Grangetown has been overwhelmingly warm - we feel truly welcomed and can’t wait to fill The Bank with ramen lovers. I’m very proud of what we’ve done to the space over the last few months and can’t wait to get it open now.”
Matsudai Ramen at the Bank will open Saturday, August 6th from 5-10pm. It's opening hours will then be Monday to Friday 5-10pm, Saturdays 12-10pm and, from Wednesday, September 28, it will be open Sundays from 12-7pm. For more information on how to book in the restaurant or a DIY kit, visit: https://matsudai.co.uk
Read next
- Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival full street food line up as it returns for 2022
- Majestic unveils summer wine case to transport you to Spain and Portugal
- Chopstix noodle bar to open second store in Cardiff city centre
- Costa Coffee is giving away free drinks from this Saturday
- Cheapest place to eat fish and chips revealed as average price hits £11
