While Richmond isn’t lacking in ramen, a new restaurant will bring a fruity twist to the popular dish in the new year.
Afuri Ramen & Dumpling, an acclaimed Tokyo ramen eatery, is set to open its first Canadian location in Richmond on Jan. 7.
For ramen enthusiasts, each ramen joint has a unique aspect to their menu and for Afuri, it’s their chicken broth and yuzu – a citrus fruit.
Guests can expect Afuri’s signature Yuzu Shio and other chicken broth-based ramen, tsukemen, a type of cold noodle, and vegan and gluten-free noodle options as well.
The menu includes different styles of gyoza, rice bowls, kaarage fried chicken and other side dishes.
Afuri also offers an electronic ordering system where customers can order from kiosks on their own and customize their meals.
The restaurant, Chan said, will allow customers more freedom and comfort in the way they choose their food and “it really just comes back down to the bowl of ramen that people can create themselves.”
David Chan and Eric Ho, co-owners of Richmond’s Afuri location, said they are excited to bring what they believe is some of the best ramen in Tokyo to Richmond, and are glad to be able to work with the Afuri franchise.
“We got a lot of support and help which allowed us to open Afuri here in Richmond,” said Ho.
The co-owners explained it was difficult finding a place to open up a store in downtown Vancouver because “locations weren’t ideal,” which brought them to Richmond.
“There are many ramen places in Richmond, but because the city is very community-based, it aligns with Afuri’s mission to bring people together through food,” Ho added.
Grant MacDonald, Afuri’s corporate director of culinary operations, said that Afuri is “lucky” to have found such great partners for their Canadian opening.
“They’re a very serious and committed group who were excited about Afuri and thought they would do very well in Vancouver.”
Chan said “everything comes back to the ramen” and the environment it’s eaten in.
“The ramen is one of the important aspects of Afuri, but so is the total experience from entering the space, customizing the bowl (of noodles) and eating it.
“What makes Yuzu so special is that we are the only ones in the Lower Mainland that will be making it from scratch.”
Chan said that, with Afuri’s first Canadian location, they hope to raise ramen standards and set a higher bar for other ramen locations that will open.
The restaurant will seat approximately 45 to 50 customers in an open and industrial-style dining environment.
The restaurant is taking over Dazzling Café’s former location at 140-7971 Alderbridge Way, near No. 3 Road.
