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Cologne gets Japan on the table: Kagetsu opens ramen restaurant!
Cologne welcomes Kagetsu, a Japanese ramen chain that sets a culinary tone with unique dishes and expansion plans.
Cologne gets Japan on the table: Kagetsu opens ramen restaurant!
There is fresh news in Cologne's gastronomy scene: the popular ramen chain Kagetsu from Japan opened its first European branch in the cathedral city in March 2023. The 31-year-old operator Masato Mizuma, a Cologne native with a passion for Japanese cuisine, has set himself the goal of bringing the authentic flavors of Japan to Germany. T-online reports that Mizuma was commissioned by the Kagetsu headquarters in Tokyo to open 20 branches in Germany and Europe within the next five years. These ambitions speak for themselves – so exciting developments can be expected!
The ramen at Kagetsu is particularly characterized by a special pork broth called Genkotsu, which is already causing a stir among Cologne ramen fans. The dishes are complemented by vegan options as well as cold ramen with yuzu juice and ramen salad. A highlight is the itameshi, fried rice in a hot iron pan that is prepared right in front of the guests. Although the restaurant is in a competitive environment, it attracts not only local guests but also tourists and people of Japanese descent who appreciate the quality of the food.
Growth plans and regional expansion
The restaurant already has big plans: at least three more branches are planned in Cologne, followed by further locations in the Rhineland and throughout Germany. The Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Scandinavian countries have also been targeted for international expansion. As the Reporting from T-online shows, Kagetsu stands for the introduction of Japanese food culture and inspires with every bowl of ramen.
What is particularly noteworthy is that a chef from Japan works in the restaurant to ensure that the preparation is true to the original. This not only ensures the high quality of the food, but also promotes cultural exchange between Japan and Germany.
Gastronomy line
The challenges of opening new branches abroad should not be underestimated: cultural differences, legal frameworks and import regulations for ingredients are just a few of the issues that new restaurant owners have to master. However, Masato Mizuma is well prepared and brings a lot of experience with him - starting with his time at the “Zen” restaurant in Lindenthal, where he learned the basics of the catering business early on.