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    Australia-Based Fukuryu Ramen Coming Soon to Upper Arlington

    A new ramen shop will soon open within the Shops On Lane Avenue.

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    fukuryu-logoFukuryu Ramen, a fast-casual Japanese ramen chain, will open mid- to late January at 1600 Lane Avenue.

    Owner Jeff Tsao, son of Kahiki Supper Club owners Michael and Alice Tsao, will be spearheading the restaurant. Fukuryu (Japanese for “lucky dragon”) Ramen first opened in Melbourne, Australia in 2014. Tsao left his family’s frozen food business, Kahiki Foods, and moved to Australia at the end of 2012 to open the chain, which has since garnered a substantial following. Tsao recently rejoined the board of Kahiki Foods, replacing his now-retired mother.

    The menu will feature both traditional and modern takes on ramen. The traditional menu will offer shiyo, shoyu, miso, and tonkatsu ramen. The modern will have a squid ink-infused Black Dragon, and chili pepper Red Dragon ramen. A spicy dry-oil noodle Green Dragon is additionally in development.

    Other dishes will include udon rice bowls, egg-topped fried pork, and chicken ramen. Small plates like chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake dish) will also be available.

    “Everything we do is extremely flavorful, and traditionally Japanese in nature — we’re not doing any kind of fusion,” said Tsao. “We’re looking to introduce people to non-fancy, real Japanese foods.”

    On that note, don’t expect any sweet yum yum-type sauces. Fukuryu’s focus is honed on Japanese soul food — flavorful, true to its roots, and laid-back.

    The restaurant is a small space, clocking in at just over 1,400 square feet. The brand new interior will seat 40-45, with an additional patio space in development. Tsao was hoping for a larger space, but is happy with the locations’ neighborhood revitalization and target demographics.

    The interior will house a dining bar, where people can glance into the kitchen to watch the ramen being made. Drinks will include sake, house cocktails and a few beers on tap. The interior of Fukuryu will be warehouse-like, featuring concrete floors, open ceilings, raw wood, and lots of metal. The walls will be red, with an assortment of tattoo-style dragons snaking across the walls. Tsao intends the restaurant to have a lively, energetic atmosphere, complete with loud music to match the vibe.

    The menu will run you $9 — $10 for traditional ramen, and around $6 for small plate items. A take-out cooler stationed at the front will be filled with fresh to-go orders, for a convenient lunch hour grab.

    “I think Columbus has become a great food city, and the opportunity to call this our home base is fantastic,” said Tsao. “I’m very proud of it.”

    For more information, visit www.fukuryuramen.com.

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    Rebecca Wagner
    Rebecca Wagnerhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Rebecca Wagner is a former staff writer at Columbus Underground who reported on local food and restaurant news. She's a graduate of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
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