The second San Diego location of Nishiki Ramen, which opened within The Hub in Hillcrest this past summer, has been rebranded into Manten Ramen.
With over two decades of experience with multiple businesses in Japan, Mike Furuichi opened his first stateside Nishiki Ramen in San Diego's Kearny Mesa in fall 2015 and quickly had a line out the door with hungry patrons hoping to get a taste of his signature recipes. In early 2018, we broke the news that a second Nishiki would open in the 2,100 square foot space within The Hub in Hillcrest, which ultimately unveiled in July 2018. In order to differentiate the two restaurants, the Hillcrest branch changed its name to Manten Ramen in late October 2018.
Nishiki co-owner and Tokyo-born chef Hajime "Jimmy" Kitayama oversees the kitchen at Manten Ramen. Translating into "the whole universe" in Japanese, Mantan aims to provide a unique ramen experience, offering a more diverse menu than many competing establishments. In addition to a large variety of Japanese ramen noodle soups with fun names like "Red Blow" and "Beast from East", Manten offers big plates like the smothered Munchee's Fries and sides like Japanese chicken wings. Manten Ramen also serves 24 Japanese and local craft beers on draft, as well as Japanese sake and wines.
This Saturday, November 10, Manten will host a Death Ramen Challenge where 20 applicants will compete to see if they can consume a large bowl of extremely spicy ramen noodle soup for a chance to win $300. Applicants will need to submit an application and waiver, which are available via the restaurant's website.
Manten Ramen is located at 1040 University Avenue, Suite B-111, within The Hub shopping center in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit mantenramen.net and check out the menu below.
