The concept comes from John Tran and William Sutjiadi, the local entrepreneurs behind Matcha Cafe Maiko, which shares a connected space next door. The pair have reimagined the familiar ritual of cooking instant ramen by transforming it into a social, customizable dining experience that’s both nostalgic and modern.
Inside, walls lined with brightly colored ramen packets from Japan, Korea, and China invite customers to browse and choose their base noodles - spicy, creamy, miso, seafood, or dry-style - each priced around $8. Every order includes a packet of fresh green onions, but that’s just the beginning. Diners can level up their creations with a full menu of add-ons like cheese, corn, onion, spinach, seaweed, Spam, fish cake, and chewy rice cakes.
For sides, the shop offers classics like kimchi, pickled radish, and steamed white rice, while those looking to make a night of it can grab a drink from the in-store beer station, with an expanded alcohol selection on the way. Once stocked up, guests take their bowls to high-tech ramen cookers to prepare their noodles on-site, mix in seasonings, and enjoy their creations fresh and steaming.
The vibe at Ramen Station is casual, communal, and distinctly Asian street-market-inspired - a nod to the booming trend of self-serve ramen shops across Asia and now in U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. Similar to Seoul Street in San Ysidro, this latest addition gives San Diego’s food scene a unique hangout spot that appeals to students, travelers, and noodle enthusiasts alike.
Tran says the team hopes to cater to customers seeking a safe, cozy space to study, snack, or unwind late into the evening. For now, Ramen Station’s simple mission stands clear: celebrate the universal joy of instant noodles - one packet, one topping, and one boiling bowl at a time.
Ramen Station is located at 8068 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego's Kearny Mesa. For more information, follow @ramenstationsd on Instagram.
Originally published on October 18, 2025.