Ippudo

October 31, 2024

Nathalie

Nathalie De Los Santos (she/they) is a writer and creative. She is one of the festival organizers of the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival. She created PilipinxPages, a bookstagram featuring Filipinx authors. She has appeared on: PechaKucha, CBC, LiterAsian (2020), TFC, OMNI TV and others. Her publications are in Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing, Canadian Literature, the National Women’s History Museum, Cold Tea Collective, Sampaguita Press, Ricepaper Magazine and more. She hosts the Filipino Fairy Tales, Mythology and Folklore podcast.

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I was thrilled to stumble upon an Ippudo without the usual long wait! Known as one of Japan’s most renowned ramen chains, Ippudo specializes in rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen—a true treat for any ramen lover. Founded in Fukuoka by Shigemi Kawahara, Ippudo’s mission has always been to “blow a fresh wind” through the ramen world, and it has successfully expanded internationally, creating a wave of fans worldwide.

Stepping into Ippudo in San Francisco, I was transported by the restaurant’s warm, authentic ambiance. My bowl of tonkotsu ramen arrived with its signature creamy pork broth, tender chashu pork, and perfectly cooked noodles. Each bite was a delicious reminder of why this place is revered globally. Enjoying Ippudo without the crowd was an unexpected luxury—an unforgettable meal in a bustling city.