In Dubai, where a fusion of global flavors thrives, IchiRyu Ramen House proudly brings an authentic taste of Japan. Known for its rich, flavorful ramen, and immersive dining experience, it stands as the first in the UAE to introduce Bocchi Seki, Japan’s solo dining concept.

Located at Wasl Port Views Building 7, its menu features 12 ramen varieties, donburi (Japanese rice dishes), ippin ryouri (appetizers), and macchainfused desserts.

IchiRyu has also become a destination for celebrities and pop culture icons, welcoming Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, Pokémon voice actors Mayumi Izuka and Rica Matsumoto, K-pop sensation Psy, award-winning Filipino broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, and SB19, the Kings of Philippine Pop — to name a few.

Adding to its growing list of awards, IchiRyu Ramen House was recognized as the Best Ramen Restaurant (Country Level) at the Arabian Best of the Best Awards in December 2024, reaffirming its reputation as a go-to spot for authentic Japanese cuisine in the UAE.

But more than the accolades, IchiRyu is built on a story of passion and craftsmanship. Behind the steaming bowls of ramen is a team of dedicated chefs who pour their hearts into every dish, bringing their unique journeys together to shape this renowned establishment.

From different backgrounds and experiences, they have found a common home in IchiRyu, where they craft authentic Japanese cuisine with skill and heart.

From struggles to success

For Head Chef Mark Ovido, the road to the kitchen was anything but ordinary. Born in Manila and raised in Pangasinan, his early years revolved around fishing with his father—a livelihood that put food on their table.

Cooking wasn’t part of his original plan. In fact, he pursued a course in Computer Technology, but life had other plans. Financial struggles forced him to leave school and take on multiple jobs to support his family.

He worked in construction, took shifts at fast-food chains, and slowly found his way into the kitchen. What started as just another job turned into a passion, and by 2012, he was already leading a modern Japanese restaurant. His skills and leadership opened new doors, bringing him to Dubai to manage a kitchen before finally joining IchiRyu in June 2023.

“Pagtungtong mo dito sa IchiRyu, hindi mo mararamdaman na empleyado ka—parang pamilya… Together with the staff, ganu’n din kasi ang pakikitungo nila sa lahat. As in, sa lahat,” Chef Mark shares.

IchiRyu became more than just a workplace—it became a place of growth. Through hard work and dedication, Chef Mark achieved things he once thought were impossible. He brought his family to Dubai, a dream he had held onto for years.

“Dati talagang plano ko nang umuwi, since napunta ako dito (IchiRyu), parang gusto kong ipa-feel sa family ko na ito ako, nandito ang trabaho, masaya ako dito, may goal dito,” he says.

Yet despite his success, Chef Mark remains grounded. He continues to learn, working closely with his mentors and setting new goals, not just for himself but for his son’s future.

For young aspiring chefs or anyone chasing their dreams, his message is simple: “Mag-set ng goal. Keep learning. Huwag sumuko.”

Mastery and legacy

Executive Chef Touru de Guzman’s journey is one of patience, mastery, and an unwavering passion for ramen. A proud Kapampangan, he spent over two decades in Japan, mastering the intricate art of ramen-making. In Japan, becoming a chef is not an overnight achievement—it takes years of discipline and for Chef Touru, the journey started from the bottom—washing dishes, observing, learning the language, and slowly working his way up.

“Sa Japan, bago ka matawag na chef, at least kailangan mong magspend ng 10 years,” he explains, saying this commitment to mastery shaped his work ethic and approach to cooking.

His dream had always been to open his own ramen restaurant, and it was not an easy road. He encountered failures—seven failed business attempts, to be exact. But he never gave up. “Nanakorobi yaoki— fall seven times, stand up eight,” he says, quoting a Japanese proverb that became his guiding principle.

Now at IchiRyu Ramen House, Chef Touru is not just cooking—he is building a legacy. “Hindi tayo mabubuhay magpakailanman, kaya gusto kong ipasa lahat ng natutunan ko sa kusina,” he says. He instills in his team the importance of process and precision. “Kahit isang gram ng ingredient, may epekto. Kaya sa IchiRyu, we never skip any step. We stick to the process,” he emphasizes.

Chef Touru hopes to pave the way for more Filipino chefs in the Japanese culinary scene. “Gusto kong mag-iwan ng legacy. Na kapag natikman nila, masasabi nila, ‘Ah, this was created by Chef Touru,’” he adds.

The future of IchiRyu

As IchiRyu Ramen House continues to make its mark in the UAE’s culinary scene, its expansion is a testament to its growing success. Towards the 2nd half of the year, IchiRyu will be opening its second branch in Dubai Marina, bringing its renowned flavors to even more diners.

“For the new experience, since this (Wasl branch) is Tokyo-inspired, Marina is gonna be Kyoto-inspired,” said Nicolai De Guzman, Chairman and Chief Design Officer of IchiRyu Ramen House.

But beyond the food, what makes IchiRyu truly special is the experience— the way it brings people together, whether they’re first-time customers, high-profile guests, or Japanese diners craving a taste of home.

“What we’re selling is a complete package. First is the food, kasi masarap. Second is the warm customer service. And lastly, the design, and vibes—you’ll get it once you enter the restaurant. It’s really about the overall experience for us. Maraming customers ang nagsasabi, they even felt that they’re in Japan.” Mr. Nicolai said.

“For us, passion kasi namin ‘to eh. Itong restaurant na ‘to, it’s not something na binuild namin para lang kumita. Binuild namin ‘to para mai-share namin—so sa kanya (Chef Touru), ‘yung food ang love niya about Japan. Ako naman kasi, ‘yung love ko sa Japan is the whole culture itself,” he added.

At its core, IchiRyu is more than just a ramen house. It is a place where dreams take shape and where every bowl of ramen carries the story of the people behind it. As they continue their journey, one thing remains certain: the heart and soul of IchiRyu will always be in the people who bring its flavors to life.