Inside The Ramen Studio: Jerusalem’s Ramen Experience You Need To Try

I walked through the rainy streets of downtown Jerusalem and made my way to the unassuming apartment building where my Japanese experience awaited. Greeted by the chefs, I am told to take my shoes off and slide into slippers picked out for me and immerse myself in the Japanese themed decor. Located in a private home, this unique culinary venture is helmed by chefs Moti Gordiyenko and Daniel Bitton. The Ramen Studio in Jerusalem offers an intimate and authentic Japanese dining experience, a Ramen Omakase of sorts, where the Sake and Asahi flow freely and the umami is delivered in spades with each new course.

Childhood friends Moti and Daniel grew up together in Jerusalem and remained friends for the better part of two decades. Daniel gained experience in Asian kitchens abroad, working in LA, San Francisco and Vegas and learning from the best chefs in the world. His life changed once he tasted a bowl of Tori Paitan Ramen (Cloudy Ramen) in New York.

When the pandemic arrived and lockdown was imminent they found themselves together more than ever, cooking and perfecting recipes. They felt they had chemistry in the kitchen and they decided to share their passion for Japanese cuisine with the world. “More than just cooking, I wanted to create something,” Moti shared with me. Starting with Ramen deliveries from their shared apartment they dreamed bigger and last year, after stints in the reserves they started The Ramen Studio.

For 250 NIS per person, guests get to indulge in a carefully curated Kosher four course menu that showcases the best of Japanese flavors. The meal begins with a delicate tuna tataki starter, featuring lightly seared fish that both tantalizes the taste buds and serves as a feast for the eyes. This is followed by delectable soup dumplings, a perfect prelude to the main event.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the ramen. Diners can choose from three classic varieties: miso, soy, or vegan mushroom broths. Each bowl is crafted with care, requiring over 18 hours on the flame offering a complex blend of flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Tokyo. The meal concludes on a savory sweet note with homemade mochi ice cream drizzled with soy sauce glaze.

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Sitting next to the other diners, I overheard one say that it reminds him of the comfort of his Bubbe’s borscht, another said it brought back the memory for her of a Persian chicken stew. Chef Moti tells me that the one flavor you can never beat is nostalgia.

“Our goal is for people to come hungry and leave full, happy and tired. Though sometimes they’ve gotten too tired and stayed the night,” they explained.

When asked about what the future holds for The Ramen Studio, Daniel said: “I’m always thinking about how to perfect the experience. Whatever the future holds, I don’t think any other place will fulfill me the way this place does.”

The Ramen Studio hosts these intimate dinners on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with seating for 8 to 15 guests, creating an exclusive and cozy atmosphere. The menu and decor change for holidays like Tu B’Shvat and Hanukkah and create new reasons to return for the hearty Asian dishes. The experience promises to be a highlight for any food enthusiast in Jerusalem seeking an authentic taste of Japan.

To make a reservation or learn more visit them on instagram @the.ramen.studio or call 050-279-5234

The author was a guest of the restaurant.