If there’s one thing that anime fans know about Naruto, it’s that he loves ramen. In fact, he loves it so much that his moniker can literally be translated as a shortened version of Narutomaki, the word for the swirled fishcake that comes in the beloved Japanese noodle dish. So it makes total sense that Viz Media has teamed up with Los Angeles-based chain Silverlake Ramen to create an official Naruto Ramen Takeover curated by experiential restaurateur Andy Nguyen of Happy Hours Group. That means that, from Saturday March 30th, fans across America will be able to sit down as if they’re at Ramen Ichiraku and enjoy a bowl of the nutritious noodles that have fueled the fan fave Shonēn hero.
As you can see from our first look at the takeover, it’s going to be a playful and immersive way to enjoy your favorite character’s favorite dish. All locations of Silverlake Ramen in California, Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, and Texas will feature Naruto-themed decor and menu items. But fans in Los Angeles will be able to visit Silverlake’s flagship store in Los Angeles (2927 Sunset Blvd.) to experience an immersive Naruto experience, bringing the series’ Ichiraku Ramen restaurant to life through exterior graphics and interior decorations.
Happy Hours Group’s Andy Nguyen was just as excited about the potential of crafting this integrated activation that will bring Naruto’s love of noodles to life for fans across America as we are about eating them. “Working with a series as iconic as Naruto, I knew we would need to find an equally high-caliber restaurant group to build a successful partnership,” Nguyen said. “Silverlake Ramen is the perfect partner to help bring Ichiraku Ramen to life. Ramen is such an important part of telling the Naruto story, and this team is the best in the business.”
The themed menu will allow viewers to eat Naruto’s favorite dish in the form of The “Classic” Ramen (pork, creamy pork stock, bean sprouts, spinach, green onion, seaweed, black garlic oil and a seasoned egg) with a Narutomaki Fishcake. The “Classic” Ramen will be available in two combos. Combo one will include a Naruto and Silverlake Ramen collaboration headband; combo two will include a T-shirt with original Naruto artwork. So, not only can you eat like Naruto, but you can dress like him too.
But don’t despair even if you don’t decide to grab a bowl of hot delicious noodles, anyone who hits up the takeover will also be able to purchase exclusive Naruto merchandise including T-shirts, hoodies, bags, hats and headbands, as well as themed dishware.
If you want to be one of the first to enjoy this epic experience and you’re based in LA, then head to Silverlake Ramen on March 30 for its Grand Opening celebration at its flagship store in Los Angeles (2927 Sunset Blvd.) from 11am to 5pm, which will have Creative Director Nguyen and Naruto executives in attendance. Silverlake Ramen will create a limited number of Naruto Onigiri (Japanese rice balls) for customers in attendance that will be available on a first-come, first-served basis – and, as you can see from our snaps, they’re pretty adorable.
If you don’t live in LA but still want to visit Ichiraku Ramen, you can find your nearest Silverlake Ramen at silverlakeramen.com.
