New Blade Runner themed Ramen Bar to open in Philly this week
On Thursday, November 2nd, Chika Ramen Bar will welcome patrons at its Rittenhouse location, situated on the basement level of 1526 Sansom Street. Spanning 2,000 square feet and accommodating 48 guests, the restaurant draws inspiration from the 1982 sci-fi classic, Blade Runner, renowned for its memorable noodle bar scene.
The term “chika” in Japanese translates to basement or underground, aligning with the clandestine ambiance the eatery aims to cultivate. Managed by Glu Hospitality, an Asian-led restaurant consortium steered by Tim Lu and Derek Gibbons, Chika Ramen Bar aspires to transport its guests to a futuristic realm, influencing its culinary offerings, beverages, and interior design.
Chika’s menu boasts authentic ramen dishes and Japanese delicacies, curated by Dean Leevongcharoen, a seasoned chef with 12 years of experience, trained in Japan. He previously ran his own ramen establishment until 2022. Patrons can savor their signature hakata-style “tonkotsu” noodle soup, enriched with a pork bone broth simmered for over 24 hours, garnished with chashu pork, shiitake mushrooms, menma, red pickled ginger, sesame, scallions, and a hint of roasted garlic oil. The menu also features Japanese staples like takoyaki, yakatori, edamame, seaweed salad, hand rolls, and more. Dietary accommodations for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free preferences are available.
The establishment houses a comprehensive bar, overseen by Michael Ego, Glu’s head of Asian concepts. The drink menu includes sake, both local and Japanese beers, wine, and inventive cocktails like the roy batty and electric dheep.
Chika Ramen Bar’s official launch is set for next Thursday at 4 pm. They operate from Mondays to Wednesdays between 4 pm to 10 pm (kitchen wraps up at 9 pm), Thursdays to Saturdays from 4 pm to 2 am (kitchen concludes at 1 am), and Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm (kitchen winds down at 8 pm). For now, they’re accepting walk-ins only, with no reservation option. Their extensive kitchen menu is accessible throughout the day, and they anticipate introducing lunch and brunch menus soon.
