Four chefs. Four legendary ramen bowls. One kitchen. One night.
On May 3, 2025, at Café Rijsel in Amsterdam, four renowned ramen chefs from around the world will come together for Ramen Legends Night. This once-in-a-lifetime event will showcase their masterful craft, giving ramen enthusiasts a rare opportunity to savor iconic creations.
“We’ve collaborated with these extraordinary chefs for years, even decades, and always dreamed of uniting them in one kitchen. Now, that dream is becoming a reality. It’s an incredible honor to give ramen lovers in Amsterdam the chance to experience their unique creations,” says Kenshiro Uki, President of Sun Noodle North America and Director of Sun Noodle Europe BV.
Meet the Ramen Legends
Shigemi Kawahara – IPPUDO (Japan)
Dubbed the "Ramen King", Shigemi Kawahara revolutionized Tonkotsu ramen, transforming it into a global phenomenon. Founder of IPPUDO in 1985, his relentless pursuit of innovation has led to over 290 locations worldwide. A three-time winner of TV Tokyo’s Ramen Master Chef Championships and a Ramen Hall of Fame inductee, Kawahara’s Akamaru Tonkotsu ramen continues to set the standard for excellence. He will be serving Toribta Paitan, a ramen dish featuring pork, chicken and vegetable broth.
Kenji Chiba, Chibakiya (Japan)
A ramen pioneer, Kenji Chiba trained under one of Japan’s top masters before opening Chibakiya in Tokyo. Known for creating the now-standard soft-boiled egg ramen topping, his meticulous focus on balance and quality has made him a legendary figure in Japan's ramen scene. He also served as chairman of the Japan Ramen Association. He will be serving his OG Classic Shoyu ramen.
Ivan Orkin – Ivan Ramen (USA)
An American who defied the odds, Ivan Orkin made waves in Japan’s fiercely competitive ramen world, blending his Western culinary training with Japanese technique. His cult-favorite ramen shop in Tokyo led to Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop in NYC, a best-selling cookbook, and a feature on Chef’s Table. He will serve his signature cold shio yuzu ramen with local fish.
Luca Catalfamo – Casa Ramen (Italy)
The first non-Japanese chef invited to host a pop-up at the prestigious Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Luca Catalfamo is a true ramen innovator. With Casa Ramen in Milan and Noizu Ramen in Switzerland, he brings a bold, European twist to traditional ramen. His dish for the evening: Ginger Mazesoba.
A Night of Unforgettable Ramen
Guests will have the rare opportunity to watch these legendary chefs in action, experiencing the artistry behind their unique creations. From time-honored classics to bold new interpretations, each bowl tells a story of passion, heritage, and innovation. As an added delight, Café Rijsel’s Chef Iwan Driessen will present a special appetizer to wet guests' appetites.
Founded in 2011, Rijsel was built on the belief that good, simple food and great wine should be accessible to all. Chef Iwan Driessen leads the French-Flemish kitchen, focusing on quality ingredients and refined sauces. In the front of the house, sommelier Pieter Smits and maître Stephanie Lücken create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied, uplifted, and well-fed.
Event Details- TICKETS SOLD OUT
📍 Location: Café Rijsel, Marcusstraat 52, 1091 TK Amsterdam
📅 Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
🍜 What’s on the Menu:
- Akamaru Tonkotsu – Shigemi Kawahara (IPPUDO)
- OG Classic Shoyu Ramen – Kenji Chiba (Chibakiya)
- Cold Shio Yuzu Ramen with Local Fish – Ivan Orkin (Ivan Ramen)
- Ginger Mazesoba – Luca Catalfamo (Casa Ramen)
All ramen bowls will be served in half portions.
Seating Times
🍜 First Seating: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
🍜 Second Seating: 8:30 PM - Until the Ramen Runs Out!
Tickets- SOLD OUT
🎟 Price: €125 per person (Includes 1 special appetizer + 4 half portions of ramen)
Thank you for the overwhelming interest! This event is now fully booked.
Stay tuned for future pop-ups and events!
