A Legendary Comeback: Nagoya’s Soul Food Ramen "Sugakiya" Returns to Kanto After 20 Years

Sugakiya, the wildly popular ramen chain hailed as the "soul food" of Japan's Tokai region, is making a comeback to the Kanto region (which includes Tokyo) after nearly 20 years. The news of the chain's revival has set social media ablaze, sparking a mix of ecstatic celebrations and anxious speculation among netizens.

Sugakiya is famous for its signature Japanese-style pork bone (tonkotsu-dashi) broth and its unique, hybrid "ramen spoon-fork." On social media, fans are reminiscing about former locations in Yokohama, Totsuka, and Ebina, sharing comments like "Welcome back, Sugakiya! I'm so happy!" and "I never thought the day would come when I could eat it in Kanto again." Meanwhile, Kanto residents who have never experienced Sugakiya are expressing curiosity, writing, "I've always wanted to try it" and "I'll definitely go once it opens."

Because of the deep affection fans hold for the brand, many are sharing advice and explaining "Sugakiya culture" to newcomers. Enthusiasts passionately claim that "you don't go to Sugakiya when you want ramen; you go when you want Sugakiya," and that ordering side dishes like gomoku gohan (seasoned mixed rice) and cream zenzai (a sweet red bean dessert with soft-serve ice cream, affectionately called "Kuri-zen") is an absolute must. Others swear by dumping a generous amount of white pepper into the familiar soup, highlighting that Sugakiya is viewed not just as ramen, but as a unique genre of its own.

However, some take a more cautious view. Concerns like "Will it actually catch on outside of the Tokai region?" and "I hope they don't pull out quickly like last time" have surfaced. Some compare it to popular Kanto-based cheap-eats chains like Hidakaya and Fuji Soba, while others argue that "its value lies precisely in it being a local Nagoya specialty."

Amidst a whirlwind of enthusiastic welcomes and curiosity about whether its distinct culinary culture will thrive in Kanto, Sugakiya's new venture is drawing immense attention. Whether appealing to old fans craving a taste of nostalgia or new customers eager for their first bite, all eyes are on how Sugakiya will fare in its highly anticipated return to Kanto.

The Context: What is Sugakiya?

Sugakiya is an iconic discount ramen and dessert chain based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, in the Tokai region of Japan. Established in 1946, it is deeply embedded in the local culture, often found in shopping mall food courts. It is famous for its ultra-affordable, creamy pork-and-seafood broth, and its patented "Ramen Fork"—a hybrid utensil designed to reduce waste by combining a spoon and fork. For many who grew up in the Nagoya area, Sugakiya represents a nostalgic comfort food deeply tied to their childhood. Expanding beyond its home turf has historically been a challenge for the brand, making this Kanto comeback a highly anticipated milestone.