By Majella Taylor, New Openings Editor, H&C News: Matsudai Ramen at the Bank in Cardiff’s Grangetown now open.
Matsudai Ramen have opened their first bricks and mortar ramen restaurant, Matsudai Ramen at the Bank in Cardiff’s Grangetown, following a six-month refurbishment of the former NatWest bank site.
Since starting out in late 2019, Matsudai Ramen’s pop-up events have taken over kitchens in London, Manchester and Bristol, delighting die-hard fans and ramen newbies alike.
And while in-person events were out of the question, thousands of DIY ramen kits were freshly prepared by James’ growing team and delivered to households all over the UK.
Whilst the DIY ramen kits will continue to be a core part of Matsudai’s offering, Matsudai Ramen at the Bank will give guests a chance to enjoy an eclectic variety of ramen styles served straight from their new, open-plan kitchen.
Available ramen styles will change with the seasons; the opening week side dishes menu included James’ signature Karaage (a Japanese method of deep frying) chicken and mushrooms, Miso Tare Buttered Corn, and spicy Moyashi Salad.
Available ramen bowls included a clean, complex umami-packed summer Nikko Shio made with chicken & dried seafood double soup base, salt tare, handmade thin noodles, sous vide chicken breast, and topped with chicken & chive wontons; and a soupless, spicy Shiru-Nashi Mazesoba, with a sesame soy-milk soy sauce, house rayu chilli oil, thick wavy handmade noodles, chicken & lamb ragu, soy marinated egg-yolk, and a selection of fresh toppings.
Matsudai founder James Chant said of the opening: “The fact that we’ve just opened Wales’ first ramen shop – in my hometown – is still very surreal to me.
“Talk about letting a hobby get out of hand! Since we opened the doors last week, the feedback has been amazing – for the food, the space, and also our brilliant staff who have picked things up so quickly and are able to offer so much guidance. As for our location, Grangetown is just a brilliant place to be – the community here has been so welcoming. We just want to say a big fat thank you.”
Matsudai Ramen at the Bank will be open Monday to Friday 5-10pm, and Saturdays 12-10pm. From September 28th, it will also open Sundays from 12-7pm.