A New Underground Ramen Bar Opens In Rittenhouse Square
Inspired by the cult Sci-fi classic movie Blade Runner, a new underground Ramen bar just opened in Rittenhouse Square fusing together food, drink, and design.
It’s no secret, Philly loves Ramen! The warm and flavorful bowl of noodle soup is a popular food choice for Philadelphian foodies and families. Now, Rittenhouse Square will be home to a new underground, late-night Ramen bar brought to you by Glu Hospitality.
Chika Ramen Bar
Photo by Cody Aldrich
Chika, Japanese for basement, is the name of the new Ramen bar by Glu Hospitality and partners Derek Gibbons and Tim Lu.
Inspired by the cult Sci-fi classic movie Blade Runner, Chika is setting the bar high for comparative places to eat in Philadelphia.
The new establishment uniquely fuses together food, drink, and design to bring a one-of-a-kind dystopian experience to Philadelphia. The goal is transport patrons into another dimension- free, fun, and open late-nights.
“Glu Hospitality has always wanted to create a ramen shop,” said partner Derek Gibbons in an official press release. “When I moved here from New York City I missed the late night ramen shops that were a go-to in New York after a night out on the town. When I first stepped into this space it just felt like the perfect place to do this concept – there’s nothing else like it in Philadelphia. Sansom Street and Rittenhouse has so much nightlife but is lacking late night dining – and this seemed like the perfect compliment.”
A perfect compliment indeed, Chika Ramen Bar will bring spice and flavor to Rittenhouse.
A Foodie Paradise
Photo by Cody Aldrich
Notably, Executive Chef Dean Leevongcharoen will spearhead the menu. Guests can look for Otsumami (small side dishes and appetizers). Also, salads, traditional ramens, hand rolls and hand roll sets, and desserts are on the menu.
Otsumami will include Gyoza (pan-fried chicken and pork dumplings), Agedashi Tofu (deep fried tofu in dashi broth garnished with scallions and bonito flakes).
Moreover, chow down on Tuna Rice Crisps (tuna tartare, avocado, serrano), Takoyaki (fried octopus balls drizzled with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo), Yakitori (2pcs) (marinated and seasoned chicken skewers), or Tori Karaage (juicy japanese style deep fried chicken thighs and salad).
Lastly, don’t forget to try the Chashu Burger or Ebi Burger (choice of pork or shrimp, steamed buns, scallions, red pickled ginger, eel sauce, spicy mayo and wasabi sauce).
Comparatively, leading the ramen menu is the signature Tonkotsu Chashumen – Chika‘s signature hakata style “tonkotsu” (pork bone broth boiled over 24 hrs) noodle soup topped with marinated chashu pork, shiitake, menma, red pickled ginger, sesame, scallions and drizzled with roasted garlic oil (served with straight noodle).
Visit Chika Ramen Bar
Photo by Cody Aldrich
Indeed, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to an underground bar in Tokyo when you visit Chika. Hours will be Sunday to Thursday, 4:00pm to Midnight (Kitchen closes 11:00pm) and Friday to Saturday, 4:00pm to 2:00am (Kitchen closes 1:00am).
