IchiRyu Ramen House Named “Ramen of the Year” at Entrepreneurial Elite Awards 2026

Filipino-owned ramen brand marks major milestone as the only Filipino- owned group recognized at this year’s awards

IchiRyu Ramen House, the UAE-homegrown Japanese ramen brand with a growing presence in Dubai and Japan, has been named “Ramen of the Year” at the Entrepreneurial Elite Awards 2026, held on August 28 at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The recognition marks a significant milestone for IchiRyu as the only Filipino-owned group to receive an award at this year’s ceremony, highlighting the brand’s growth and the increasing presence of Filipino entrepreneurship within the UAE’s highly competitive food and beverage industry.

The Entrepreneurial Elite Awards recognizes outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across various sectors. IchiRyu’s recognition as “Ramen of the Year” reflects the brand’s commitment to quality, consistency, Japanese culinary tradition, and its continued evolution from a homegrown UAE concept into an international ramen brand.

“This recognition means so much to all of us at IchiRyu. Ramen is a craft that demands patience, discipline, and respect for tradition, so to be named Ramen of the Year is an affirmation of everything our team has worked for. From Dubai to opening our doors in Japan, we have always believed that good ramen has no borders. This award inspires us to keep improving, stay true to our craft, and serve every bowl with the same passion we had from day one,” said Chef Touru De Guzman, Executive Chef of IchiRyu Ramen House.

From Dubai to Japan: A Year of Growth

The award comes during a landmark period of expansion for IchiRyu Ramen House, as the brand strengthens its presence in Dubai while taking an important step onto the international stage.

Its Wasl branch established IchiRyu’s presence in Dubai, followed by the opening of its Dubai Marina branch on October 1, 2025, which will celebrate its first anniversary this October.

In June 2026, IchiRyu reached one of its most significant milestones with the opening of its first location in Chichibu, Saitama, Japan. The expansion brought the UAE- born, Filipino-owned ramen brand into the very country and culinary culture that inspired its creation.

The next chapter begins in September 2026, when IchiRyu opens its third Dubai branch at Westview Terrace in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).

With locations now spanning the UAE and Japan, IchiRyu continues to pursue its mission of serving carefully crafted ramen rooted in Japanese tradition while building a brand shaped by Filipino entrepreneurship, dedication, and hospitality.

The “Ramen of the Year” recognition represents more than an award for IchiRyu. It is a milestone in a journey that began in Dubai and has now crossed borders — demonstrating how a homegrown Filipino-owned business can embrace and respect another culture’s culinary traditions while earning a place within the industry.

About IchiRyu Ramen House

IchiRyu Ramen House is an award-winning, Filipino-owned Japanese ramen brand founded in the United Arab Emirates. Built on a deep appreciation for Japanese ramen culture, IchiRyu is known for its carefully crafted broths, quality ingredients, authentic Japanese flavors, and warm hospitality.