Chapter 12 Is it a Ramen Shop or a Sandwich Shop?
Honestly, that’s a valid question. My love for food stretches far and wide, and taking the lessons ramen has taught me to reinterpret another dish is the ultimate challenge. Turning ramen into a sandwich might sound far-fetched, but it’s not impossible. What we do at Kuma Ramen complements the art of the perfect sandwich while putting our unique spin on it.
This idea aligns perfectly with what Kuma Ramen stands for: bold flavors and pushing boundaries. I was inspired by a certain dream shop in Boston to try this, and just one week before the flooding, we introduced the Kuma Banh Mi. A lucky few got to taste the first iteration, and let me tell you—it was special.
The initial idea was to create something that could boost sales during the hot months without straying too far from our identity. But after testing the first batch, I knew it had to stay on the menu—it was simply too extraordinary to let go.
We source our baguettes from a popular Turkish bakery. While it’s not a traditional Vietnamese baguette, it’s closer to any European style with a shattering crust that works perfectly for our purposes. Toasted in the oven and loaded with toppings, this bread becomes the foundation of something magical.
A proper Banh Mi needs rich, creamy pâté—and ours is made in-house with a twist. We use chashu and chashu lard alongside pork liver for a uniquely savory flavor. For the meat, we pull tender chashu ribs to create a pulled pork-style filling. Of course, no Banh Mi is complete without daikon and carrot pickles, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and Kewpie mayo instead of Vietnamese mayo.
The real showstopper? The French Dip. Imagine dipping your sandwich into our Tonkotsu consommé—it lubricates every bite with an extra layer of unctuousness. Feeling indulgent? Add Spicy Seabura (marinated backfat) for next-level richness. It’s decadent, filthy in the best way possible, and absolutely unforgettable.
So, is Kuma Ramen also a sandwich shop? Maybe—but only in the most delicious way imaginable.
