Philly is chock full of experiences, but this is a new one.
Glu Hospitality is opening the doors of a new ‘Blade Runner ‘-themed ramen spot, Chika, in the Rittenhouse area of the city on Nov. 2, at 4 p.m. Partners Derek Gibbons and Tim Lu modeled the late-night spot in a vision similar to those in New York City and Tokyo.
“Glu Hospitality has always wanted to create a ramen shop,” said Gibbons in a statement. “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.”
He added, “Our Asian sushi concepts Raw, Izakaya Fishtown and Sushi Suite have been so well received by the public. We feel there is demand for more in Philadelphia and the entire region. We love that we have the opportunity to create interesting food and drink destinations that bring together classic Asian cuisine with unique spaces and original beverage offerings.”
Chika also takes inspiration from the famous noodle bar scene in ‘Blade Runner’ featuring Harrison Ford, and they worked with award-winning architects and designers BOXwood for that unique aesthetic. In the kitchen however, guests will find a menu designed by Executive Chef Dean Leevongcharoen, who graduated from the Penn State School of Hospitality Management, a release states. Leevongcharoen, a chef and restaurateur for 12 years—who formerly owned a Ramen shop of his own—trained in Japan, Lyon in France, and the Paul Bocuse Restaurant School.
His menu will feature 5 styles of ramen: otsumami (small side dishes and appetizers), salads, traditional ramens, hand rolls and hand roll sets, and desserts.
Highlights include pan-fried chicken and pork dumplings, tuna tartare, fried octopus balls drizzled with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo, plus, Chika’s signature Hakata style “tonkotsu” (pork bone broth boiled over 24 hours) noodle soup topped with marinated cha shu pork, shiitake, menma, red pickled ginger, sesame, scallions and drizzled with roasted garlic oil (served with straight noodles).
There are also vegan and gluten-free options available at Chika, including edamame (fresh steamed soybeans with sea salt), Agedashi tofu (deep fried tofu in dashi broth garnished with scallions and bonito flakes), the Chika salad (mixed lettuce and vegetables with ginger dressing), seaweed salad (seasoned seaweed garnished with red pickled ginger) and veggie ramen, veggie Shoyu ramen, Agedashi tofu, hand rolls and hand roll sets (spanning tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallop, crab, lobster and veggie).
The release also states that at the bar, Philadelphians can look for a beverage program designed by Michael Ego, Glu’s Director of Asian Concepts. Beer will feature a limited selection of local and Japanese picks (Tired Hands, Asahi, Hitachino, and others rotating). While with the wine, there will be a heavy sake focus, by the glass and bottle, plus, sake cups for happy hour, and bottles/carafes for date nights. Sake selections will vary based on seasonal availability, and in the future, diners can also look for collaborations with Sango Kura.
On the cocktail side, Philadelphians can also look for creations that take inspiration from the movie and pair with the chef’s ingredients.
Highlights include the Hannibal Chew (roasted sesame infused vodka, mirin and cucumber), Syrup Nexus-Six (tequila, Bagels & Co Espresso, Ancho Reyes, plus pumpkin and Togarashi Cold Foam), Roy Batty (white rum, strawberry sake, Shisho and Yuzu), and the More Human Than Human (Shochu, fresh citrus, fresh ginger syrup and bubbles.)
Opening services will be dinner and late night, with lunch and brunch to follow down the road. Hours will be Sunday to Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight (kitchen closes 11 p.m.) and Friday to Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes 1 a.m.)
For more information on Chika (1526 Sansom St.,) visit chikaramenbar.com
