Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Specialty
Ramen
The popularity of ramen in North America has led to specialty restaurants.
4.0
Trend score
Trend
What is the Specialty Ramen trend?
Specialty Ramen: Though restaurants specific to ramen dishes are very common in North America, the rise of taking this specialty even further can be observed. This is happening through unique experiences such as glow-in-the-dark noodles or subscription boxes. These specialty restaurants allow consumers more choice and allow brands to differentiate themselves from emerging competitors.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Specialty Ramen trend
With the growth of foodie culture and the exposure to a variety of international cuisines through digital channels, consumers are becoming accustomed to more culinary diversity. However, foodie consumers are also acutely aware of the rituals surrounding food and thus seek experiences alongside exotic food forms and flavors.
Trend themes
Themes within the Specialty Ramen trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Specialty Ramen Experiences
Ramen restaurants are offering unique experiences such as glow-in-the-dark noodles and subscription boxes to entice and differentiate themselves from competitors.
02
Drive-Thru Ramen Restaurants
Drive-thru restaurants are expanding beyond traditional American fast food and offering Japanese dishes to consumers craving speed and convenience.
03
Ultra-Contemporary Hidden Bars
The traditional concept of speakeasies is being reinvented with contemporary interior design that is well-lit and airy, offering a different type of atmosphere for customers.
Industry implications
What the Specialty Ramen trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Food Service
Opportunities to offer unique and exclusive experiences to customers who crave authenticity and diversity in their international cuisine options.
For
Technology
Apps that integrate subscription box services or convenient ordering methods for food service businesses to help expand their reach and accessibility to customers.
For
Hospitality
Opportunities to create contemporary and unique speakeasies that offer a different type of atmosphere and experience for patrons, appealing to a wider range of customers.
Workshop question
How could your brand add a specialty function/aspect to its product or service?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Specialty Ramen
Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 57%, freshness 8%.
Popularity56%
Activity57%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Specialty Ramen trend
4 featured examples from Nov 2, 2017 to Jan 16, 2019CategoryLifestyle
Glow-in-the-Dark Ramen Bars
Bompas & Parr is Opening a Showstopping Ramen Noodle Bar in Atlanta
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce unconventional dining concepts to attract adventurous food enthusiasts.
CategoryArt & Design
Ultra-Contemporary Hidden Bars
Arnold Cheung Designs a Super Stylish Speakeasy in Brooklyn
The hospitality industry can capitalize on the trend of contemporary speakeasies by creating hidden bars within their establishments that offer a unique and modern experience.
CategoryTech
Subscription Service Ramen
Yaro Ramen Expanded to Allow Consumers to Order Dishes Through an App
The expansion of Yaro Ramen's app and subscription service highlights the potential for the restaurant industry to integrate technology and explore new revenue streams.
CategoryLifestyle
Drive-Thru Ramen Restaurants
Shin-Sen-Gumi 2GO Offers Japanese Dishes via Drive-Thru
Fast food restaurants can innovate with non-traditional offerings and convenient drive-thru service.
