# Specialty Ramen The popularity of ramen in North America has led to specialty restaurants. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jan 31, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/specialty-ramen ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 2, 2017 to Jan 16, 2019 - Published: Jan 31, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Specialty Ramen trend ### 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. ### Drive-Thru Ramen Restaurants Drive-thru restaurants are expanding beyond traditional American fast food and offering Japanese dishes to consumers craving speed and convenience. ### 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. ## What the Specialty Ramen trend means for industry ### For 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 for Specialty Ramen Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 56%, activity 57%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 56% - Activity: 57% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Specialty Ramen trend 4 featured examples from Nov 2, 2017 to Jan 16, 2019. - [Glow-in-the-Dark Ramen Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-noodle-bar): Bompas & Parr is Opening a Showstopping Ramen Noodle Bar in Atlanta (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce unconventional dining concepts to attract adventurous food enthusiasts. - [Ultra-Contemporary Hidden Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-bar): Arnold Cheung Designs a Super Stylish Speakeasy in Brooklyn (Category: Art & Design) Implication: 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. - [Subscription Service Ramen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yaro-ramen): Yaro Ramen Expanded to Allow Consumers to Order Dishes Through an App (Category: Tech) Implication: 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. - [Drive-Thru Ramen Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shinsengumi-2go): Shin-Sen-Gumi 2GO Offers Japanese Dishes via Drive-Thru (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food restaurants can innovate with non-traditional offerings and convenient drive-thru service. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)