It’s been quite a year for Cape Town chef Peter Tempelhoff. Still beaming after his Japanese fine-dining restaurant FYN was named number 37 in the world and number one in Africa by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in July, he and his team are set to open a casual ramen concept, Ramenhead.
We caught up with the celebrated chef to hear more about his new restaurant.
TELL US ABOUT RAMENHEAD…
We’re super excited to launch just downstairs from FYN. We’ve played with the idea of a street-food concept for years, and people were constantly telling us they craved authentic ramen. Chef Ashley Moss (above right) and I returned from an epic ramen-tasting trip to Japan full of techniques, ideas and equipment.
WILL RAMENHEAD SATIATE ALL THE CRAVINGS?
Absolutely! The integrity of ingredients and how they’re treated are of utmost importance. We’re applying fine-dining techniques to casual, satisfying dishes. We imported a Yamato Richmen 2, the rockstar of Japanese ramen-making machines, so the noodles are spot-on. Our traditional broths are deeply flavoured and complex. But we’re keeping the menu simple: four or five variations along with some Japanese snacks like fried chicken karaage and gyoza.
WHAT WILL THE VIBE BE LIKE?
Tristan du Plessis has created an entertaining, high-energy indoor- outdoor space that encourages you to slurp your noodles with abandon. Chef Julia du Toit (above middle) and her team assemble the final dishes in an open finishing kitchen, and there’s a cool ramen lab behind glass. Jennifer Hugé curated a tight selection of wine, spirits and craft beers. It’s a fun Japanese street vibe with a South African twist.
Ramenhead will open its doors December, 13.
This article first appeared in the December 2022 print edition of YourLuxury Africa.
