We visit Bengaluru's self-serve ramen bar, just like the ones in Korean dramas

The Hindu

4 days ago

You may have seen Instagram reels or Korean dramas where people go to Korean or Japanese convenience stores to grab a packet of ramen, cook it in the store and enjoy it with a drink. Now you can get a taste of it here. With his new cafe, city-based Rohan Mudaliar is bringing this slice of this Korean culture to Bengaluru.
Bengaluru's self-serve instant ramen bar, straight out of a Korean drama
'I spent a lot of time in LA, and in Koreatown, I saw many stores like these. That is where I got the idea from,' he tells us. These convenience stores are corner stores that stock instant ramen, cup noodles, ready meals and drinks. They have a microwave or hot water dispenser so you can cook your meals right there and eat them on the counter.
The setup
Located on Hosur Road near Christ university, the K-Soul cafe is a hole in the wall affair. You walk in and see posters of K-pop stars plastered across the walls. Built in shelves on one side have stacks of instant ramen packets in various flavours and brands. Spicy Nongshim Shin Ramyun and Samyang Buldak noodles are the popular options. There are spicy ones and cheesy options. The cafe has electric hot water dispensers and cooktops to make your noodles.
Another shelf stocks the drinks. Packets of caramel macchiato and Americanos for the caffeine heads. Cream soda and canned juices in unique flavours like honey grapefruit, aloe vera and blue lemon also catch my eye. On the other end of the cafe is a fridge filled with ice cream.
How it works
You select the ramen you want, and the drink of choice. You are handed a bowl and a plastic tumbler with ice. You head to the counter and make a payment. The noodles are priced at ₹250, and you can have unlimited toppings for additional ₹50. Toppings include spring onions, cheese slices, sausages, corn and kimchi. Drinks, such as Lotte coffee cans, OKF aloe vera sparkling juice, Welch juice cans, and Caffe Bene Cafe brand juice and coffee pouches, are priced for around ₹200, as is the ice cream. Ice cream options include Hwakwabang milk mochi, mini cheesecake bars, and Seolleim frozen milkshake.
Next you take your bowl and head to the machines. These dispense hot water and also have a heating element. You add the hot water, toppings, and your ramen is ready in three minutes. You can then take your ramen, drink, and dessert, sit at the counter and enjoy your meal.
Our verdict
The self-service element confused some of the customers, and the staff could be more hands on with their guidance. The selection of ramen and drinks were impressive. And the location near a college makes it a huge hit.
Cost for two ₹1,000. At Hosur Road.