Inside Columbus' new DIY ramen cafe
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New self-serve ramen cafe Ramyun EZ at 5025 Olentangy River Road. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
When the self-serve ramen cafe Ramyun EZ opened last month off Bethel Road, some locals were skeptical: Can't you just make that at home?
Reality check: No, you can't — unless you've got a buffet of fresh vegetables, a Korean convenience store and a $700 ramen-cooking machine in your kitchen.
How it works: Pick a pack from the picturesque "ramen library" and pay for toppings.
- Some are extra, like eggs, cheeses and meats, but all-you-can-eat vegetables are a flat price.
- Take your selections to the aforementioned machine and watch the magic happen.
Plus: Try an assortment of coffees, fizzy, fruity Ade drinks and snacks like Korean pancakes, dumplings, corndogs and Kimbap.
What I ate: A bowl with pork belly, vegetables and an egg ($12). I also added a refreshing white grape Ade ($6), which would pair well if, unlike me, you like your ramen extra-spicy.
💭 My thought bubble: Columbus has no shortage of ramen, but places like this are more about the experience than the food — just check TikTok.
- It was packed on Friday afternoon, and fun additions like giant cup noodle tables and an instant camera photo wall make it memorable.
The bottom line: You can make coffee at home, but coffee shops are still popular. This fun, bustling cafe gave me a similar "gathering place" vibe.
Stop by: 5025 Olentangy River Road. 10am-10pm Monday-Friday, 10am-11pm Saturday and 10am-9pm Sunday. Menu.
🌏 Go deeper: See the other international foods we've mapped as part of our "Eating Around the World" series.
