Zombie Burger launches ramen pop-up, boba milkshakes
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Photo: Courtesy of Kaiju Ramen
The creative energy used towards Zombie Burger's kooky hamburgers will also go towards a reprised pop-up venture: Ramen.
Driving the news: Kaiju Ramen opened earlier this week at Zombie Burger's East Village location.
- "Kaiju," which means "strange creature" in Japanese, takes inspiration from the giant monsters in Japanese media like Godzilla and Mothra.
- The pop-up operates on the quick-service side of Zombie Burger, which was recently decorated in honor of the new theme.
How it started: George Formaro, Zombie Burger's chef-owner, launched Kaiju Ramen out of the restaurant in 2020 when ghost restaurants and delivery were proliferating.
- Formaro, who fell down a "kaiju rabbit hole," was inspired to merge his pop culture passion with his culinary expertise — thus the ramen pop-up was hatched (like Mothra.)
- Now, it's back for the winter.
The menu: Ramen dishes include "Godzilla," a tonkotsu broth topped with sesame-chile brussel spouts, vegetables and a fried egg, as well as "Rodan" a vegan version featuring a shiitake-charred onion broth (both $14).
- People can add pork belly, pulled pork or tofu to any of the dishes for $4.
Plus: They've done a fun spin on Zombie Burger's popular milkshakes with "boba milkshakes," including peace and vanilla bean, passion fruit and mango.
If you go: Kaiju Ramen is open 12-8pm. Tues-Sat at 300 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines.
