A self-serve Korean ramen shop is set to open at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto, bringing a popular trend from South Korea to the Central Valley. The new store, called K-Ramyon, will be located on the second level of the mall near Lids and across from Zales. The opening is expected within the next month.
K-Ramyon is owned by Seoul Street, a Southern California company that has attracted significant attention on TikTok and other social media platforms. Videos featuring Seoul Street’s self-cook ramen concept have drawn millions of views online, highlighting the growing interest in customizable instant ramen experiences.
In South Korea, convenience stores commonly feature machines where customers can prepare their own ramen meals with various toppings. Seoul Street has adapted this model for its California locations, allowing customers to select from over 100 instant ramen packets, including well-known brands such as Buldok.
After choosing a ramen packet, customers can pick free toppings like green onion, cilantro, lime, onion, and jalapeño. Additional toppings such as steamed egg, Spam, sausage, rice cakes, corn, fish cakes, mozzarella or cheddar cheese are available for $1 each. Occasionally, special toppings like beef, seafood, dumplings and kimchi are offered.
The price for an instant ramen meal with included toppings at Seoul Street is $7.99. After assembling their meal with selected noodles and toppings, customers use a machine to cook their dish by selecting settings such as soup-based broth or stir-fried noodles.
Side dishes may include gimbap (Korean rice rolls), seaweed sheets, white rice and pickled radish. The restaurant will also serve a range of drinks — some packaged in pouches that can be mixed with ice in cups — including options like coffee with melon milk.
