A new self-serve ramen shop has opened at Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto, offering customers the opportunity to cook their own meals. K-Ramyun, which had a soft opening on November 22, is located next to Lids and Zales on the mall’s second level.
Co-owner Jane Lee explained that although there were initial plans to partner with Seoul Street, she and her mother, Iris Lee, decided instead to establish their own business in Modesto. Jane Lee lives in Los Angeles but makes weekly trips to deliver instant ramen packets sourced from various markets there. Iris Lee has lived and worked in Modesto for five years.
Customers at K-Ramyun select from dozens of instant ramen varieties displayed on a wall. Vegan and high-protein options are available, and gluten-free noodles may be added in the future according to Jane Lee. The shop also sells ice cream, kimbap, chips, and drinks.
Ramen prices start at $7.95. Free toppings include green onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeños. Additional toppings such as mozzarella cheese, Spam, sausage, enoki mushrooms, rice cakes or fish cakes cost $1 each; dumplings or shrimp can be added for $3.
After choosing ingredients, patrons receive a tray and paper bowl along with instructions for using a machine that adds water and boils the noodles: “Press one button (depending on the base of your noodles) and press start.” Customers then eat their prepared meal.
K-Ramyun is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
