Claimed to be the world’s strongest ramen!! Qbogi founder brings limited 1,000 bowls to Taiwan

▲ Qbogi Tonkotsu Ramen Shop founder and head chef Ikuta Satrosh (right) led his key team member Nobuhiro Sonoda (left) to Taiwan and created a limited run of 1,000 bowls of ramen for Taiwanese diners. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Reporter Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei Reporting

Voted the number one Japanese ramen shop in Taiwan by netizens, the “Qbogi Tonkotsu Ramen Shop” is famous for creating incredibly unique new flavors. It previously launched the “365 Days, One Flavor Per Day” campaign, and to date has developed over 1,000 types of ramen. Founder and head chef Ikuta Satrosh, known as the “American Ikuta King,” visited Taiwan today (26th) and specially created a new flavor for Taiwanese customers—the “American Ikuta King.” Limited to 1,000 bowls, with an average of 200 bowls available per store across Taiwan’s five locations.

“Making friends around the world through ramen and making everyone fall in love with ramen.” The slogan of the world’s strongest tonkotsu ramen in-store reflects Ikuta Satrosh’s great passion and confidence in ramen. The Qbogi Tonkotsu Ramen Shop, which differs from traditional ramen eateries, gained massive popularity in Tokyo shortly after opening by introducing a new flavor every week. It stood out among tens of thousands of ramen shops and was awarded the Tokyo Ramen Award’s Grand Prix in 2013.


▲ Ikuta Satrosh is committed to using ramen to befriend the world and has developed many innovative flavors. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

On this visit to Taiwan, Ikuta Satrosh has once again developed a new flavor, the “American Ikuta King.” Compared to the shop’s classic Four Heavenly Kings—“Tonkotsu King,” “Akakings,” “Midori King,” and “Kuro King”—this one is dubbed the “Special King.” Ikuta Satrosh emphasized that this is specially made for Taiwanese ramen fans. The noodles uniquely incorporate chili powder from eight countries including Japan, Korea, and Mexico into the flour itself, so the noodles emit a spicy aroma. The broth uses the shop’s signature classic tonkotsu and is not spicy, keeping all the heat in the noodles. However, this limited-edition American Ikuta King won’t be customizable this time—it features a rich selection of ingredients with the star being American-style hamburger patties, along with lettuce, sweet corn, tomatoes, and diced onions to create a diverse texture.


▲ The limited-edition ramen “American Ikuta King” made specially for Taiwanese customers. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)


▲ Special chili-infused noodles with American hamburger patties. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

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Ikuta Satrosh mentioned that he loves traveling and gathering various food-related information to explore the endless possibilities of ingredients. The “American Ikuta King” was inspired by his impressions of American culture—its diversity, freedom, inclusiveness, and richness. He said, “This is a bowl of ramen that feels unrestrained, allowing you to fully enjoy delightful ingredients. The bright colors visually also bring a feeling of wow and uplift your mood.” Ikuta Satrosh further emphasized that during his time studying in New York, he confirmed his idea of using ramen to make friends around the world. On this “gratitude trip” to Taiwan, he specifically dedicated this flavor to the Taiwanese people.


▲ Ikuta Satrosh emphasized that this is a ramen specially made for the Taiwanese. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

(The special American Ikuta King ramen will be available at all branches starting June 29, with 200 bowls per store, priced at NT$280 each, while supplies last.)

Qbogi Tonkotsu Ramen Shop
Zhongxiao Branch: 1F, No. 5, Lane 75, Section 1, Da’an Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City
Ximen Branch: 6F, No. 52, Hanzhong St., Wanhua District, Taipei City
Tianmu Branch: No. 2, Lane 10, Alley 50, Tianmu E. Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City
Dazhi Branch: 2F, No. 301, Lequn 3rd Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Taichung Branch: 3F, No. 120, Section 3, Henan Rd., West District, Taichung City