The only branch of Menya Itto in Taiwan — if you want to try it, you’ll have to come to Taipei

▲ Special thick seafood tsukemen. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

The popular Japanese ramen shop Menya Itto is set to officially open its first Taiwan branch on April 18. However, due to the difficulty of perfectly replicating the taste of the original Japanese location, the shop’s president, Mr. Sakamoto Yukihiko, had never planned to open a second outlet. But after finding common ground with Taiwan-based agent Shin Tai on brand values and business philosophy, he made an exception to bring Menya Itto to Taiwan.Still, there will be only one branch, located in Zhongshan District, Taipei, with no plans for any additional locations elsewhere in Taiwan.

In fact, there is only one Menya Itto in Japan, located in Shin-Koiwa, Tokyo. According to Lay Jou-Chu, brand manager for Menya Itto Taiwan, President Sakamoto Yukihiko is very dedicated to running the shop, using only the highest quality ingredients, which makes it possibly the most expensive ramen to produce in the industry. To maintain consistent quality and stay true to the original flavor, there is only one Menya Itto in Japan. Franchising is done under different brand names, such as Tonkotsu Itto — a brand that was originally also approved for introduction to Taiwan by Shin Tai.

However, during the agency discussions, Sakamoto Yukihiko found that he and Shin Tai shared similar core beliefs, especially regarding brand identity, business philosophy, and unwavering standards. He appreciated that Shin Tai prioritized not just running the brand well, but also increasing its recognition and reputation in Taiwan. As a result, he made an exception to allow Menya Itto to open its second global store in Taiwan. True to Sakamoto’s original philosophy, Taiwan’s Menya Itto will also have only one branch — the one in Zhongshan District, Taipei.

However, Lay Jou-Chu stated that they are also in talks about Sakamoto Yukihiko’s other brand, “Tonkotsu Itto.” Once Menya Itto is running smoothly, plans will begin for opening Tonkotsu Itto as well.

Address: No. 29, Section 1, Nanjing East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2581-1711


▲ President Sakamoto Yukihiko cooking noodles himself. (Photo / Reporter Huang Kexiang)


▲ There will only be one Menya Itto in Taiwan. (Photo / Reporter Huang Shiyuan)