Our story

About Fou Fow

In 2011, Fou Fow Ramen opened as the first dedicated ramen restaurant in Amsterdam, starting as a small pop-up inside Toko Dun Yong in Chinatown. What began as a modest kitchen experiment — building flavour from scratch and refining deep, slow-simmered broths — would soon leave its mark on the city’s food scene.

At the time, authentic Japanese ramen was still unfamiliar to many. Curious guests explored steaming bowls filled with noodles crafted in Japan, rich broth, and bold toppings. While Amsterdam learned to slurp, we refined our craft.

Word spread quickly among food lovers searching for the best ramen in the city. Lines formed, regulars returned with friends, and the small pop-up soon evolved into a permanent home for ramen enthusiasts.
Today, Fou Fow Ramen continues to serve fresh Japanese noodles in silky, slow-simmered broths, now located at Elandsgracht in the 9 Straatjes. More than just a ramen restaurant, it’s a place where flavour, craft, and atmosphere come together in a bowl of true comfort.

Why Is It Called Fou Fow Ramen?

The name Fou Fow may seem tricky at first — but there’s a story behind it. The founder’s first name is Fow Pyng, pronounced “Fu Ping.” So why spell it “Fou Fow”? Let’s just say his father believed in the freedom of spelling.

Fou Fow is pronounced “Fu Fu,” a childhood nickname meaning “crazy Fow” in French. In Japanese, “Fu Fu” mimics the blowing sound we make to cool hot noodles — the perfect sound for enjoying ramen in Amsterdam without burning your mouth. In Chinese, the characters 復福 are read as “fortune returns,” adding a layer of luck to every bowl. A name that carries culture, humour, and meaning — just like the food itself.

Magic of ramen

The magic of ramen lies in its simplicity.

The founder’s mother used to prepare homemade, hand-pulled noodles. It might sound romantic, but for them it was simply everyday food — comforting, satisfying, and honest. That daily comfort is exactly what makes ramen so powerful.

It’s the balance of texture, aroma, fresh ingredients, and rich flavour that makes a bowl irresistible — the kind you crave again and again.

At Fou Fow Ramen, our noodles are produced in Japan and shipped directly to Amsterdam, ensuring every bowl delivers authentic quality and taste, every day. After all, enjoying real ramen should be a basic human right. Because real ramen isn’t just a dish — it’s a feeling.