Ramenhead, the beloved Cape Town restaurant, is expanding its culinary horizons. This spring, it's moving to a larger venue on Kloof Street, adding a dedicated sushi counter, fire-cooked izakaya dishes, and a sake-and-cocktail courtyard bar. This marks a significant shift for the brand, which first opened its doors in 2022 and quickly became a local favorite for its continent-first Yamato Ramen Machine. The new space promises to capture the fast, unpretentious energy of Kloof Street, mirroring Ramenhead's own commitment to craft without pretension.
At the heart of this expansion is Chef Peter Tempelhoff, a culinary visionary whose journey began in unexpected places. After a stint in construction and carpentry in the US, Tempelhoff discovered his true calling in the kitchen. He recalled his mother's friend's encouragement: 'Well, you’ve got something you like, you like cooking. So why don’t you go try to be a chef?'. This led him to a transformative trip to Japan, where he immersed himself in Japanese cooking techniques, not to replicate them, but to let them shine through African ingredients. This fusion of Japanese and African influences is the cornerstone of his acclaimed restaurants, including FYN, which he opened in 2018 with Jennifer Hugé and Ashley Moss.
The FYN Group's success is a testament to Tempelhoff's unique vision. FYN, an Afro-Japanese fine-dining restaurant, has put the group on the global map. Hugé, a sommelier with a keen eye for pairings, leads the service and beverage arm, while Moss, a chef with international experience, handles the kitchen alongside Tempelhoff. Together, they've created a culinary experience that blends Japanese precision with African flavors.
Now, with the new Ramenhead location, Tempelhoff welcomes Chef Julia du Toit as executive chef and partner. Du Toit, a long-time collaborator, brings her expertise to the new venture. Her journey began at Greenhouse, where she rose through the ranks, and later worked with Tempelhoff and Moss at FYN. This addition further strengthens the Fyn Group's culinary prowess.
The expansion to Kloof Street is a strategic move, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Tempelhoff emphasizes the street's fast, unpretentious energy, which perfectly aligns with Ramenhead's ethos. The new space will offer a dedicated sushi counter, fire-cooked izakaya dishes, and a courtyard bar, providing a unique dining experience that combines Japanese and African influences.
As Ramenhead embarks on this new chapter, it continues to showcase the power of culinary creativity and cultural fusion. The restaurant's evolution from Parliament Street to Kloof Street is a testament to its commitment to innovation and its ability to adapt to new environments. With its expanded offerings, Ramenhead is poised to become an even more beloved destination for food enthusiasts in Cape Town and beyond.
