While most Americans think of ramen noodles coming out of a pre-packaged bag or a plastic container, you can now experience the magic that is “real ramen” right here in the metro area.
Okko Ramen Asian Kitchen has opened on Gordy Pkwy. in East Cobb, with the goal of sharing that love of fresh Asian cuisine. No, this is not the ramen that Americans are familiar with, coming out of a plastic bag or a cup.
The new restaurant is located at 3045 Gordy Pkwy., Suite 108 in East Cobb (Marietta), but it it easily accessible from Cobb County, Roswell, Woodstock and other points.
With parents that ran a Chinese restaurant since they came to America back in the 1980’s, sister and brother, Becky and Ken Wong were very fortunate to get hands on experience with everything that it took to run a restaurant. They grew up eating Ma’s traditional family style Chinese cuisine and Pop’s Chinese cuisine that was taught to him as a chef in Guangzhou, China.
“My “Ma”, was an excellent cook and homemaker”, explains Becky. “I think that she perfected her cooking at the restaurant. I have fond memories of growing up enjoying lots of “comfort foods!” I have always believed that cooking for someone is a very personal experience. Not only are you feeding someone, you are also feeding that person’s soul. I completed my studies at KSU and graduated with a BS in business. After graduation, I opened my first restaurant in the East Cobb community. It grew into a successful restaurant and an important part of the neighborhood. As the business became more stable, I decided started a family of my own.”
Becky recently traveled across China and Thailand in pursuit of food tasting, but accidently landed in Japan and “ramen” ended up being her quest.
“I asked everyone who was the best ramen chef in Japan? All fingers pointed to Mr. Tanaka, the elderly ramen master in Fujikawaguchiko (in the shadow the great Mt. Fuji). It is such a beautiful place in the mystical fog of the mountain with pure air and crystal clear streams. It is approximately 1.5 hours from Tokyo. I studied ramen making for 12 months in Japan under the master himself. He was hesitant to teach a foreigner (Gaijin) since it is generally frowned upon, but I was persistent in asking him to teach me. He had learned English previously, but he had not used it for years until he decided to train me. His daughter helped translate during lessons to bridge the fluency gaps.”
Brother, Ken, works the kitchen and makes the ramen from scratch.
“Real traditional ramen is a healthy food that makes you smile and feel good about life,” adds Becky. It was originally a Chinese noodle dish served in Japan in the 1800’s, however, it is currently recognized as a Japanese dish. It is a relatively simple dish to prepare, but it takes considerable skill and time to master the soup base. The soup base and fresh noodles set apart a good ramen restaurant from a great one.”
Real ramen and other Asian favorites are now available in East Cobb. This food tastes great, is healthy and fills you up. Ramen is a great meal, anytime of the year and anytime of the day.
There is something for everyone and every palate at Okko, and Becky says patrons can expect something unique. Beer and wine will also be served. There is free Wi-Fi and seating for about 60.
Okko Ramen Asian Kitchen is inviting and unique. Fresh, handmade ramen and other Asian specialties. Located at 3045 Gordy Pkwy., Suite 108 in Marietta, Okko Ramen is open daily for lunch and dinner. To see more visit www.okkoramen.com.
