The Design Story Behind the World’s First Ippudo Ramen Bar

Ippudo has long been synonymous with ramen-making mastery, but with the debut of its first-ever Ramen Bar concept, the brand ventures into a bold new direction. Here, heritage and innovation converge in a strikingly modern space. Hong Kong-based architecture firm DEFT translated the brand’s storied identity into a fresh, contemporary experience. The result is a space that is both inviting and dynamic, a balance of tradition and reinvention. In this exclusive interview with BluPrint, Architect Peter Lampard of DEFT shared insights into the creative vision behind the innovative Ippudo Ramen Bar.

Honoring Tradition Through a Contemporary Lens

Standard Hospitality Group (SHG), the company also behind Yabu, Kiwami, and Elephant Grounds, is a long time collaborator of IPPUDO (Chikaranomoto Holdings). Together, they proudly unveiled this groundbreaking new concept on March 27 at Uptown Mall, BGC. SHG CEO John Concepcion revealed the Japanese brand gave them free reign in reimagining the ramen experience from the ground up.

“At its core, Ippudo Ramen Bar still holds mastery and authority,” explains Lampard. “It made sense to us to lean into Ippudo’s heritage, looking into ephemera from its beginnings in the 80s. Typewritten documents stood out the most, with their confidence and raw edge. Additionally, this reference felt like a good foil to the store design’s sleeker look.” The result is a design that pays homage to Ippudo’s origins. It embraces a more minimalist, forward-thinking aesthetic—expressing tradition and innovation in equal measure.

The success of any dining space depends on how it makes customers feel, and DEFT designed Ippudo Ramen Bar to be an immersive experience. “We wanted the atmosphere to feel both inviting and dynamic, a space where customers could fully immerse themselves in the experience,” says Lampard. To achieve this, the team prioritized balanced indirect lighting. This effectively softens the ambiance while accentuating the textures and warmth of the space.

Considerate acoustic design also plays a crucial role. “We integrated textiles and timber wall finishes to absorb sound and create an intimate yet lively feel, avoiding that hollow echo you sometimes get in modern spaces,” he adds. Meanwhile, the use of hand-painted cement floor tiles adds a tactile, artisanal touch, grounding the sleek design with a sense of craft. Together, these materials—wood, fabric, and subtle earth tones—create a cocoon-like environment that enhances the dining experience beyond just the food itself.

Striking the Balance

The essence of a ramen bar is rooted in tradition, yet Ippudo infuses it with a contemporary edge. “We anchored the design around the iconic ramen bar counter—it’s the heart of the space, a nod to the traditional Japanese ramen shop where the craft unfolds right in front of you,” Lampard explains. The symmetrical layout lends a sense of order and discipline. Abstract shapes and a contemporary color palette—muted metallics and bold accents—introduce a modern dynamism.

“It’s about honoring the simplicity and focus of tradition while letting the space breathe with a modern sensibility that feels fresh and relevant,” he continues. The end result is a seamless dialogue between past and present, a space that respects heritage without feeling beholden to it.

A few key elements make Ippudo Ramen Bar a visual and sensory standout. “The glowing katcha fabric-clad feature bowl display above the bar is a showstopper—it’s this luminous, almost sculptural moment that draws your eye and celebrates the ramen bowl as an icon,” says Lampard.

The carefully framed main window, another highlight, offers passersby a curated glimpse of the vibrant interior. “It’s both an invitation and a tease, framing the energy of the interior,” he adds. Meanwhile, the metallic-clad facade creates a striking contrast—a hard, almost industrial shell that encloses the warmth within. “These features don’t just stand out visually; they tell the story of Ippudo’s evolution in a bold, tangible way.”

Enhancing the Culinary Experience Through Design

Beyond aesthetics, the design of Ippudo Ramen Bar was crafted to elevate the dining experience. “We made sure everyone has a view of the kitchen—it’s open and unmissable, letting customers see the action of the kitchen team, the precision, the movement,” Lampard explains. The acoustics, carefully tuned to maintain a lively but controlled energy. Even during peak hours, the space never feels overwhelming.

The efficient seating plan maximizes space without feeling cramped, catering to both quick solo diners and those settling in for a longer meal. “It’s all about creating this dynamic, communal vibe where the design doesn’t just support the menu—it amplifies the whole experience into something memorable and engaging.”

With Ippudo Ramen Bar, DEFT has successfully redefined what a ramen experience can be. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, not just in the food but in the space itself—where every design choice enhances the ritual of enjoying a perfect bowl of ramen.

The new Ippudo Ramen Bar opens its doors to the public at Uptown BGC on March 29, 2025.

Photos courtesy of Standard Hospitality Group.

Read more: Architecture of Dining: The Best Restaurant Interior Design of 2024

Jose Siao Ling: An Architectural Legacy Founded on Integrity

As the built environment evolves, the role of the architect demands reconsideration. For Jose Siao Ling, Co-Founder and Principal Architect of Jose Siao Ling & Associates (JSLA Architects), the role extends far beyond being a licensed professional who designs and oversees construction. By championing ethical practice, ISO-certified systems, and mentorship-driven leadership, he built a firm […]

How FotomotoPH Turned the Paseo Underpass in Makati into an Art Exhibit

Public spaces in Metro Manila are often defined by movement rather than pause. People in transit hurry through; the underpass is a shortcut, not a place to stop.  Underground, the installation by photography group FotomotoPH, reimagined the Paseo Underpass as a visual experience. FotomotoPH is a Philippine-based photography collective dedicated to promoting, exhibiting, and fostering […]

Ito Kish on Balancing Minimalism and Depth This Season

Born and raised in San Pablo City, Laguna, Ito Kish made a name for himself through residential and commercial design, as well as curatorial work. This new season, built on the idea of Filipino Culture Meets Global Curiosity, unfolds both as a composed showroom environment and a new collection shaped by stillness and balance. A […]

On Breakthroughs: Architect Pierre Briones on Establishing His Name in Architecture 

Breaking through in their respective careers is a daunting task for any young professional. For Architect Pierre Briones, architecture has always been an intentional pursuit. Having spent much of his childhood around construction sites, Briones’s environment shaped his interest in architecture, including his fascination with how structures and buildings are built. “Choosing architecture was never […]

Bobby Mañosa’s Iconic ‘Bobi Toys’ Become Sculptures in ‘Tanaw’ 

Not many people know this, but during the Martial Law era, National Artist for Architecture Bobby Mañosa was also a toy designer. He had an iconic line of toys, called “Bobi Toys,” that he sold in Makati during the 1970s and 1980s, which he discontinued as his own kids grew older. His toys have not […]

‘Dialogo’: Two Artists Collaborative and Find Middle Ground in New Exhibit

Cloud Grey Gallery put together two esteemed artists, Manuel Ocampo and Ronald Ventura, for Dialogo. As a gallery located at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Cloud Grey has a more forward-thinking approach to contemporary art movements at the time. “They’re provocations,” the gallery declared as they described their approach, “invitations to see the familiar transformed.” For […]