Famed Ramen Chain Ippudo to Offer Takeout for the First Time in 12 Years

Crowd-favorite Japanese ramen chain Ippudo announced this week that it would start offering takeout for the first time in its history in NYC, in a bid to reopen and start generating some revenue while customers’ return to dining rooms is still a distant future.

Starting on Wednesday, Ippudo is now accepting takeout orders from its Midtown location at 321 W. 51st Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. The to-go menu includes four ramen options, pork, chicken, veggie, and shrimp buns, wings, and rice bowls, among other dishes.

While many restaurants have been forced to make the pivot to takeout and delivery amid the pandemic, the move is especially notable at Ippudo, where customers were previously barred from not only ordering takeout but also taking any leftovers to-go.

The chain heralded the decision on Instagram as the beginning of a new era. “After 12 years and due to a global pandemic, we are finally bringing you take-out,” the post reads.

Restaurants across the city have started reopening their doors in droves for delivery and takeout over the past two months. And as NYC inches closer to a new phase of reopening, the city is preparing to allow restaurants and bars to offer outdoor dining as well.