Santouka Ramen Will Heat Up Harvard Square This Winter, and Here's What It Will Look Like

Back in March, Japanese ramen chain Santouka made its first foray into Boston with a pop-up event held at Itadaki, meant to introduce local audiences to Santouka's signature shio-style (salt) ramen in advance of the chain's planned expansion to the area. At the time, Santouka CEO Shinichi Kikuta told Eater that ramen "should be a cheap comfort food for you to have with a beer after a long day," and he was surprised at the high prices he saw around the city.

All was quiet on the Santouka ramen front from March until September, when it was announced that the chain had found a location in Harvard Square — the former Dunkin' Donuts at 1 Bow Street.

Now, representatives from White & Pelissier Consulting Group from Keller Williams Realty, who are managing the buildout alongside Cafco Construction, have shared that the restaurant is set to open next month. "The buildout has been going very smoothly," White & Pelissier's Nao White tells Eater, "thanks to strong support from its landlord, MassBow Partners, LLC."

White explains that the design of the space is meant to "translate the intention and messages that Santouka would like to deliver through its famous bowl of ramen" while "entertaining patrons not only with the famous broth but also with a fun atmosphere."

The restaurant will hold open interviews this Thursday and Friday, December 18 and 19, from noon to 4 p.m. at 1 Bow Street in Cambridge. They're seeking managers, supervisors, hosts and hostesses, servers, bussers, assistant chefs, prep cooks, kitchen helpers, and dishwashers. Interested parties should come by during those hours or call either Alex at 310-913-6179 or Nao at 617-372-7221 to make an appointment.

"Local ramen lovers" who want in on an upcoming private party should send an email to White and Pelissier.