Bhutan's 1st ramen shop thrives despite high-altitude challenges

In the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, a remarkable story unfolded as Tshering and his Japanese wife Sayaka Sakurai transformed their vision of bringing authentic ramen to their homeland into a thriving reality. Located atop a mountain at an elevation of 2,300 meters, the couple faced an unusual challenge when attempting to recreate this Japanese delicacy in the high-altitude environment.

Despite the water boiling too soon, the budding entrepreneurs persevered, gradually perfecting their recipe and opening Hayate Ramen in November 2016. The 74-seat restaurant quickly gained popularity, with lines often forming during peak lunch hours. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay even became an avid customer before embarking on his political career.

Tshering, originally a driver and auto mechanic, taught himself Japanese and developed a deep appreciation for ramen after living in Japan with Sakurai for six and a half years. He began working at a ramen shop part-time and eventually enrolled in a ramen-making course at the Yamato Ramen School in Kagawa Prefecture. The knowledge gained from this experience proved invaluable in his quest to adapt traditional ramen to Bhutan's unique conditions.

The couple poured their savings into the venture, supplemented by crowdfunding, and traveled to Bhutan on one-way tickets. They spent their days working tirelessly to create a ramen recipe that would thrive at such a high altitude. Initially, sales were modest, with customers paying around $21 for five bowls. However, Tshering and Sakurai remained steadfast in their commitment to quality, sourcing local ingredients and crafting some toppings themselves.

As smartphones and increased exposure to Japanese cuisine fueled Bhutanese interest in ramen, the restaurant expanded its menu to include dishes like tsukemen, curry rice, and agedashi tofu, as well as vegetarian options. Today, approximately 80 percent of customers are Bhutanese, drawn by the restaurant's consistent quality and diverse menu. Many of the restaurant's biggest fans are children, who often bring their parents along once they've tasted the delicious ramen.

Tshering and Sakurai named their establishment Hayate, which means a fresh breeze, signifying their aspiration to introduce something new and exciting to Bhutan. A decade later, they continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring their restaurant remains a beloved staple in the capital city of Thimphu.