Otaku Ramen

Our Founder Sarah Gavigan will be speaking about "Building while Flying" on March 6th at the Luminary Women's History Month Summit.

There’s been a shared love language between Middle Tennessee and Japan all along! Did you know that the central points of Murfreesboro and Tokyo fall along the exact same latitude? This unique connection means our flora and fauna are surprisingly similar—setting the stage for a deeper cultural connection that we celebrate every day. As a local restaurant business born and raised in Nashville, this is a huge part of our story at Otaku Ramen. Inspired by Japan’s ramen tradition and rooted in Tennessee’s vibrant culinary scene, we’ve combined the best of both worlds to create something truly special at our ramen shops. From the details we pour into every bowl to the FUN, FAST, LOUD hospitality we serve it with, we’re proud to honor these shared roots in everything we do. It’s more than food—it’s a bridge between two cultures that feel closer than you might expect.

The Story of Our #1 Bowl – TN Tonkotsu Since the day we opened our doors, one bowl has been at the heart of Otaku Ramen: our TN Tonkotsu. This isn’t just any ramen—this is the mothership of ramen, reimagined with a southern twist. Tonkotsu, which literally means "pork bone," is a rich and soulful broth that serves as the foundation for ramen culture in Japan. At Otaku Ramen, we lightened the broth and balanced it with a choice of shio (salt) or shoyu (soy sauce) seasoning for a flavor that’s approachable yet authentic. But here’s where we put our Tennessee stamp on it: instead of the traditional pork belly chashu, we went with pork confit—a nod to the BBQ culture that’s deeply rooted in the South. When we were building our brick-and-mortar menu, we wanted a bowl that felt relatable to southerners who were new to ramen. Pulled pork is iconic in the South, and this ingredient has been key to bridging cultural and culinary traditions. The TN Tonkotsu is everything we stand for at Otaku Ramen: ?? Tradition – honoring the Tonkotsu ramen scene in Japan. ?? Creativity – adding a regional twist that’s uniquely Nashville. ?? Connection – creating a bowl that brings people back time and again, the way you become loyal to your favorite BBQ spot. It’s been nearly 10 years since we introduced the TN Tonkotsu, and it remains our most-loved bowl. Whether you’re a ramen regular or trying it for the first time, this dish captures the spirit of Otaku Ramen—and we couldn’t be prouder. #TonkotsuRamen #NashvilleEats #LocalRestaurant #NashvilleRestaurant #OtakuRamen #LocalLove #Ramen