Drama, Foodie

Ramen Shop

ラーメン・テー

Directed by: Eric Khoo
2018 / 90 minutes / Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult

From Japan to Singapore, connecting memories–and family–through food

Screened as part of the JFF 2018.

Masato (Takumi Saito), a ramen chef from Takasaki, was born to a Japanese father and a Singapore mother. Masato’s parents met in Singapore but he was raised in Japan, so he never knew the Singaporean side of his family. Prompted by his emotionally-distant father’s death, he embarks on a culinary journey to the Lion City to trace his roots.

With the help of a local food blogger, Masato searches for his grandmother’s bak kut teh restaurant. However, all he has are vague childhood memories and his late mother’s diary. Can he uncover more than just delicious recipes?

Ramen Shop is a gentle and delightful drama that celebrates life through food, friendship and family. Directed by Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo and starring Japanese actor Takumi Saito, it’s a realistic depiction of different multicultural realities in a borderless modern world. Look out for Mark Lee’s standout performance playing Masato’s uncle and bak kut teh chef extraordinaire.

Premiered at 2018 Berlin International Film Festival Culinary Cinema Program