Mon Sep 23 21:50:31 UTC 2024: ## Portland’s Vegan Ramen Scene Gets a Spicy Boost with Ra Ra Ramen

Portland, known for its diverse culinary landscape, is getting a new twist on a classic with the launch of Ra Ra Ramen, a vegan ramen pop-up by Plant Based Papi, DameJewan Manuel.

Manuel, who has been gaining popularity with his vibrant vegan fare since 2019, has landed at Lil’ Dame, a collaborative restaurant space, to bring his unique take on ramen to the city. Ra Ra Ramen, open every Friday to Sunday, offers a completely vegan experience, featuring homemade noodles, flavorful broths, and delicious sides like bao buns and salads.

“Portland has had a vegan ramen food cart before, but never a 100% vegan ramen space,” Manuel explains. “I wanted to put my hat in that ring.”

Manuel’s ramen recipe, a seven-year labor of love, is a far cry from traditional vegan ramen, relying on a creamy broth made from a blend of sunflower and hemp seeds, kombu, shallots, and other ingredients. He avoids meat substitutes, opting for whole foods like mushrooms and tofu as protein sources.

The menu at Ra Ra Ramen features three distinct ramen options: Classic Ra Ra, Firecracker Ra Ra, and Smoky Sweet Corn Ra Ra, each boasting unique flavor profiles.

Beyond ramen, Ra Ra Ramen also serves crispy chile garlic noodles, gochujang and miso marinated mushroom bao buns, and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Manuel, while open to the possibility of a permanent restaurant in the future, enjoys the flexibility of a pop-up experience. “I really just like the individualism of just creating an experience for a period of time,” he says.

Ra Ra Ramen joins a flourishing vegan scene in Portland, offering a fresh and exciting addition. “I want to be a beacon in the community, a Black man that makes vegan food in Portland,” Manuel shares. “At this time, I’m a Black man who makes vegan ramen in Portland, which sounds so crazy to a lot of people, but it’s been fun.”

With its unique flavors and commitment to veganism, Ra Ra Ramen is sure to be a popular destination for Portland foodies looking for a delicious and fulfilling dining experience.

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