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Ramen by Ra returns! This time, Chef Rasheeda Purdie makes the East Village her home with a space of her own
- Annie
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 12
The NYC ramen pop-up that captured hearts and taste buds, blending Japanese tradition with soulful flavors like the Chop Ramen and Bacon, Egg & Cheese - now has a permanent home in the East Village. December reservations open November 15
Images from Ramen by Ra on Instagram
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The Journey of Ramen by Ra
Before diving into the culinary world, Rasheeda Purdie had a career in fashion, studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working as a stylist. Citing superstars Beyoncé and Michelle Obama as part of her portfolio of clients. In 2015, she made an intriguing pivot into food, training at the Institute of Culinary Education and refining her craft under acclaimed NYC chefs like Marcus Samuelsson (HAV & Mar, Red Rooster), Melba Wilson (Melba’s Restaurant), and JJ Johnson (Fieldtrip).
The story of Ramen by Ra began in 2020, in collaboration with Ada Supper Club, celebrating Black and female expression through food and storytelling - during a time when comfort was needed more than ever.
In 2021, Chef Rasheeda continued her Ramen journey with at-home ramen kits with Sun Noodle, or her popular Ramen Bodega Series, which quickly became a hit. These early kits led to intimate pop-ups across the city, showcasing her signature fusion bowls and building a dedicated following.
Ramen Kits from Chef Ra x Sun Noodle (2020/21) - from Ramen by Ra on Instagram
In 2023, Ramen by Ra found a home at The Bowery Market, a cozy five-seat space where Chef Rasheeda became the first Black woman to open a ramen shop in NYC. The Bowery Market location operated until March 2025. While the Bowery is now closed, this chapter helped Ramen by Ra solidify her culinary craft, connect with fans and collaborators alike, and catch the eye of major media outlets, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Forbes, and Essence.
During this time, Chef Rasheeda also earned honors as Ebony Magazine’s Black Chefs You Should Know(2021), the Dine Diaspora Black Women in Food award (2022), and the Pepsi Dig In People’s Chef Choice Award.
All this hard work culminates in November 2025, with the Chef announced Ramen by Ra's return - with the news of its own bric & mortar at 70 East 1st Street in the East Village. This milestone is a reminder that passion, patience, and the support of others can turn an idea into something truly remarkable.
Ramen by Ra shares BTS shots of the restaurant - from Ramen by Ra on Instagram
The Old & the New
On her website, Chef Rasheeda shares that while the location is new, the essence of Ramen by Ra remains unchanged — rooted in intimacy, care, and connection. The East Village space builds on that spirit with a morning window serving Broth by Ra cups and breakfast bao instead of a bagel, slow-poured broth instead of coffee, inspired by New York’s grab-and-go rhythm — all reimagined through Chef Ra’s culinary lens. With just a handful of seats per service and three cozy dining options — The Chef’s Counter, The Cusp, and The Nook — we're surely in for an experience.
How to Get a Reservation
Getting a seat at Ramen by Ra is part of the adventure. Seats at Ramen by Ra are limited and 45 minutes each. All reservations are pre-ordered — part of Ra’s zero-waste approach.
Reservation schedule (opens at 9 AM):
1st of the month: spots for the 16th–end of the month
15th of the month: spots for the 1st–15th of the next month
👉 This Saturday, Nov 15 at 9 AM, December reservations go live on Resy — so set those reminders.
Other Notes mentioned:
10-minute grace period; arrivals beyond that can’t be accommodated.
No public restroom on-site.
Two broths available: vegetarian or traditional chicken-based shoyu.
Well, that's everything. I’ll definitely try to get a seat myself — if I make it in, I’ll report back and let you know how it goes.
Until next Time!
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