WICKER PARK — Kizuki Ramen in Wicker Park will partake in a National Noodle Day promotion and a "general thank you to the neighborhood" by offering free ramen Oct. 6.
Beginning at 4 p.m., the eatery will give away 100 bowls of Tokyo Shoyu Ramen, a spokeswoman said.
Bowls of Kizuki's signature ramen (normally $9) will be given to the first 100 dinner guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
The shoyu ramen is made with a light chicken and pork broth augmented by house-made roasted oil and soy sauce seasoning with thin "chuka" noodles.
Toppings include a slice of pork chashu that is roasted, marinated and then grilled; bamboo shoots; Chinese greens; and a garnish of chopped green onions, chili flakes and seaweed.
Though the bowls are free, Kizuki Ramen owner Kevin Yu is encouraging people to donate money, and for every dollar donated, Kizuki will match it with 50 cents. Proceeds will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
On Oct. 7, Kizuki Ramen will also host its "First Annual Ramen Bowl Challenge Finals" the day after National Noodle Day, to jump on the pre Chicago Marathon carb-loading bandwagon.
Starting at 2 p.m., the first person to eat the equivalent of four bowls of ramen will receive a $100 Kizuki gift card and a bike courtesy of Sapporo.
Chicagoans are encouraged to participate in the ongoing Ramen Bowl Challenge through Sunday to be entered into the final competition.
Kizuki brought its Ramen Bowl Challenge from Toyko to Chicago in July 2016. To win the challenge, patrons must finish a bowl of ramen (either Tonkotsu Shoyu or Yuzu Shio) that is four times larger than the regular Kizuki ramen (about four quarts) in less than 30 minutes without the assistance of others. The cost is $30 if the guest does not finish the bowl of ramen.
The restaurant, 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave., opened in February 2016 and was the first Midwest location for the Tokyo-based chain, which also has several outposts in Washington.
Founded in 2003 in Japan, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya serves "the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese Ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan," according to its website.
The restaurant was previously known as Kukai Ramen & Izakaya when the chain originally confirmed plans for a Chicago spot.
