Funky Ramen Restaurant by Kidz Studio

Located in Düsseldorf, Funky Ramen is a culinary and design destination born from the vision of a seasoned sushi chef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. After gaining recognition through his sushi delivery business, the chef, together with his business partner, sought to elevate their gastronomic passion into a fully immersive dining environment. Partnering with Kidz Studio, they transformed a 200-square-meter space into a restaurant conceptually inspired by the anime Samurai Champloo, which uniquely fuses Edo-period traditions with contemporary street culture, including graffiti, hip-hop, and dynamic urban expression.

The restaurant’s design does not merely reference anime visually; it translates the narrative, characters, and cultural energy of the series into a three-dimensional dining experience, blending storytelling, architecture, and gastronomy into a cohesive whole.

Zoning and Character Representation

The interior is thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones, each reflecting the personalities of the anime’s main characters:

• Blue Zone – Jin: Calm, composed, and sophisticated, this area features solid wooden tables and exposed brick walls that provide warmth and texture. The atmosphere encourages guests to savor sushi at a leisurely pace, reflecting Jin’s disciplined and wise demeanor.

• Red Zone – Mugen: Raw, energetic, and impulsive, the red zone uses handcrafted materials such as concrete blocks, natural stone, and hand-painted red cushions. The tactile quality of the space encourages casual, lively dining, perfectly aligned with Mugen’s unpredictable and free-spirited nature. The lighting here mimics a sunset effect, enhanced by spotlights and iridescent films, creating a vibrant and immersive backdrop.

• Neutral Zone – Fuu: Minimalistic, welcoming, and serene, the neutral zone features white walls, linen curtains, and understated seating. It provides a flexible space suitable for everyday dining, reflecting Fuu’s unifying and approachable character.

Each zone is immersive and experiential, allowing guests to subconsciously inhabit the traits of each character while dining.

Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity

Funky Ramen celebrates imperfection and material authenticity. During the renovation, historical architectural elements were preserved, including exposed brick walls, partially removed plaster, and uneven textures that lend the space a sense of history and depth. Linen screens across the dining areas display projections of Samurai Champloo scenes, immersing visitors in the narrative while maintaining an open, airy feel.

The design ethos embraces the “funky” identity of the restaurant: raw textures, playful details, and unexpected combinations of color and material create a sense of spontaneity and individuality.

Transparency and Interaction

Spatial layout is deliberately designed to foster engagement and transparency. A prominent opening between the ramen kitchen and the main dining area allows diners to observe culinary preparation, heightening anticipation and creating a performative connection to the chefs. The staircase area incorporates a custom-shaped window framed in red acrylic, offering curated views of the sushi station and emphasizing craftsmanship as both art and entertainment. Functionality is seamlessly integrated with design narrative, guiding guests naturally to restrooms and other service areas while maintaining the thematic continuity of the space.

Symbolism and Narrative

Subtle symbolic gestures are embedded throughout the design to reinforce the story of unity through contrast, central to Samurai Champloo. For example, red lines run through the blue zone, and blue ropes thread through the red zone, visually representing the mutual influence and interconnection of Jin and Mugen. Every detail, from lighting to furniture placement, is carefully considered to enhance the storytelling and emotional resonance of the environment.

Materiality and Sensory Experience

The project’s material palette emphasizes tactility, contrast, and authenticity. Handcrafted surfaces, rough concrete, exposed brick, and natural textiles combine with dynamic lighting and projection effects to create a rich sensory experience. Guests encounter textures, colors, and forms that evoke both historical and contemporary aesthetics, achieving a balance between traditional Japanese influences and urban street culture.

A Culinary and Design Destination

Funky Ramen stands out as more than a restaurant; it is a narrative-driven experience that merges cuisine, architecture, and cultural storytelling. Its design celebrates historical charm, modern aesthetics, and the beauty of imperfection, while offering diners a visually stimulating, emotionally engaging, and socially interactive environment. By translating the energy, contrasts, and characters of Samurai Champloo into physical space, Funky Ramen creates a unique destination in Düsseldorf’s culinary landscape—where tradition, innovation, and playful design converge.

Photography: Ruben Movsisian