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About Us
About Us
About Mastering Ramen
Ramen is not just food. It is chemistry, art and discipline combined — and we build systems that respect that truth.
Mastering Ramen operates at the intersection of craft and infrastructure: extraction philosophy, noodle engineering and production logic aligned into repeatable outcomes.
Extraction
Clarity
Discipline
Noodle Engineering
Infrastructure
Legacy
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Discipline over excess.
Master the synergy before adding layers. Become Ichiban — not by doing more, but by executing better.
A Longstanding Collaboration
Mike Boon (Mastering Ramen / Ichiban Slurp Shop) and Ayub Kurban (Yamato Europe) share a long history of working together through Yamato workshops, ramen equipment demonstrations and professional training environments.
Over the years, they have combined their complementary expertise — Mike’s deep focus on extraction, clarity and ramen philosophy, and Ayub’s technical knowledge of noodle production and infrastructure.
This collaboration funnels into
- Educational workshops
- Professional ramen training
- Scalable ramen systems
- New ways of teaching ramen beyond the kitchen
What began inside Yamato workshops has evolved into a broader educational framework connecting bowl, noodle and production logic.
Chintan philosophy: restraint as strength.
When the broth is clear, nothing is hidden — and everything matters.
The People Behind the System
Mike Boon
Mastering Ramen / Ichiban Slurp Shop
Mike is the creative and artistic mind behind Mastering Ramen. If he creates something, it has to be distinctive — purpose-driven, meaningful, raw and unapologetic.
His approach leaves no room for shortcuts or concessions — only pure craft, guarded down to the smallest detail. Sometimes passionately unprofitable. This mindset aligns naturally with Japanese ethics: respect for craftsmanship, devotion, nuance and restraint.
Origin: Over fifteen years ago, authentic ramen was nearly impossible to find in the Netherlands. That absence became motivation. Rather than continuing the search, he chose to study the craft itself.
Method: Years of research, writing, formal training, consultancy, pop-ups, workshops and repeated journeys to Japan — learning directly from chefs, kitchens and everyday ramen culture. Not to imitate, but to understand why ramen works.
Core principle: extraction defines structure.
There is something almost magical about clear broth: when nothing is hidden, everything matters.
Ayub Kurban
Yamato Europe / Mastering Ramen
Ayub Kurban is Sales Lead of Mastering Ramen and sole distributor of Yamato noodle machines in Europe — a strategist by nature, driven by perseverance, endurance and work ethic.
He spent years in sales and customer service for one of the world’s leading noodle manufacturers, gaining deep technical knowledge of ramen, udon and soba — not as abstract products, but as systems of production, consistency and scale.
Heritage: As a Uyghur, noodle culture runs through his blood. His people played a vital role in the historical spread of noodles along the Silk Road. That legacy is not romanticised — it is actively carried forward.
Where ancient noodle culture once travelled along the Silk Road, Ayub stands at the intersection of that history and modern ramen infrastructure — in a global, competitive market that continues to grow year after year.
From bowl to infrastructure.
Craft without infrastructure is fragile. Infrastructure without craft is empty.
The Ichiban Mindset
Framework
Clarity as discipline
The Ichiban mindset was shaped by both craft and personal rebuilding — grounded in awareness, purpose, mastery, discipline, consistency and legacy.
Not abstract philosophy, but a practical way to approach ramen — and responsibility — with clarity, timing and respect for ingredients.
Every bowl carries a soul. Every composition depends on balance, timing and deep ingredient understanding.
Today
Mastering Ramen in multiple forms
- An educational ramen book: “Mastering Ramen” — a comprehensive framework for dedicated ramen fanatics
- Professional training, webinars, workshops and consultancy
- Pop-ups and experiential dining
- Convenient, shelf-stable ramen kit lines
- New ways of teaching and preserving the craft
At heart, Mike is an educator — committed to explaining ramen logic and helping others master the art with integrity.
Craft, Supply & Infrastructure
B2B Supply
Clarity. Consistency. Control.
Alongside the experiential side of ramen, Ayub helps shape our B2B ramen supply — including chintan-based stocks, professional-grade noodles and ready-to-scale ramen kits — developed for restaurants that demand clarity, consistency and control.
Yamato Integration
Infrastructure as education
Through our partnership with Yamato — the world’s leading noodle machine manufacturer — production infrastructure becomes part of our educational philosophy.
We don’t sell machines. We help build real ramen operations — from bowl to infrastructure.
A Long-Term View
- The market is vast. Competitive. Relentless. We understand that ocean.
- Our approach is not driven by aggression, but by endurance — building long-term partnerships rooted in trust, reliability and mutual growth.
- Demand for authentic ramen is growing rapidly, while the infrastructure to support it remains limited.
- Mastering Ramen exists to close that gap — not only through products, but through systems, education and strategic alignment.
- Together, Mike and Ayub do not simply teach ramen. They help build sustainable ramen businesses — from philosophy to production, from fundamentals to scale.
- They create routes. Partners open doors. Together, ramen moves forward.
This is not a short game. This is a long journey. Qut bolsun.
Build a real ramen operation — not a trend.
Start the Conversation
Tell us about your concept, capacity and ambition. We will respond with the appropriate supply, training or infrastructure solution.
Request B2B Information