Junya Watanabe

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Junya Watanabe is the Executive Chef of Rakiraki Ramen in San Diego, California.

Inspired to introduce something new to San Diego, Watanabe aimed to bring authentic Japanese Izakaya-style street food to the city. He was eager to showcase popular concepts from his Tokyo restaurant, Yuboku and Hachibei, including karaage donburi and curry, to the San Diego audience. This vision came to life with the opening of Rakiraki Ramen, where Watanabe’s innovative ramen, curry, and karaage continue to captivate both locals and visitors. He also successfully invented mochi noodles, which incorporate mochi into the noodles to achieve the ultimate texture and taste.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Watanabe quickly realized the importance of takeout services. He focused on logistics and innovated packaging solutions to ensure that dishes like ramen and karaage remained delicious even when taken to go. His dedication to continuously improving how he serves customers reflects his commitment to providing the best culinary experience possible.

Junya Watanabe
Rakiraki Ramen and Tsukemen

Ramen and tsukemen dishes prepared with handcrafted Japanese mochi noodles and fresh toppings.

Junya's Crispy Karange

Our famous Japanese-style fried chicken, known for its crispy crunch with our juicy organic chicken.

Pure Sushi

Our handcrafted specialty rolls served with various sauces, toppings, and fillings. 

Setagaya

Japanese curry made with a blend of 27 spices, and specialty donburis served with Setagaya soboro.

the Yasai

Vegan sushi with unique Japanese flavors, plus vegan ramen cooked in various broths.

Rakiraki Convoy

Rakiraki Convoy

The Yasai Convoy

The Yasai Convoy

Little Italy

Little Italy

Rancho Penasquitos

noodles closeup

Catering Available

Experience the most authentic Japanese cuisine with friends, family, and coworkers. What better way to bond than over ramen and other incredible dishes. Available for all occasions, fill out our online form to get things started!

San Diego’s best catering from Raki Raki Ramen & Tsukemen is available Monday – Friday, 11am – midnight.

Get Sand Diego’s Best Award-Winning Ramen & Tsukemen For Your Next Corporate Event!

RakiRaki Ramen houses a large selection delicious ramens, curry, sushi, karaage and more. We have a dish for any taste making Rakiraki the perfect option for your next company event.

Using Foodja, you can order online with ease, select from our vast menu of options and select a convenient pick-up time for your order. Click the button below to make your order today!

Foodja Catering Service
Junya inspecting noodles