Tonkotsu announces new sites in Birmingham and Cardiff

A Japanese-inspired restaurant brand specialising in ramen has announced plans to launch two new restaurants in the coming months. 

First up is Birmingham – the city Tonkotsu first expanded to outside of London back in 2016. The new, full-size ramen bar at Grand Central will join the branch in Selfridges Food Hall later this year. 

Then, in early 2026, the brand will land in Cardiff, with a site located in the city centre. This will be the group's 20th opening, bringing its signature bowls of ramen, gyoza and chicken kara-age to the city for the first time. 

Menu highlights include the namesake Tonkotsu ramen, featuring a creamy pork bone broth enriched with lardo, filled with thin-cut noodles and topped with roast pork belly, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, spring onion, burnt garlic oil and egg. Other favourites include the Chilli Chicken Ramen, a chicken and sea salt broth with the brand's Eat the Bits Chilli Oil; and the vegan Mushroom Miso Ramen. All bowls can be customised with toppings such as kimchi and the spicy scotch bonnet 'hot shot'. 

Regional expansion

First launched in Soho in 2012 by co-founders Ken Yamada and Emma Reynolds, the openings demonstrate Tonkotsu's continued success and growth outside of London. The group currently operates sites in Bristol and Brighton, as well as 15 in the capital. 

On the upcoming launches, the co-founders say: "We are delighted to be joining such vibrant food scenes and deeply honoured to be opening in these iconic cities."

The group has also announced that Trieu Luu has been promoted to head of people with immediate effect. He joined from Gourmet Burger Kitchen in 2018, stepping into the role of people and culture manager in 2023. 

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