Cardiff’s beloved ramen restaurant, Matsudai, recently marked its fifth anniversary since opening in 2020 with plans for an exciting future. Situated on Clare Road in Grangetown, the restaurant gained popularity following high praise from renowned food critic Jay Rayner, who lauded its dishes as a ‘revelation’ characterised by ‘deep care and thoughtfulness.’
Despite launching just before the Covid lockdown, Matsudai thrived thanks to its delivery of ramen kits and eventually moved into the old NatWest Bank building. To commemorate the milestone, owner James Chant acknowledged the restaurant’s humble beginnings with sold-out pop-ups at Blue Honey Local.
While initial plans for fifth-anniversary events did not materialise as intended, Matsudai has bold ambitions for the future. These include establishing a ramen school, fermentary, vegetable plot, production unit, and a ramen shop within a country house setting akin to a ‘Ramen River Cottage.’ Additionally, Matsudai aims to launch a national chain of Matsudai Express outlets to broaden its accessibility, and introduce a Food & Culture Festival in Wales centred around ramen.
Chant expressed gratitude to patrons for their overwhelming support and shared reflections on Matsudai’s journey from its early days to its current success. He credited the community for embracing the restaurant wholeheartedly, transforming lives in the process. The plans for these ambitious projects will be unveiled in due course, with Chant urging patience as they navigate the process of realising these ventures.
Looking back at Matsudai’s inception, Chant recalled the nerves and excitement of the early pop-up events and the heart-warming reception from diners. Reflecting on the restaurant’s growth, he acknowledged the collective effort that has propelled Matsudai to where it is today, expressing a sense of stewardship rather than sole ownership over its trajectory.
In sum, Matsudai’s fifth anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of its journey from a fledgling pop-up to a thriving culinary destination under the guidance of dedicated owner James Chant. As the restaurant sets its sights on future endeavours, the community eagerly anticipates the realisation of these innovative projects that promise to enhance Cardiff’s culinary landscape.