Nama Ramen opened in 2015 and quickly became a beloved part of the SA food scene.
Nama Ramen opened in 2015 and quickly became a beloved part of the SA food scene. Credit: Instagram / nama_ramen

Nearly a decade after serving its first bowl of tonkotsu, Nama Ramen — the humble eatery launched in 2015 by then-24-year-old entrepreneur Kevin Chu — is preparing to close its doors. 

Chu announced the news on Nama Ramen’s social media channels. 

“After 10 years, Nama is doing our final call,” he wrote, adding that the decision was not “made easily” or with a “light heart.” 

Nama, 6526 Babcock Road, will permanently shut down at the end of September, or “when we run out of supplies,” according to Chu’s post.

“Nama is coming to an end, but I promise this isn’t the last y’all will hear from me,” he added.  

The Current reached out to Chu for more details, but he was unavailable at press time.

A veritable maverick on San Antonio’s ramen scene, Nama successfully integrated itself in the Alamo City with a consistent ramen and sushi menu and its clever pop culture references. The dining spot was also known for social-media callouts to San Antonio’s car club scene and picturesque ramen bowls that looked like they were plucked straight out of an anime. 

As Chu prepares for a new chapter, there’s still time for locals to get one last bowl at Nama before the doors permanently close. 

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This article appears in Sep 3-17, 2025.