Meet Ryota Okada, a master of building connections through bowlfuls of authentic ramen. He is an influential player in Kelowna's culinary scene with his business, Ramen Arashi Kelowna, serving as a cultural and gastronomic bridge between Japan and Canada. Not just a simple ramen joint, it is Okada's effort to bring a little piece of Japan to the community in British Columbia. It serves not just as a restaurant but as a platform for people to engage with, and appreciate, Japanese culture, adding a rich flavour to the multicultural social fabric of Canada.
Gifted with a keen palate, Okada's journey into gastronomy began during a simple visit to his wife's workplace, Ramen Arashi Canmore. An authentic bowl of ramen, made by the in-house master, Ken, rekindled a deep nostalgia in him, sparking off a longing for the authentic flavours of his homeland, Japan. This experience began Okada's long but rewarding journey in the culinary world as he apprenticed under Ken for over three years before setting up his own restaurant in Kelowna with his wife, Shelly.
Okada's journey wasn't devoid of challenges. At 21, he set up an electrical construction company. Financially, it was a success, but it left him drained mentally. He went through a tough phase of depression and anxiety when he realized that despite all his volunteering and hard work, people only wanted him to work for free. This experience was a game changer for Okada, leading him to believe in the importance of self-appreciation and empathy towards others.
However, these struggles have only strengthened Okada as a person and have driven his business's core values. It is in the daily pursuit of new beginnings, the relentless quest for perfecting the ramen, and in the joy of returning customers, that Okada finds his satisfaction and excitement.
Kelowna, claims Okada, is the perfect place for his culinary canvas. Often referred to as the 'Canadian Hawaii' by his friends, Okada appreciates the respectful and friendly people of Kelowna, as well as its exceptional local farmers and wineries. The proximity to the Big White ski resort only adds to the city's charm. With Ramen Arashi Kelowna, Ryota Okada is brewing a warm broth of cultural exchange, one ramen bowl at a time.
