From the backstreets of Japan to the heart of Sheffield.

Noraya is a ramen shop built on years of dedication, countless bowls, and one clear mission: to bring the soul of Japanese Ie-Kei ramen to my hometown, Sheffield — without compromise.

Born From A Passion For Ramen

The journey started in Japan, where I spent eight years training in traditional ramen shops — learning the craft the hard way. From boiling bones in heavy pots to preparing irresistible toppings, every step was about mastering the small details that make a real bowl of ramen unforgettable.

I trained in the same environments that have kept local ramen alive and well for generations. Not from behind a camera or through a cookbook, but shoulder to shoulder with chefs who taught me how to respect the bowl — not reinvent it.

What is Ie-Kei?

Ie-Kei (家系) is a rich, bold style of ramen that originated in Yokohama in the 1970s. It blends creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth with dark soy sauce tare, thick noodles, spinach, nori, and chashu pork — hearty, simple, and deeply satisfying.

At Noraya, we follow the same principles: a powerful broth, thick straight noodles, handcrafted toppings, and a bowl that warms you from the inside out. We haven’t changed it. We haven’t added our own flair. We just make it properly, and bring it to you here in Sheffield.

The Name Noraya

Noraya (野良家) means “stray house” — a nod to the journey this shop has taken, and to the spirit behind it. Like the ramen we serve, the shop has travelled far from its roots in Japan to find a home in Sheffield, where I was born and raised. It’s a way of honouring tradition while grounding it in a place that shaped who I am.

The final character in our name, 「家」, is more than just the word for “house.” It’s the specific kanji used in Ie-Kei (家系) ramen shops — marking both the style we serve and the tradition we stand in. Most ramen shops would use 「屋」for “ya,” but this isn’t most ramen. Noraya wears its roots proudly — in every bowl and in its name.

One of the things we love most about Ie-Kei ramen culture in Japan is the personalisation. Customers can fine-tune their bowl to match their taste — and we wanted to bring that experience to Sheffield too.

At Noraya, you can customise every bowl:

  • Flavour strength – Strong / Medium / Light

  • Oil richness – Extra / Normal / Less / None

  • Noodle firmness – Firm / Medium / Soft

It’s not a gimmick. It’s tradition. It’s about finding your perfect bowl, just the way it’s done in Japan.

Ramen, Your Way — The Traditional Way

Ramen for Everyone

We don’t believe in token options or side menus. Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or eat halal, every dish on our main menu has an alternative crafted just for you. No compromises — just real ramen, made as authentically as we can for you.

Steel Meets Soul

I was born and raised in Sheffield — a city known for its steel, its spirit, and its no-nonsense honesty. For nearly a decade, I lived in Japan to learn the craft of Japanese cuisine, particularly Japanese ramen.

Noraya is what happens when those two worlds meet. It’s not fusion. It’s not a twist. It’s the soul of real Japanese ramen, built with the pride and precision I grew up with.

As previously mentioned, the name Noraya means “stray house.” Like a traditional ramen shop that’s wandered far and found a new home. But for me, this isn’t just where the shop ended up — it’s where I started.

That’s why we say Steel Meets Soul.
Because it’s not just ramen with depth — it’s food with roots.

Built With Soul, Served With Steel

Noraya is made by people who love ramen. We’ve trained for it, lived it, and now we’re proud to bring it to life here in Sheffield — a city known for its grit, pride, and warmth.

This is ramen with roots in Japan and a home in Yorkshire.

Welcome to Noraya. We’re glad you found us.