DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Some dreams begin with money.
Others begin with memory.
For three Filipino brothers in Dubai, everything started with their father… and his love for ramen.
Raul “Touru” de Guzman, Karl de Guzman, and Nicolai de Guzman are the sons of Elymer de Guzman, a Filipino crane operator who worked in Japan for years. He passed away in 2004 at 54—but the story he left behind never did.
Today, his sons are honoring him the best way they know how: by serving ramen—one bowl at a time.
They’ve opened an anime-inspired Japanese ramen house in Dubai, plus a pop-up store, carrying their father’s passion into a new city… and into thousands of hungry hearts.
A Father’s Journey That Shaped Their Childhood
Elymer worked in Saitama Prefecture for 10 years starting in 1988. Back then, his children were still young. Like many OFWs, he sacrificed time with family to give them a better life.
He returned home for good in 1998.
But even when he was away, he left something powerful behind.
Stories.
Lessons.
A deep respect for Japanese culture that slowly became part of the family’s identity.
“Bata pa lang kaming magkakapatid, na-impluwensiyahan na kami ng tatay namin about Japanese culture,” Nicolai shared.
As kids, they listened to their father talk about Japan—how beautiful it was, how rich the tradition felt, how exciting the world beyond the Philippines could be.
And those stories didn’t fade.
They grew.
Building a “Journey to Japan” Inside Dubai
Nicolai moved to Dubai in 2007 and worked as a graphic designer and studio director before going full-time with their restaurant.
For him, Japanese culture wasn’t just an interest—it became a creative world.
That’s where manga, anime, and design came in.
He wanted their restaurant to feel like more than a place to eat. He wanted it to feel like an experience.
“Gusto kasi namin na parang isang journey [to Japan] ang pagpunta ng customers,” he said.
A visit that feels like stepping into Japan—even while standing in Dubai.
A place built with emotion, nostalgia, and intention.
Chef Touru: A Dream Cooked for Years
At the heart of the business is the food. And at the heart of the food is Chef Touru.
He grew up and studied in Japan, learned the culture firsthand, and trained under a Japanese chef. He later became a ramen sommelier, certified by the International Noodle Sommelier Association in Kagawa, Japan.
Ramen wasn’t just a career choice.
It was a lifelong dream.
“Nakakain kasi ako ng masasarap na ramen noong bata pa ako… pangarap ko nang magtayo ng sariling ramen shop,” he said.
And their ramen isn’t rushed.
Their signature broth is paitan—known for being creamy and rich. To achieve it, they boil chicken with other ingredients for 16 hours, letting the flavor build slowly… patiently… the way real comfort food is made.
On the menu are crowd favorites like:
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Aka paitan (red ramen) — loved by many Arab customers
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Kotteri (Chef’s Special) — popular with Japanese diners
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Shiro paitan (white ramen)
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Kaisen seafood ramen
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Tsukemen (dipping ramen)
Every bowl feels deliberate.
Like someone cared.
Karl: The Risk-Taker Behind the Numbers
Every dream needs someone to protect it.
That’s Karl.
He arrived in Dubai in 2006 and worked in advertising before deciding to leave the stability behind.
“Yes, I quit a full-time job para mag-tayo ng sariling business,” he said.
He handles operations and finances—keeping the dream standing strong, especially when the pressure gets real.
Because building a restaurant isn’t romantic every day.
It’s risk.
It’s stress.
It’s choosing uncertainty… and believing it will be worth it.
Awards, Recognition, and a Growing Name in Dubai
Their ramen house is no longer “just a small Filipino business.”
It’s becoming a recognized name.
So far, they’ve earned multiple awards, including:
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Best Ramen Restaurant by World Business Outlook 2025 (Bangkok, Nov. 7)
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Arabian Best of Best Awards 2025 (UAE)
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The Bizz Awards 2025 (USA) for Excellence in Restaurant Services
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Best Ramen Restaurant at the International Business Magazine Awards 2025 (event held in Dubai, Dec. 7)
For the brothers, each award hits differently.
Not just pride.
Not just validation.
But the feeling of their father’s sacrifices turning into something real.
Something respected.
A Favorite Spot for Celebrities—and the Filipino Community
Their ramen house has also become a go-to place for visiting Filipino stars like Jessica Soho, Kara David, Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan, and SB19.
But for Karl, what matters most is what it represents.
“Isa ito sa mga paraan ng pagtulong namin at pagsuporta sa Filipino community,” he said.
It’s not just a business.
It’s a space where Filipinos abroad can feel at home—warm, welcomed, seen.
They’ve also hosted international names, including Psy, Silent Hill creator Keiichiro Toyama, Pokemon voice actors Rica Matsumoto and Mayumi Iizuka, and American singer David Pomeranz.
From One Branch to Two—and More Dreams Coming
Their Japanese ramen house is located in Al Wasl, with a second branch recently opened in Dubai Marina.
And they’re not stopping there.
They’ve also launched a second food brand: Tako Ichiban House, which is among the sponsors of Japan Festival 2025 at Jameel Arts Centre in Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai.
A Father’s Memory Served Hot
At the end of the day, this story isn’t just about ramen.
It’s about legacy.
It’s about a father who worked far from home so his children could have a future—then left the world too soon.
And it’s about three sons who refused to let his memory fade.
So they built something.
Something delicious.
Something beautiful.
Something that says, quietly but clearly:
“Tay… this is for you.”
