About Me

Hi, I’m Tomoya, a Japanese ramen lover currently living in Dayton, Ohio. TomoYummy combines Tomoya, my name, with “yummy.” A staff member I knew well at my college’s International Office suggested the name, and it has stayed with me ever since.

I graduated from college in Dayton and now work while building TomoYummy in my free time. This blog is where I document the ramen I try, the shops worth returning to, and my ongoing search for a bowl that feels truly special.

My favorite type of ramen is Iekei-style (Yokohama-style). I still have not found my perfect bowl in Ohio, so my search has taken me beyond the state. JINYA Ramen Bar in Indianapolis is one of the closer options I have enjoyed, and I wrote about it here. E.A.K. Ramen in New York City is still one of the best bowls I have ever had.

TomoYummy is my personal record of that search for ramen that is both delicious and affordable. I share honest reviews, prices, and details about each shop to help other ramen lovers find bowls that are actually worth coming back to.

In the future, I hope to spend the next few years gaining experience and eventually open a ramen shop of my own. My goal is simple: serve ramen that is delicious, affordable, and good enough for people to enjoy regularly, not just as a special occasion.

Farther down the road, I would also love to create a hands-on ramen experience inspired by ramen museums in Japan. I imagine a place where people can eat different styles of ramen, learn about the culture behind them, explore, and simply have fun with ramen.

For now, TomoYummy is where that journey begins. Thanks for visiting, and I hope it helps you find your next favorite bowl.