Washoku Guide
Cities/Washington D.C./Ramen/Bantam King
Washington D.C. · Ramen · casual

Bantam King

Chicken ramen and fried chickenJapanese-ownedChinatownJapan-researchedCasual dining

Bantam King was DC's first restaurant devoted entirely to chicken — specifically chicken ramen and Japanese-style fried chicken — after co-owner Katsuya Fukushima spent extensive time researching tori ramen's growing popularity across Japan. Opened in 2016 by the Daikaya Group (Tokyo-born owner Daisuke Utagawa), it occupies a former Burger King space in Chinatown.

Price
¥¥
Area
Chinatown / Penn Quarter
Since
2016
Chef
Katsuya Fukushima
Owner
Daisuke Utagawa & Katsuya Fukushima
Bantam King — authentic chicken ramen and fried chicken restaurant in Washington D.C., Chinatown / Penn Quarter
Plate № 61
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About
The Daikaya Group's third DC concept, Bantam King opened in June 2016 after chef-partner Katsuya Fukushima documented a surge in chicken-focused ramen shops during his Japan research trips. The restaurant — DC's first dedicated chicken ramen shop — serves shoyu and spicy miso chicken broths alongside golden fried chicken, chicken drippings rice, and Japanese-style sides. Tokyo-born owner Daisuke Utagawa provides the cultural authority behind the concept, and the kitchen discipline matches the precision expected from a team that also runs Daikaya. The casual, unfussy space — a converted Burger King — keeps prices accessible while maintaining the group's commitment to Japanese-informed cooking.
Neighborhood & visiting

Bantam King sits in Chinatown / Penn Quarter, one of Washington D.C.'s neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional ramen restaurants often close between service periods.

Why it's on Washoku Guide
  • DC's first dedicated chicken ramen shop, born from extensive ramen-belt research by chef Fukushima across Japan.
  • Tokyo-born ownership (Daisuke Utagawa) gives the casual concept genuine cultural roots beyond mere inspiration.
  • Affordable entry point to serious Japanese-tradition ramen — bowls well under $20 with Daikaya-level care.
  • Japanese-style fried chicken alongside the ramen makes for one of the most satisfying casual Japanese combos in DC.

Confirmed authentic: Japanese-owned (Daisuke Utagawa, Tokyo-born) and Japanese-heritage kitchen leadership. Founded 2016.

Links
Website →Map →Yelp →Tripadvisor →

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Frequently asked

About Bantam King

Is Bantam King an authentic chicken ramen and fried chicken restaurant in Washington D.C.?
Yes — Bantam King is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for chicken ramen and fried chicken in Washington D.C.: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused ramen format.
Where is Bantam King located?
Bantam King is located at 501 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington D.C., USA in the Chinatown / Penn Quarter neighborhood.
Do I need a reservation at Bantam King?
Bantam King does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular ramen restaurants in Washington D.C. we recommend calling ahead.
What is the price range at Bantam King?
Bantam King sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for chicken ramen and fried chicken of this format in Washington D.C..
Keep exploring
All Japanese restaurants in Washington D.C. →Ramen in Washington D.C. →Authentic ramen worldwide →All cities →