“Stam·i·na -/ˈstamənə/” is a common word used in Japan to describe a dish with garlic-y and spicy notes. Dishes with “stamina” flavor are believed to give people extra “stamina”.
There are various types of Stamina Ramen in Japan like Tenri-kei Stamina Ramen, and so much more.
Our signature Stamina Ramen came from a ramen shop in Tokyo that was owned by a Japanese chef from Zao, Yamagata prefecture. This is where my dad used to work at for 30 years. We kept their roots in our name as a respect. Without this bowl, my dad wouldn’t be here, and if he wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be here.
So “ZAO” has double meaning. It’s a cool play word my wife and I came up with, but also represents the roots of my dad which affects mine.
At ZAO, we take a lot of pride in our standing menu that meets everyone’s favorites and preferences. Through years of study and experiment, ZAO crafted a series of authentic, comforting bowls with our own style. Each type of chashu, eggs poached or marinated, noodles curly or straight, every ingredient impacts the bowl differently. We work to improve, to grow, and to appreciate ramen, all with the goal of making our customers happiest.
