The sound of laughter, the smell of broth, and the thump of bass will fill the air on Saturday, Nov. 23, when Ichi Kaku, Fayetteville’s Japanese street food restaurant, hosts its annual Ramen Eating Contest and Block Party at 350 N. Eastern Blvd.
The event kicks off at 1 p.m. and promises more than just a food challenge. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and culinary creativity. Five competitors will battle it out to conquer a five-pound bowl of ramen, complete with noodles, vegetables, and steaming broth. The rules are simple but ruthless; every bite, every sip must be finished. The first to clean their bowl earns the title of Fayetteville’s Ramen Champion, along with three free ramen tickets valued at over $300.
“This isn’t just a contest, it’s a thank you to the people of Fayetteville,” said Chef Yohei, owner and head chef of Ichi Kaku. “We do this every year to show appreciation to our customers and community. It’s fun, it’s loud, and it’s full of love.”
The challenge, now in its third year, began as a playful in-house idea among regulars. In its early years, contestants were faced with seven pounds of ramen, a Herculean task no one could complete. This year, Chef Yohei decided to scale it down to five pounds to make victory possible.
“I think someone can finally finish it this time,” he said with a grin in his voice.
But the event is about far more than who eats the fastest. The restaurant transforms its parking lot into a full-on block party, complete with live music, food specials, and a lineup of Japanese sports cars courtesy of Cruzin Auto Performance. The cars gleam under the sun as spectators gather to cheer on their favorite contestants, creating a mashup of speed, sound, and spice.
“We wanted it to feel like an outdoor festival,” Chef Yohei said. “You get the energy of a car meet, the flavor of Japan, and the warmth of Fayetteville all in one space.”
Hosting duties will be handled by MC Tameka Bright, a familiar voice to local radio listeners and fans of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, where she serves as on-field host. Her charisma and humor will keep the crowd engaged while a live DJ spins upbeat tracks that blend hip-hop with Japanese pop and lo-fi instrumentals, a nod to Ichi Kaku’s modern yet authentic style.
The restaurant will also feature a special one-day-only menu, showcasing new street food items alongside customer favorites like tonkotsu ramen, chicken shio, and Japanese curry. Patrons can grab a drink, enjoy the music, and watch as five brave challengers attempt to conquer their massive bowls.
“People think it’s just about the food,” Yohei said. “But it’s about connection, seeing everyone together, smiling, supporting one another. That’s the best part for me.”
For Ichi Kaku, the event is both a culinary spectacle and a love letter to its loyal customers. Yohei’s approach to community is as generous as his portions. “Every time someone comes into my restaurant, I’m thankful,” he said. “This block party is how I say thank you back.”
As the countdown begins and the competitors take their seats, the crowd will chant encouragement while the DJ drops the beat. In minutes, the air will fill with cheers, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythm of chopsticks clinking against bowls. When the dust and broth settle, one person will stand victorious, holding up an empty bowl and earning the bragging rights of Fayetteville’s fiercest noodle warrior.
For everyone else, it’s a chance to enjoy good food, good people, and good vibes in a space that celebrates both flavor and friendship.
The Ramen Eating Contest and Block Party begins at 1 p.m. on Nov. 23 outside Ichi Kaku, located at 350 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 28301. The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as space fills quickly.
Follow @ichikakufay on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, sneak peeks, and highlights from past events.
“It’s all about fun,” said Chef Yohei. “We just want to make people happy, one bowl at a time.”

(Photo: Chef Yohei, owner of Ichi Kaku, hopes the ramen eating contest is part of a larger day of celebration, giving back to the community. Photo courtesy of Ichi Kaku Facebook page)