Our first owner Michio Kurihara was born in Tokyo in 1968. After graduating from his high school, He worked as a breadmaker, managed a Mos Burger (One of large franchiesee branch), and in 1996 he first stepped foot in New Zealand on as a working holiday!

In 2001 after receiving permanent resident visa, he decided that he should open his own ramen restaurant in Auckland, so he temporary returned to Japan to be a master, and trained how to work at a ramen shop. It was his first encounter with "Sanchin" Ramen shop, which is closest ramen restaurant from his home, became a very important part of his life.

In August 2005, together with his partner, he finally made his dream come true and opened Tanpopo Ramen in Auckland CBD!

With the support of many hardworking staff, our shop continued to grow through countless meetings and farewells. Then, in July 2009, his partner moved on to a new chapter in life. Time passed, and in 2021, a dedicated employee who had been working alongside us for years took over as the new owner of the restaurant!

Now, our second-generation owner is working hard every day to serve delicious ramen. We will continue striving to make every bowl one that makes you say, "I want to eat this again!