Award-Winning Chef JP McMahon Launches Kombu Ramen & Bao Bar

BREAKING: Renowned restaurateur JP McMahon has just opened his highly anticipated ramen and bao bar, Kombu, in the heart of Galway on Druids Lane. This exciting new venue, which launched over the weekend, promises to deliver an authentic Japanese street food experience, featuring a vibrant menu that celebrates rich flavors and cultural traditions.

Kombu’s offerings include steaming bowls of ramen, teriyaki, tempura, and a selection of innovative rice dishes. Guests can also indulge in a creative variety of bao buns and uniquely crafted desserts. This venture has been developed by Chef Patron JP McMahon alongside Chef Gabriel Hoefling Ossani, who has previously collaborated with McMahon at the Michelin-starred Aniar.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is enhanced by colorful graffiti walls created by local artist Tracey O’Callaghan, complemented by subdued lighting and a curated playlist by Matt Orlando from Copenhagen’s Amass restaurant. McMahon expressed his excitement about realizing his long-held dream to introduce a Japanese-inspired restaurant to Galway, stating, “Japanese cuisine has inspired how we cook in Aniar, influencing our approach to fish and vegetables with a strong focus on seaweed and sea herbs.”

Kombu aims to merge Japanese culinary techniques with top-notch Irish produce. The focus on ramen is notable, with options including rich pork belly, chicken udon, and a vegetarian celeriac dish. A standout menu item is the Spicy Chicken Bao, featuring pickled daikon and black garlic mayonnaise, which is already generating buzz among food enthusiasts.

Desserts at Kombu also take a creative turn, offering a savory-sweet bao bun filled with chocolate crèmeux and wasabi sea salt, alongside a seasonal fruit soft serve and a Black Sesame Tart with yuzu curd.

The launch of Kombu not only adds to Galway’s vibrant food scene but also reflects JP McMahon’s commitment to culinary innovation and cultural fusion. The restaurant is now open for business, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience this fresh take on Japanese cuisine.

For those in Galway, this new venue is a must-visit, combining traditional flavors with a modern twist. Stay tuned for more updates on this culinary hotspot as it begins to make waves across the region.