PHILADELPHIA, PA – Glu Hospitality is proud to present Chika, a new underground late-night ramen bar in the heart of Philadelphia. Inspired by the cult sci-fi classic movie Blade Runner, Chika combines food, drink and design.
Glu Hospitality Introduces CHIKA (地下) – A Subterranean Japanese Ramen Bar in Philadelphia
Chika is operated under Glu Hospitality, an Asian-owned restaurant group co-led by Tim Lu and Derek Gibbons. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant that seats 48 diners is at 1526 Sansom Street (lower level). The Japanese word “chika” means basement/cellar/underground place, which helps promote the speakeasy vibe this new late-night spot attempts to achieve.
The cuisine at Chika is traditional ramen dishes with Japanese bites prepared by Chef Dean Leevongcharoen, a 12-year chef who was trained in Japan and formerly owned a ramen shop until 2022. Michael Ego provides the drinks and BOXwood Architecture and Design Firm designed the space.
Chika Ramen Bar’s grand opening will be next Thursday (November 2nd) at 4 pm with regular service on Mondays to Wednesdays at 4 pm to 10 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9 p.m.), Thursdays to Saturdays at 4 pm to 2 am (kitchen closes at 1 am), and Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm (kitchen closes at 8 pm). It’s currently walk-in only (no reservations). Their full kitchen menu is available all day, with plans for a lunch and brunch menu to be released in the near future. For more information, their number is (215) 419-5847.
Glu Hospitality invites you to explore Chika's unique atmosphere of food, drink, and design inspired by Blade Runner. Head past the shadows and blurry silhouettes into the electric glow beneath the streets of Philadelphia for an unforgettable experience!
