Food is the window to the soul. It is exactly why every time you eat grandma’s freshly baked pies or mother’s home-cooked meal that nostalgia comes greeting, dancing with the flavors of comfort and home in your mouth. For every good meal is infused with the soul of the cook. Just like this artisan Japanese noodle bar, serving warm bowls of ramen for the soul.
Meet Chef Bedjo, the Corporate Chef behind Ramen for The Soul (RFTS), a progressive ramen establishment that draws inspiration from traditional ramen places. RFTS aims to be leaders of artisan Japanese modern ramen in Jakarta through originality infused with character and soul in every dish. RFTS started from an experience at Santouka Ramen and the desire to transform traditional ramen into a contemporary and bold dining experience. It focuses on modern Japanese cuisine that stems from a passion for innovation and commitment to infuse traditional flavors with a modern twist.
What sets RFTS apart from others is their commitment to infuse every dish with its own character and soul, offering a bold interpretation of traditional ramen and creating a unique and memorable dining experience for their customers. The keyword “Progressive” , Chef Bedjo adds, is what he would choose as the keyword that encapsulates RFTS. In innovating classic menus, their inspiration comes from various sources such as culinary trends, customer feedback, experimentation with flavors, and deep appreciation for creativity. “We strive to push boundaries and create more memorable dining experiences through our innovative dishes,” says Chef Bedjo.
As Chef Bedjo works and meets many people, he describes the working dynamic with “RAGAM” individuals are characterized by creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for innovation. For Chef Bedjo, RAGAM Individuals bring diverse perspectives and skills, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity and excellence. When faced with challenges, Chef Bedjo combines structured thinking with creative exploration as the way for problem-solving. He believes in finding effective solutions while fostering a culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and collaboration to overcome challenges and drive creativity.
“Through the challenges faced in creative pursuits, I've learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities, staying flexible in the face of change, and maintaining a growth mindset are essential for personal and professional growth in the creative field” — Chef Bedjo
Every day, Chef Bedjo is inspired by his travel experiences and the cherished memories of his mother’s cooking. He shares that traveling exposes him to diverse culinary traditions, ingredients, and flavors fueling his passion for creating exceptional dishes. Additionally, the comforting and delicious meals prepared by his mom reminds him of the love, care, and dedication that go into crafting dishes. This inspires him to push boundaries, innovate in the kitchen, and strive for culinary excellence each day.
When Chef Bedjo isn’t in the kitchen, he expresses himself through reading books, socializing, exploring culinary trends on social media platforms like Youtube and instagram, and indulges himself in his hobbies of photography and sports. These activities help him stay connected to the world around him. Chef Bedjo’s passion for culinary continues as he pours his soul in every bowl of noodle goodness for everyone to taste.
Writer: Syaza Calibria
Editor: Shari Semesta
