The Story Behind Daruma Ramen: From a Bowl of Ramen to a Louisiana Favorite

Photo By: Bayou State Media Staff

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A Dream Built Around a Bowl of Ramen

Every great restaurant has a story. For Stacy and Danny Zheng, the story of Daruma Ramen began with something simple: a shared love for ramen around the family table.

What started as Danny's love of ramen eventually grew into a dream of opening a restaurant where others could experience authentic Japanese ramen made with rich, flavorful broth and fresh ingredients. Today, that dream has grown into two thriving Louisiana restaurants serving guests in Prairieville and Baton Rouge.

As part of Bayou State Media's Louisiana Food Tour, we sat down with Stacy and Danny Zheng to learn how a simple family tradition became a popular destination in Baton Rouge for ramen and Asian cuisine.

A Passion That Started at Home

Long before Daruma Ramen welcomed its first guests, Stacy and Danny were perfecting recipes in their own kitchen.

Danny has always loved ramen, so much so that Stacy says he could happily eat a bowl every single night. His enthusiasm inspired the couple to spend years tasting different styles of ramen, learning what makes a memorable bowl, and experimenting with recipes at home.

Rather than simply recreating recipes they enjoyed, they focused on creating something uniquely their own. Through years of practice, tasting, and refining, they developed a rich, flavorful broth while carefully selecting the proteins, vegetables, and fresh ingredients that would eventually become the foundation of Daruma Ramen.

What began as a shared hobby soon became a dream of sharing authentic ramen with the community they call home.

The Meaning Behind the Name "Daruma"

Many guests recognize the restaurant's name but may not know the meaning behind it.

The Daruma doll is one of Japan's most recognizable symbols, representing perseverance, determination, resilience, and good fortune. Traditionally, the Daruma reminds people to keep moving forward after setbacks and remain committed to achieving their goals.

For Stacy and Danny, the name perfectly reflected their own journey as entrepreneurs. Building a business came with challenges, but they remained committed to continually improving, never giving up, and always striving to provide the best possible experience for their guests.

Those same values continue to define Daruma Ramen today.

How Daruma Ramen Grew from Prairieville to Baton Rouge

Daruma Ramen officially opened its first location in Prairieville on June 19, 2023.

The response from the community exceeded Stacy and Danny's expectations. Guests embraced the restaurant's authentic flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to quality, helping establish Daruma as a local favorite.

Encouraged by that support, Stacy and Danny expanded by opening a second location in Mid City Baton Rouge on February 23, 2026.

"Baton Rouge has such a diverse and welcoming community," Stacy said. "Our goal has always been to create a place where families and friends can enjoy delicious food, excellent service, and a fun dining experience."

Today, both locations continue serving guests while sharing the same commitment to quality and hospitality that inspired the restaurant from the beginning.

Learning Through Passion

Everything they know came from years of cooking together, tasting different styles of ramen, researching ingredients, and constantly refining their recipes.

That hands-on approach allowed them to develop their own signature broth while carefully selecting every ingredient that goes into each bowl.

Over time, those countless hours of experimentation became the recipes they're proud to serve their guests today.

Their philosophy has always been simple: keep learning, keep improving, and never stop pursuing excellence.

Honoring Japanese Tradition While Welcoming Every Guest

Authentic Japanese ramen remains the heart of Daruma Ramen, but Stacy and Danny also wanted to create a restaurant where everyone could find something to enjoy.

While traditional ramen continues to be their signature offering, the menu also includes American favorites and Asian-inspired dishes that appeal to a wide variety of tastes.

The result is a restaurant that respects Japanese culinary traditions while embracing the diverse preferences of Louisiana diners.

Whether someone is trying ramen for the first time or has loved it for years, Daruma Ramen aims to make every guest feel welcome.

What Should You Order First?

For first-time visitors, Stacy has a few recommendations.

The restaurant's signature Tonkotsu Ramen is her first choice. Featuring a rich, slow-cooked pork broth, it has become Daruma's most recognizable and best-loved bowl.

Guests looking for something different often choose the Honey Chicken, one of the restaurant's best-selling dishes and a favorite among those who enjoy American-style flavors with an Asian twist.

To start the meal, Stacy also recommends the Winged Buta Gyoza, a crispy, juicy appetizer that has become one of Daruma's most popular customer favorites.

Together, these dishes showcase the quality, flavor, and attention to detail that define the restaurant.

The Community Behind Their Success

When asked what the support from Baton Rouge has meant since opening, Stacy didn't hesitate.

"Our customers have welcomed us with open arms, recommended us to family and friends, and helped us grow," she said.

That continued encouragement has allowed Daruma Ramen to expand while remaining committed to exceptional food, outstanding service, and creating memorable dining experiences for every guest.

For Stacy and Danny, every customer who walks through their doors becomes part of the restaurant's story.

Looking Toward the Future

Although Daruma Ramen has already experienced tremendous growth, Stacy and Danny believe they're only getting started.

Looking ahead, they hope to continue introducing new menu items, maintaining the quality guests have come to expect, and creating memorable dining experiences for everyone who visits.

Their long-term vision is to become one of Louisiana's favorite destinations for ramen and Asian cuisine while continuing to exceed their guests' expectations.

More Than Just a Restaurant

One story many guests may not know is that Daruma Ramen began with a simple family tradition.

Before opening the restaurant, Danny's love for ramen inspired countless evenings spent perfecting recipes together at home. That same passion still guides everything they do today—from preparing each batch of broth to welcoming every guest who walks through the door.

Building Daruma Ramen has been a journey filled with hard work, determination, and unforgettable moments. Every bowl they serve reflects years of experimentation, perseverance, and a genuine desire to share something meaningful with the community.

"We hope everyone who dines with us feels like they're sharing a meal with family," Stacy said.

For Stacy and Danny Zheng, Daruma Ramen has always been about more than serving great food. It's about bringing people together, creating lasting memories around the table, and welcoming every guest like family. As the restaurant continues to grow, that simple passion that started in their home kitchen remains at the heart of everything they do.

Watch Our Interview with Stacy & Danny Zheng

As part of our Louisiana Food Tour series, Bayou State Media sat down with Stacy and Danny Zheng, owners of Daruma Ramen, to hear the story behind the restaurant, how a shared love for ramen became a growing Louisiana business, and what continues to inspire them every day.

Watch our interview to hear Stacy and Danny share their journey in their own words.

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Learn More About Daruma Ramen

Whether you're craving a rich bowl of signature Tonkotsu Ramen, crispy Winged Buta Gyoza, or one of their customer-favorite Honey Chicken dishes, every meal at Daruma Ramen reflects Stacy and Danny Zheng's commitment to quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and welcoming every guest like family.

From perfecting recipes in their own home kitchen to opening two Louisiana locations, Daruma Ramen continues serving Prairieville and Baton Rouge while proving that great food has the power to bring people together.

Website: https://darumaramenla.com/story

Louisiana Food Tour

Daruma Ramen was featured as part of the Louisiana Food Tour, a series highlighting the restaurants, people, and stories that make Louisiana's food culture unique.

For more Louisiana food stories, local business spotlights, and community features from across the state, be sure to like, follow, and share Bayou State Media.