The aroma of tonkotsu shoyu broth wafts through Stampfenbachplatz: “Machida Shoten” has opened its second European location in Zurich. In addition to ramen, the menu also features matcha, coffee, and Japanese-inspired beers
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, “Machida Shoten” officially opened at Stampfenbachplatz 4 in Zurich. The internationally active ramen brand from Japan is thus opening its second European location in Zurich. Following the grand opening ceremony – which included a ribbon-cutting, ramen tasting, matcha, wine, and networking – the restaurant opened its doors to the public for the first time at 12 noon.
Behind “Machida Shoten” is Gift Holdings Inc., a restaurant company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The expansion into Switzerland is being carried out in partnership with Nippon A+ GmbH, a local joint venture involving Swiss and Austrian hospitality professionals. The goal is to bring authentic Japanese ramen culture to Switzerland.
"Machida Shoten" was founded in 2008 in the Machida district of Tokyo and specializes in Yokohama Iekei ramen. This style of ramen is characterized by a rich tonkotsu-shoyu broth made from pork bones and soy sauce. It also features wide, straight wheat noodles and classic toppings such as chashu pork, spinach, and nori.
Among those in attendance at the opening were Mr. Sasajima, Senior Vice President and co-founder of Gift Holdings, and Alex Müller, co-founder of Nippon A+ GmbH. Representatives from the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland also attended the opening ceremony.
The new location is intended to serve as a bridge between Japan and Switzerland – not only in terms of cuisine, but also culturally. The Swiss locations are also considered Gift Holdings' first European presence and could pave the way for the company's other concepts to enter Europe in the long term.
In addition to ramen, the new location at Stampfenbachplatz also offers an enhanced dining experience. The terrace under the old trees should be usable from morning until evening—for coffee, matcha, a bowl of ramen, or a Japanese beer, for example.
When it comes to coffee, "Machida Shoten" partners with Julius Meinl. For its matcha offerings, the restaurant is partnering with “Coin Coin” from Zurich, known for its creative matcha drinks with Asian influences. Planned creations include, among others, Ube Matcha and Mango Sticky Rice Matcha. The beer selection includes Asahi on tap as well as specialty beers from the St. Laurentius Craft Beer brewery in Bülach, including varieties brewed exclusively for “Machida Shoten” with yuzu and sudachi.
Machida Shoten
Stampfenbachplatz 4, 8006 Zurich (new) & Zypressenstrasse 49, 8004 Zurich
ch.machidashoten.com
