Students ask, University of Utah Dining unleashes Ramen Monster automated concept

The Chartwells Higher Education dining team at the University of Utah is responding to student demand for more Asian fare in the menu mix. In a student survey last year, noticing especially high demand for Asian cuisine, the dining team decided to launch an automated ramen concept. The decision to bring the concept to campus was also due in part to the rise in international students and the steady demand from all college students for Asian fare across the nation, according to a statement.

So, at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester, the dining team installed 12 Ramen Monster machines at five different retail locations across campus. Ramen Monster is an automated instant ramen concept that was founded in South Korea in the late 2000s, with Ramen Monster, LLC, founded in Utah this year. Touting this route to ramen, Ramen Monster's website describes the experience as "affordable and cheerful five-minute flavor."

"Inspired by South Korea’s popular instant ramen culture, we aim to share a piece of Korean culinary tradition with our customers. At Ramen Monster, we believe in providing high-quality, affordable dining options that fit busy lifestyles," according to the website.

The Ramen Monster machines, which look more like a futuristic personal coffee maker, offer an array of different types of ramen, including Shin Ramyun Black, a meaty beef bone broth base and spicy Buldak Creamy Carbonara, with a wide selection of toppings. Vegetarian options and a variety of spice levels are all customizable within the bowl. It's an interactive experience, as students can completely customize and visualize their ramen bowl. It works by placing the bowl in the monster, adding seasonings to the top, selecting your favorite ramen, pressing start and then it's ramen time after you stir it up.

We've seen quite a few food-centric robots in the college and university space, from food delivery robots to 24-hour automat machines to smoothie-making robots and more. The new technology is often aimed at boosting convenience for tech-loving college students, and in this case, being able to offer a global dish that's in high demand.

And the overarching goal behind the partnership is the further enhance the dining experience by offering innovative and diverse options, part of Chartwells Higher Education's larger mission.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance the dining experience for our students, and this addition is a testament to that commitment." said Chuck Weaver, director of dining services at University of Utah, in a statement. "Adding Ramen Monster to our dining options is a significant step in our commitment to providing diverse and high-quality food choices on campus."