Today we’d like to introduce you to James Pyo.
Hi James, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Chef James Pyo, Executive Co-Owner of Harumama, brings over 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry and is a well-recognized figure in San Diego’s sushi and Japanese fusion scene. In early 2018, he and his wife and business partner, Jenny Pyo, opened the first Harumama Noodles + Buns in San Diego’s Little Italy, blending their shared passion for Asian comfort food with a fresh, modern twist.
Since then, the duo has expanded the brand into multiple iconic neighborhoods, helping shape the city’s modern dining landscape. Today, Harumama operates seven locations across San Diego County’s coast and one in Carrollton, Texas.
Their partnership blends James’s culinary innovation and Jenny’s strategic vision—together creating a brand known for its playful character buns, crave-worthy noodles, and bold pan-Asian flavors. By drawing inspiration from across Asia and infusing it with global influences, James and Jenny continue to push the boundaries of what Asian fusion can be on the West Coast.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road for James and Jenny Pyo. Like many entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry, they’ve faced their fair share of challenges—from the complexities of opening and scaling multiple locations to navigating the unpredictable shifts in dining trends and customer expectations. The pandemic added another layer of difficulty, demanding quick pivots in operations and creative problem-solving just to keep things moving forward.
One of the most demanding, and rewarding, aspects of their journey has been developing Harumama’s signature character buns. The process of making each bun takes two full days, and the team spends weeks refining and perfecting new designs and flavors. It’s a true labor of love, combining culinary skill, artistic creativity, and a deep attention to detail.
Beyond the kitchen, building a brand that honors Asian flavors while offering a playful, modern twist hasn’t always been easy. But through it all, James and Jenny have remained focused on their mission: to create fun, welcoming spaces that bring people joy through inventive Asian fusion cuisine. Every challenge has strengthened their passion and commitment, helping turn Harumama into one of the most beloved and recognizable names.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Harumama Noodles + Buns?
Harumama Noodles + Buns is a beloved family-owned restaurant group centered around its vibrant and flavorful ramen and noodle dishes, complemented by its handcrafted character buns and innovative Asian fusion bites. The name “Harumama” comes from the Korean word “Haru,” meaning day, combined with “mama” to emphasize the handmade quality of food lovingly prepared daily—creating a warm, inviting space where families come together to enjoy memorable meals.
Founded by James and Jenny Pyo, Harumama expertly blends flavors from diverse Asian cuisines into approachable, playful, and crave-worthy dishes. The brand reflects the personal care and attention in every plate, fostering a sense of familial connection and a homey atmosphere throughout the restaurant.
At the heart of Harumama are its bold, flavor-rich ramen and noodle creations. Their ramen features deep, aromatic broths inspired by traditional Japanese techniques, creatively enhanced with influences from other Asian cultures. The noodle dishes range from classic stir-fries to innovative bowls combining unexpected ingredients and textures, including refreshing cold noodle options perfect for summer.
Complementing the noodles are Harumama’s iconic character buns—handcrafted, steamed to perfection, and designed to look like adorable animals. Each bun takes two full days to prepare, with new designs often taking weeks to develop and perfect. Filled with a variety of savory options like pork and chicken, as well as sweet treats such as ube and Nutella, these buns are as delicious as they are charming.
Harumama offers a unique Asian fusion experience that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of ramen, a perfectly balanced noodle stir-fry, or a playful character bun, every dish reflects the brand’s commitment to bold flavors and artistic presentation.
The mission is simple: to bring joy through food. Whether for a casual lunch, family dinner, or night out with friends, Harumama creates an experience that’s unforgettable from the first bite to the last photo. With seven locations across San Diego County and one in Carrollton, Texas, Harumama has become a beloved local favorite and a must-visit destination for food lovers of all ages.
What does success mean to you?
At Harumama, we define success not just by growth or profits, but by the meaningful connections we build through our food and community. Success means creating a space where people feel welcomed, inspired, and excited to share a meal with family and friends. It’s about honoring the traditions and flavors we love while continuously innovating to surprise and delight our guests.
We measure success by the smiles at our tables, the loyalty of our customers, and the opportunities we create for our team to grow and thrive. Ultimately, success for us is about making a positive impact—bringing joy, comfort, and connection to every dish and every experience at Harumama.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harumamasd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harumamasd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harumamasd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpn_g9HNbaFUUeB3M5HHUQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Harumama+Noodles+And+Buns&find_loc=San+Diego%2C+CA
Image Credits
Samantha Marie, Dabin Oh
