Our Story

A name, a family,
a bowl of love.

Mai Ramen was born from a simple idea — take the instant ramen we all grew up with, and make it something worth celebrating. Named after a beloved Hmong girl's name.

The Name

Mai — more than
just a name.

In Hmong culture, Mai is one of the most beloved names for a girl — warm, bright, and full of spirit. For the Herr family, it represents everything they wanted this place to feel like: welcoming, joyful, and a little bit home.

When Maysee Herr and her family set out to open their first restaurant in Milwaukee, the name chose itself. Mai Ramen isn't just a noodle shop — it's a love letter to the family that built it.

🌸
Mai
Hmong girl's name
Bright, warm, and full of spirit — a name passed down through Hmong families for generations. It's who we are.
What we stand for

Built on three things

🏠
Family first
Every decision we make goes back to family — the one that built this place, and the community we're here to serve.
🍜
Instant, elevated
We believe instant ramen deserves a glow-up. 50+ options, premium toppings, and a bowl that's 100% yours.
🌊
Made for Milwaukee
Steps from Lake Michigan. Grab your bowl and head to the water. That's the Mai Ramen way.
The Family

Meet the Herr family

👩
Maysee Herr
Founder & Owner
The heart behind Mai Ramen. Maysee dreamed of a place where instant ramen could shine — and brought her whole family along for the ride.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
The Herr Family
Co-founders
From the kitchen to the counter, every family member plays a role. Mai Ramen is truly a family effort, built with love and a lot of noodles.
🌿
Hmong Heritage
Our roots
Proudly Hmong-owned and Milwaukee-grown. We carry our culture in everything we do — including the name on the door.
Tips from Mai

Your ramen guide

🌶️
Start with a classic
First time? Try Shin Ramyun with a soft boiled egg and butter. You can thank Mai later.
🧀
Cheese in ramen is legal
Melt a slice into your broth. Sounds wrong, tastes unforgettable. Trust the process.
🌊
Take it to the lake
Lake Michigan is 5 minutes away. Grab your bowl and go. That's the move.
🍜
The Mai Ramen way

Grab your bowl.
Head to the lake.

823 E Kilbourn Ave puts us right in the heart of downtown Milwaukee — just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan.

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