7 Secrets Behind Omo Japanese Soul Food's Viral Success: Inside The New Springfield Hotspot

Omo Japanese Soul Food has become a culinary phenomenon, evolving from a local favorite to a must-visit destination for authentic and comforting Japanese cuisine. As of today, December 12, 2025, the biggest news surrounding Omo is its recent, major relocation to a state-of-the-art space in Springfield, Missouri's Chesterfield Village, marking a new chapter in its seven-year history. This move hasn't just provided more seating; it has amplified the restaurant's unique mission to serve true "soul food"—dishes that are both traditional and deeply comforting to the everyday person.

The core philosophy of Omo, co-owned by restaurateur Jay Jung, is to blend the familiar flavors of Japanese home cooking with a playful, innovative spirit. Unlike high-end *kaiseki* or formal dining, Omo specializes in *B-kyu Gurume*, or "B-class gourmet," the everyday, affordable, and deeply satisfying food that fuels Japan—from customizable ramen to savory *Teppanyaki*. Their new, artfully designed location, complete with a charming, cat-themed mobile robot server, ensures the dining experience is as memorable as the food itself.

The New Era of Omo: Location, Atmosphere, and Jay Jung's Vision

The recent relocation of Omo Japanese Soul Food to 2215 W. Chesterfield Blvd. in Chesterfield Village is more than just a change of address; it is an upgrade to a modern, expansive dining experience. Co-owner Jay Jung oversaw the transition, which briefly closed the restaurant for just two days to complete the move, demonstrating their commitment to continuity.

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1. The State-of-the-Art Venue and Cat-Themed Charm

The new space is a significant expansion, boasting a seating capacity of 175, allowing Omo to welcome more diners than ever before. The atmosphere is a deliberate blend of modern design with traditional Japanese elements, featuring beautiful accents like paper lanterns and cherry blossoms. The most talked-about addition is a mobile robot, styled after a cat, which assists in serving drinks—a playful nod to Japanese pop culture and a commitment to innovative service.

2. Co-Owner Jay Jung's Philosophy

While a full biography remains elusive, co-owner Jay Jung’s influence is the driving force behind the "soul food" concept. The term "Omo" itself encapsulates this idea, focusing on food that speaks warmth and comfort. His vision is to offer a menu that respects authentic Japanese cuisine—including traditional *sushi* and *teriyaki*—while embracing creative flair and modern twists that appeal to a diverse palate. This approach elevates simple, everyday dishes into a memorable dining experience.

3 Must-Try Dishes That Define the "Soul Food" Concept

Omo's menu is a masterclass in Japanese comfort food, featuring staples that are regional, customizable, and deeply satisfying. The true "soul food" elements come from their commitment to serving dishes that are the equivalent of a warm hug on a plate, focusing on rich flavors and high-quality ingredients.

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3. The Secret of Okinawa-Style Ramen (OMO Noodle Bowl)

The OMO Noodle Bowl, their signature Japanese RAMEN, is the heart of the menu and a key differentiator. It is explicitly described as using an "Okinawa style" noodle—a slimmer and softer Japanese noodle than the typical, thick *tonkotsu* ramen noodle. This regional variation provides a unique texture and flavor profile.

• Customization: Diners can truly make the dish their own by selecting from four distinct broth/soup bases, ensuring a personalized "soul food" experience.
• Toppings: The bowl is traditionally served with classic toppings like corn, green onion, seaweed, and a slice of Japanese fish cake (*narutomaki*).

4. OMO Yaki Noodle (Japanese Stir-Fried Noodle)

Another popular comfort item is the OMO Yaki Noodle, which is the restaurant's take on Japanese-style stir-fried noodles, often known as *Yaki-Soba*. This dish uses a thinner Japanese noodle, stir-fried with a savory sauce and a mix of vegetables like cabbage, yellow onion, and carrot, often with a choice of protein like chicken.

This dish is a classic example of *B-kyu Gurume*—a simple, flavorful, and filling street food that has become a staple of Japanese home cooking and festival fare.

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5. The All-in-One OMO Box

For those who want a taste of everything, the OMO Box (or *Bento* style) is the perfect choice. This lunch/dinner set exemplifies the fusion of East-meets-West comfort food.

• The Chicken Katsu Deluxe Box: A popular variation includes juicy Chicken *Katsu* (a deep-fried breaded cutlet), a California Roll, a side salad, *Edamame*, and a surprising inclusion: *Crab Rangoon*.
• The Fusion Twist: The inclusion of Crab Rangoon, a distinctly American-Chinese appetizer, alongside traditional *katsu* and *sushi* is one of the subtle ways Omo delivers on its promise of "soul food-inspired items with unique twists."

6. The Broader World of Japanese Soul Food (LSI Entities)

Omo Japanese Soul Food’s success is rooted in its connection to the broader culinary movement of Japanese comfort cuisine. These are the dishes that Japanese people grow up on, often regional and always deeply satisfying, providing immense topical authority to Omo's menu.

• Osaka’s Staples: The Osaka region is famous for its flour-based soul foods, including savory pancakes like *Okonomiyaki* and deep-fried skewers known as *Kushikatsu*.
• Street Food Heroes: Small, spherical wheat-flour balls filled with octopus, or *Takoyaki*, are another street food staple that falls under the soul food umbrella.
• Regional Delicacies: In Mie's northern area, the local soul food is *Tonteki*, a hearty pork steak dish.
• Kyoto's Home Cooking: Kyoto is known for *Obanzai Ryori*, a simple cuisine of everyday dishes, often vegetables simmered in a homey style called *nimono*.

7. Teppanyaki and Curry: Expanding the Comfort Horizon

Beyond the noodle bowls and bento boxes, Omo offers two other major categories of Japanese comfort food: *Teppanyaki* and *Kare-raisu* (Japanese Curry). These dishes further solidify Omo's position as a comprehensive purveyor of Japanese soul food.

Teppanyaki: The Cooking Show Experience

Omo’s new location allows them to fully embrace the spectacle of *Teppanyaki*, a style of cooking that involves a chef preparing food on a large iron griddle. This not only delivers perfectly cooked meats and vegetables but also adds an element of entertainment and warmth to the dining experience, which is central to the "soul food" concept. Menu options include classic steak meals and value combos, often served with their signature OMO Sauce.

Japanese Curry (Kare-raisu)

Japanese Curry, or *Kare-raisu*, is one of the most beloved comfort foods in Japan, a dish that often features a rich, slightly sweet sauce poured over rice. Omo offers several variations, including Chicken Curry, Tofu Curry, Shrimp Curry, and the popular Chicken *Katsu* Curry, which pairs the crispy cutlet with the savory curry sauce. This dish, along with *Tonkatsu* (pork cutlet), is essential to the Japanese soul food landscape, and Omo ensures it is represented with a variety of protein options.