Rasheeda Purdie is a New York City–based chef and the founder of Ramen by Ra, an intimate ramen shop in the East Village known for its morning-inspired ramen experience rooted in Japanese tradition and New York culture. Before entering the culinary world, Purdie attended at the Fashion Institute of Technology and built a successful career as a stylist at Betsey Johnson and Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue, working with high-profile clients including Beyoncé and the family of Michelle Obama. In 2015, she transitioned to food, training at the Institute of Culinary Education and working in notable kitchens including Untitled at the Whitney Museum, while refining her craft under chefs Melba Wilson, JJ Johnson, and Marcus Samuelsson.

During the pandemic, she launched Ramen by Ra, a concept that draws connections between Southern cooking and Japanese ramen through patience, technique, and soulful broth traditions. What began as a four-seat counter at Bowery Market evolved into her East Village restaurant, where she continues to explore the intersection of culture, ritual, and ramen. Purdie’s work has earned national recognition, including being named one of Ebony Magazine’s “Black Chefs You Should Know,” receiving Dine Diaspora’s Black Women in Food “Culinarian of the Year,” appearing on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, and winning the Pepsi Dig In People’s Choice Chef Award.

@ramenbyra