Toki Underground Chef Nominated for James Beard Award

(Updated at 2:20 p.m.) The H Street NE restaurant scene is getting some national attention.

Chef Erik Bruner-Yang of the Taiwanese ramen and dumpling restaurant Toki Underground is up for a James Beard Award, the James Beard Foundation announced. Bruner-Yang is a semi-finalist for the Rising Star of the Year Award.

Bruner-Yang said Thursday afternoon that he found out about the nomination by text message.

“It’s great,” he said. “Anytime you’re recognized by James Beard, it’s such an honor.”

He said he shared the nomination with his staff.

“Those are the guys who make it happen every day,” Bruner-Yang said.

Toki Underground — located at 1234 H St. NE, above The Pug — opened in April 2011. Its Taipei Curry Chicken Ramen was named one of D.C.’s most iconic dishes on a list published last month by Eater.

The next cut of Beard Award nominees will be announced March 24, and the honors will be awarded May 4.

Photos via Facebook/TokiUnderground and Twitter/TokiUnderground