our story

The story of Nippon Tei began with Ann Bognar’s desire to bring great quality Asian fusion cuisine to the St. Louis area 17 years ago. Ann, a native of Thailand, with beginnings working with her family in the original Manee Thai Restaurant, envisioned a way to bring some of the tastes of Japan and Thailand together, to form one of the first fusion restaurants in the area.

Nippon Tei was and continues to be a family owned and operated restaurant committed to bringing a blend of traditional, some of her mother’s recipes, and new and innovative flavors together in a comfortable and stylish atmosphere.

Nippon Tei and her sister restaurants Ramen Tei and Tei Too are staffed and managed by a crew of talented and dedicated people who continue to be the backbone and stalworths of the business day in and day out. Without our family, nothing is possible.

Ann and her family, including her son Nicholas, who is on his own culinary journey of discovery, has continued to expand the Tei taste experience with the latest menu at Ramen Tei, St Louis’ original dedicated ramen themed shop.

Tei Too, a fast casual themed restaurant in Webster Groves serves wok stir fried, curries, soups and Satay for carry out and dining in under a relaxed setting theme.