A-ma-i, Ka-la-i, O-i-shi, Wa-ga-ma-ma

Among my looong list of foodie obsessions, ramen is one of them. And by ramen I mean a hearty hot bowl of steaming fresh Japanese noodles - not the instant/packaged kind. I have spent much of last winter looking for the perfect bowl (got close, but there's always better out there). Anyway, here's a list of some places I tried from the worst to the best (although they all have their distinct characteristics, and if you're like me, you'll need to try them all).

1. AJISEN (14 Mott St.)

The noodles have a proper 'al dente' and starchy taste (Ajisen claims that they are made from the traditional 'hand pulled' style ... although I have my doubts). The various Japanese appetizers/tapas are also worth ordering, such as the "crab meat salad". Best part are the cheap prices. However, somehow this Jpnese chain tastes better in Asia, I think it's the broth that makes all the difference (perhaps affected by the absence of msg in the States ... haha). So, I tend to order the "eel fried rice" more while in NY ... best I've had, or more honestly, I've never had it anywhere else.

2. SAPPORO (152 W. 49th St/ btwn 7th&6th Ave)
Popular noodle joint for the young professionals in mid-town area. The ramen tasted quite authentic, the prices were decent and the service quick - esp. necessary during the lunch rush hours. However, there wasn't anything to tell it apart from any other mediocre ramen establishment.

3. RAI RAI KEN (214 E. 10th St/ btwn 1st&2nd Ave)
A cosy little place in the East Village that seats only 14. The ramen isn't amazing (the broth is significantly lighter here than at other places) but the homey effect of the surroundings, the aroma & steam oozing out of the open kitchen, and the cook handing you your ramen himself lends it a nostalgic and authentic air.

4. MINCA (536 E. 5th St/ btwn A&B Ave)

At one far end of the East Village lies this little "ramen factory". Although slightly out of the way, it is worth the trek if you're looking for authentic taste & atmosphere (I've realized cramped spaces is apparently a positive thing when it comes to 'ramen' and 'authenticity'). However, the broth was almost too flavorful that it became too bitter/fishy/meaty at times; so I guess it's not the ideal type of ramen to stumble upon if you're not actively seeking it or familiar with the concept.

5. MOMOFUKU (163 1st Ave/ btwn 10th&11th St)


One of my favorite restaurants in NYC! The food never disappoints no matter what you try on the menu, and it changes occasionally too. It's always fun to try new dishes when there's a creative fusion element to them. However, you'll always be able to find the fundamental staples - the "momofuku ramen" and the "steamed buns" (photos above). Although the ramen noodles themselves are more 'noodle' than 'ramen', what I love about the dish here is the complete taste (and the perfect poached egg on top completes it). As a heads up, like many other worthwhile restaurants in manhattan, there's always a wait during dinner and the prices are more expensive - but it's worth it! The decor is plywood everything. I find the stools impractical and heavy but they do have some minimalist aesthetic appeal if you're into that kind of thing. An open kitchen is always hip, and the hidden hook to hang your bag up under the table is a nice touch (which I only found out after my 5th visit -__-).

Sidenote 1: Recently, my ramen craze has been replaced by 'bimbimbop', which I'll cover soon. (I think it was the abnormally long winter in NY that spawned my search of foods to vanquish the cold.)
Sidenote 2: If you're bored, check out the "Ramen Song" by Taiwanese boyband "Energy" ... hahaha, yeah.