Japanese: Ichiraku Ramen Bar
Whether I like it or not (and I’m leaning more towards the “not” side of the scale), it seems like summer is unofficially over. Just today I checked the weather forecast for NYC, and we’re looking at 5 straight days of rain. Bummer. While my umbrella and I played a losing battle of chicken against the weather on my walk home, I only wanted one thing – a toasty bowl of noodle soup (“Mmmmm, noodle soup” – brownie points to whoever came name that quote!). Well, I suck at planning such things ahead because I had a cold gazpacho at home waiting for me. Smooth move. BUT, this weather reminded me of a recent trip I made to Ichiraku Ramen Bar in the East Village.
It was a dreary rainy afternoon when I pulled up a chair to my window-side seat…
Ichiraku’s menu was quite extensive, with a myraid of ramen options to choose from:
But I first started with the Spicy Pork Bun, which features a tangy sauce, fresh cucumbers and scallions:
The spicy pork bun was well executed, with a warm soft bun, fresh veggies and perfectly season pork – the spiciness manifested more as a mouthfeel than a flavor. Delicious!
For my ramen selection, I went with the shoyu ramen per the waitress’ suggestion - soy sauce flavored broth with grilled pork, bamboo shoots, boiled egg, seaweed, scallion, onion and ramen noodles.
The broth was flavorful without being too heavy; the pork slices were just the right amount of fattiness, and the egg was perfect – firm white, medium-cooked yolk. The noodles were chewy and satisfying, and the seaweed and scallions completed this savory bowl.
I give Ichiraku a solid 2-apple rating – perfectly acceptable ramen and a fair price. While it doesn’t compare to my old favorite Ippudo, Ichiraku is a great option if you don’t feel like waiting for an hour!
A consistent ramen choice in the East Village.
Ichiraku Ramen Bar
141 1st Ave. (btw St. Marks/9th St)
212.529.2740
Have you had ramen before? What are your favorite toppings?
nothing like ramen on a rainy day! like you, ippudo reigns supreme in my mind for ramen, but good to know there are plenty of tasty choices out there!
1I love ramen! There is a serious lack of good ramen places here in SF, but I think there are more popping up here and there. I agree that there’s nothing like a delicious bowl of noodles on a not-so-pleasant day!
2I’ve never had real ramen before, but it looks delicious! As for gazpacho, I’m hoping I get to enjoy at least one more bowl before the warm days are really gone!
3That looks so comforting and delicious!
xoxo,
4Chic ‘n Cheap Living
Ohhhh man. I’ve been craving ramen for a few weeks now, and this post just put me over the edge! Unfortunately, there aren’t any places that serve real ramen around here…so I shall live vicariously through your post.
5Ramen! Mmm, soup! I love a bowl of noodles on a rainy day. Totally could go for one today.
6I’ve never had real Ramen. I feel ashamed. I need to go to NY and get some!
7Yes, you need to visit!
8Looks delish! I bet we pass each other by constantly on the street. I live a few blocks from there and yesterday I was losing a battle with the weather on my walk home too
9We probably do! I’ll have to keep an eye out!
10Well, the pork bun looks delicious! What is with this rain? I’m over it. And I would like the heat to stay a little bit longer…just a few more weeks of it please.
11FRIENDS! I just watched that episode! Mmmm… Noodle Soup
12YES!! I was waiting for someone to catch it!
Mmmm…Noodle Soup 
13mm Ramen. I’m glad I left NY after Irene and before the rain hit. Back to sunny California. Too bad I didn’t to try any ramen places there. Ippudo was on my list though, thanks to you, and remains on my list still.
14i love those bowls!!! we used to have a place like this in miami but they mysteriously closed for no reason… can’t wait to go to NY again!
15There is the little place here in Orlando, Florida called Little Saigon and I love their noodle bowls. They look just like the picture you showed! Your post is making me very hungry. I wonder if they have a South Beach Diet approved bowl I could try today. It’s raining today too so it would be very comforting…just like you described. Love your Blog!!
16Thank you for stopping by my blog!
Have a great day!
17Oh man, I LOVE ramen! I got into it in college when there was a great ramen house in my college town. A little weird, since the town is TINY, but man was it delicious. I’m on a quest for great ramen in my city now, but so far, nothing is 100% amazing. I’m having fun trying to find it though!
18Oh that all sounds so yummy right now!
I haven’t eaten lunch yet & I’m pretty hungry xD
Now I’m craving ramen. haha
<3,
19Dana
I LOVE RAMEN. With a passion.
Did you see the first issue of Lucky Peach, which is dedicated to ramen?
http://www.npr.org/2011/08/07/139019770/lucky-peach-an-irreverent-look-at-cooking
I haven’t been to NY since 2009, I think it’s time for another trip so I can try all these great places you blog about.
20Ohhh my gosh! Looks absolutely delicious…
I’ve never had a pork bun OR ramen (authentic OR the nasty cheap stuff college students eat, haha). Seriously. They are both things I want to try…if I could ever find a good place!
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