Ramen here, ramen there, ramen shops everywhere. I’ll truly miss all the amazing ethnic cuisines available within walking distance when I move out of the East Village come July 31. Ramen Setagaya was actually my first experience in a ramen shop, introducing me to the world of non-fried, non-instant ramen I had known my entire life. I returned to the 1st Ave location a few weeks ago when I craved something warm, soupy, and filling for lunch. The restaurant was surprisingly quiet on the Sunday afternoon, and we were cheerfully greeted by the cooks behind the counter when we stepped in.
We split a side order of Oyako-Don to start, which was minced chicken with rice, pickled vegetables, and a soft cooked egg. The egg cooked itself after being mixed into the rice, much like Dolsot Bibimbap. I ordered the Shio Ramen, which came adorned with slices of pork, bamboo-shoot, salt taste egg, seaweed, and scallions. The noodles were cooked al dente and the pork had a yummy proportion of fat to meat.
While the broth at Ramen Setagaya is definitely not as rich and flavorful as the one Ippudo boasts, presentation gets an A! (Probably because they use a smaller bowl so the ramen keeps the egg and pork afloat, but still, I remember my disappointment when my Ippudo ramen was brought out) I had to refrain from drinking all the salt-infused soup, since, well you know, I can’t help picking at food left in front of me. =/
Carson ordered the Shio Ramen Tsukemen, and he had his ramen brought out on the side to dip into his (more concentrated) broth. I actually liked his noodles more – they were firmer with a springy texture, and they absorbed more flavor after dipping into the broth.
Go to Ramen Setagaya if you don’t want to wait in a long line for Ippudo (though it can get crowded in the evenings). There are also chain locations in St Marks and University Place. The ramen is cheaper and fills you up more, and it isn’t half bad either. However, if delicious broth is a must, wait it out at Ippudo. Or be smart and get there earlier in the evening to minimize the wait.
My ultimate goal? Go to Japan and order a huge bowl of piping hot ramen with a big fat crab smack dab in the center. Just like the ramen in animes. :)
Ramen Setagaya
141 First Ave
New York, NY 10003
212-529-2740
I've been told that a certain smile breaks across my face whenever the subject of food is brought up, a smile that radiates the purest forms of delight and happiness. Food transcends beyond the smell and taste of what's presented in front of me; it's an experience to be enjoyed, indulged, shared with those I love. Working and living in NYC continually opens culinary doors, from hole-in-the-walls to upscale (even stuffy) dining. I never take any morsel of food for granted, and I'm often THAT girl at the table found licking her plate at the end of the meal.
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do you happen to know the name of the noodles they use at Setagya for their Shio Ramen Tsukemen. I am trying to make a home version of it and finding the right noodle is key.