The ramen scene has grown rapidly in the last few years and thank goodness for it! There’s just something about that hearty pork bone broth and its rich flavor that seems to strike the right chord with me.
Since I go out to eat ramen so often, I’m known as the #RamenQueen amongst my friends. There was a time when I ate it 7 times in 2 weeks! My absolute obsession for ramen is vast and always expanding. I am always down for a bowl no matter the weather. My favorite type of ramen is the tonkotsu because of its deep and complex flavors.
As a fan of winter (yes, I know this is uncommon and perhaps unthinkable), the hot steamy soup is one of the best comfort foods I can ever ask for on a snowy and windy day. In the summertime, spicy ramen is even better! The spiciness of the ramen makes you sweat so much, the cool down from the heat is absolutely rewarding.
I grew up eating instant noodles and that was my favorite meal as a child. It comes as no surprise that when my taste buds started developing, the complexity of authentic ramen drew me into its embrace. From time to time, you will still find me eating instant ramen but nothing beats the real deal, right? Here are 5 fabulous ramen places that you should definitely check out – ranked in preference! You might notice that there are some new spots as well as I believe even new joints should have some time in the spotlight!
5. Oiistar
Photo: @vansventures at Oiistar
The oiimen classic (pork belly, egg, scallions, tree-ear mushroom, spicy oil and garlic) has a small kick for those who love to eat spicy foods. With a hot savory soup, the bouncy ramen really stands out. The soup is a pork stock that is brewed for over 18 hours so you can taste the strong flavor when you take a sip! The noodles are made in-house so you know it’s one of a kind. The friendly staff and busy atmosphere creates a great social environment. There’s a good chance you will get to know your neighbor or the chef by the end of the meal!
FAB TIP: Gluten-free options available.
{Location}
Oiistar
Wicker Park || 1385 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 360-8791
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
4. Ramen Takeya
Photo: @vansventures at Ramen Takeya
It’s no surprise that Ramen Takeya, sister location of Wasabi, makes the list. With its Japanese street décor and casual environment, it’s the perfect spot to grab lunch or dinner with family and friends. The new spicy miso ramen (Paitan ramen, soft boiled jidori egg, 100% Berkshire char siu, bamboo shoot, fire bean sprouts) that they added to their menu is a must-try, especially for those that like spicy! It’s got a bit of a kick but it balances out well with the soft char siu and creamy broth. The ramen is topped with freshly chopped onion bits that bring out the sweetness of the broth while giving it a crispy texture. Talk about yum!
FAB TIP: They don’t take reservations and seats are limited.
{Location}
Ramen Takeya
West Loop || 819 W Fulton Mkt, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 666-7710
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
3. Strings
Photo: @vansventures at Strings
Strings has quite the following at its original spot in Chinatown. It has now expanded its offerings to a second location in Lincoln Park. It has become one of the most popular destinations for ramen. True to my own nature, I gravitate towards the original since I feel like the product is more consistent. I have been a patron since they first opened. The original Strings offers a tonkotsu (slow boiled Berkshire pork bone stock, black mayu oil, garlic oil, crushed garlic, kikurage scallions, menma) with a creamy broth that pairs well with the ramen noodles. If you want something that is truly savory, you will want to go to Strings. There’s a reason it’s gotten such a dedicated following! I am not the biggest fan of the ramen noodles compared to Ramen Takeya’s noodles but the broth at Strings is worth the trip.
FAB TIP: Lincoln Park location is open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
{Location}
Strings
Chinatown || 2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 374-3450
Lincoln Park || 1629 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 624-9604
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
2. High Five
Photo: @vansventures at High Five
In 2014, the Hogsalt Group (Au Cheval, Green Street Smokes Meats, Doughnut Vault, etc) opened up High Five Ramen and it has become a hot spot in the ramen scene. My go to is the signature High Five Ramen (slice pork belly, alkaline noodles, seasoned egg, black garlic oil, locally grown bean sprouts and fresh scallions). The broth can be a little too salty on its own but pairs perfectly with the noodles. It’s also made with a tonkotsu broth so it immediately has some love from me. Even if you don’t like spicy, you have to get the spicy, or at least the half spicy. The flavor profile is so much more complex and worth the spice. If you like spicy, then you’re in for a treat!
FAB TIP: Make sure to go early. It only seats 16 people and the line starts before it opens at 6pm. Closed on Mondays and Sundays.
{Location}
High Five Ramen
West Loop || 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 754-0431
{Price}
$$ ($11-$35}
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
1. Wasabi
Photo: @vansventures at Wasabi
Wasabi has always had my heart. No matter how much ramen I might have had in a week, even if I have been eating it for a week straight, this place still hits the spot! I always go for the traditional tonkotsu ramen (egg noodle, rich pork broth, Berkshire pork belly, soft boiled egg, marinated bamboo shoot, scallion, sesame, black wood ear mushroom, garlic oil)! The hearty tonkotsu broth melts in your mouth and stimulates your entire palate. This place will always leave you screaming for more. The char siu is so soft and tender. The marinated egg (ajitsuke tamago) is still one of the best I have ever tasted. Eggs with creamy and gooey middles are probably one of the best things ever to happen and even better with ramen. How can you say no?
FAB TIP: Open for dinner everyday. Open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays only.
{Location}
Wasabi
Logan Square || 2115 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 227-8180
{Price}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}
Honorable Mention: Slurping Turtle
Photo: @vansventures at Slurping Turtle
With so many ramen spots in the city, it’s hard to narrow down each and every single one. However, I did want to mention an option in the River North area for the downtown dwellers! Slurping Turtle gets some love from me since they made some recent recipe changes for the better! Their tonkotsu (homemade ramen noodles, silky pork broth, pork chashu, bok choy, molten egg, naruto, chili oil) now has a smooth complex broth that compliments their noodles. The runny egg yolk oozes with flavor. Watch it as it seeps into the soup! I also recommend the hamachi tacos as an appetizer because it’s not often you can find taro taco shells!
FAB TIP: Available for delivery
{Location}
Slurping Turtle
River North || 116 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 464-0466
{Price}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
Do you have one that you enjoy? Which one is your favorite? Where is your favorite spot in the city? Now excuse me while I go get myself a bowl!
Until the next venture!
With Love,
Van
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
