The Balthazar Of Ramen Restaurants

When you think of ramen, you probably think of the humble Japanese staple.

You know, a pack of noodles, a flavor packet, and presto, instant gratification.

Well, it’s time to rethink your favorite Japanese comfort food: introducing Ippudo, the new, posh Japanese ramen import that’s more brasserie than budget. Ippudo is a chain but what a chain it is… each restaurant boasts attractive interiors, lots of premium sake, and world-famous ramen. To understand the beauty of Ippudo’s ramen (yes, it is a thing of beauty), imagine the way a fine whisky is blended with batches from different years. Ippudo’s chefs make their broths through a similar, artisanal process, cooking pork bones for more than fifteen hours, then mixing it with a blend of broth from three different stages.

The result is a great bowl of ramen with a light aroma that complements the soup’s roasted Berkshire pork, cabbage, and scallions.

Just don’t rush the experience.


Ippudo opens on Monday (3/31).


Ippudo
65 Fourth Avenue (near 10th Street)
Tel: (212) 388-0088
ippudo.com/ny


Photo: Daniel Krieger