On a cold winter day, there is simply nothing better than warming up with a bowl of ramen. Delicious and wallet-friendly, when the temperatures are frigid, I instantly crave this cozy dish. Those slurpy noodles…the comforting broth…and if you like it hot, that perfect kick of spice that clears up your winter sniffles.
Over the last few years, Boston’s dining scene has happily welcomed the increased popularity of this Japanese dish and I couldn’t be more thrilled. From late night ramen at one of Boston’s top restaurants to eateries that are solely dedicated to serving up this tasty winter favorite, I’ve rounded up my top places to eat ramen in the city.
Happy slurping!
The A-Lyst for the Best Ramen in Boston
The Harvard Square outpost of this popular Hokkiado, Japan chain is one of my top spots to enjoy a bowl of ramen. Just like most ramen eateries, there is almost always a wait, but it moves fast and is absolutely worth it. Since I love all things spicy, the Tonkotsu Kara Mison Ramen here is my go-to and I typically get the combo that comes with Aji-Tama (marinated soft-boiled egg) and gyoza. While the ramen here is delicious, Santouka’s Takoyaki appetizer is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. This dish of fried octopus balls drizzled in takoyaki sauce, japanese mayo, and topped with bonito (fish flakes that dance with the steam of the dish!) may sound intimidating, but I promise, it is ridiculously yummy! One Bow Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Entering this Coolidge Corner eatery feels like you are discovering a hidden gem; one that you want to tell all your friends about because it’s so delicious, but at the same time, don’t, because then it might become too popular! Tucked away off Harvard Street in the Arcade building is Ganko Ittetsu Ramen, an intimate 17-seat eatery with a menu that solely focuses on ramen. The stand-out ramen here is the Tan Tan, which features sesame sauce, seasoned ground pork, spicy garlic oil, pickled veggies, wakame, cilantro, scallions, corn and sesame seeds. This is a rich dish combining the perfect dose of nuttiness with just the right amount of spiciness. Add a five-minute egg and you have a perfect bowl of ramen! 318 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
If you’ve never explored the Porter Exchange in Porter Square, it’s an adventure in itself, and Sapporo Ramen is the best end destination. The nondescript building, which is part of the Lesley University campus, is a mini-mall that’s set up similar to a food courtyard with multiple eateries and shops that are all Japanese. The space for Sapporo Ramen is very small with only a few seats, and after waiting in line and working up an appetite, the Spicy Miso Ramen is almost always my pick. Every ramen dish is well-priced, but it’s cash only, so make sure you come prepared! 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
As long as you are prepared to wait in a line outside (bundle up!), a visit Yome Wo Katare in Porter Square should be on every ramen lover’s list. This is a cash-only, no frills spot where you get your own silverware and water, and are asked to “share your dreams” after you finish your meal. There’s only one type of ramen here and it is chock full of bean sprouts and cabbage, pork (with the option to add extra), and super fatty but deliciously rich pork belly. This isn’t the kind of place you go for a leisurely meal; in fact you feel a bit of pressure to eat quickly in order to let other patrons get out of the cold and enjoy their food, too. However, despite the line and rush, it’s still a must-try if you love savory ramen! 1923 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
When you can’t have something whenever you want it, it makes you want it even more, right? Well, that’s how I feel about UNI’s late night ramen, which is only available after 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Each time you visit, the two ramen choices that are offered will be different, but they are always very unique and mouth-watering! My suggestion is to eat an early dinner elsewhere, enjoy a few rounds of cocktails, and visit UNI for a late night ramen snack. My kind of night cap…! 370A Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Also worth a visit…
The sister restaurant to Chinatown’s Shojo, this lively spot serves up several ramen dishes including the Tori Paitan Ramen, which features sansho fried chicken!
Located near South Station, this bustling spot just opened over the summer of 2017 and is quickly becoming a favorite among ramen lovers. The Yokohama Tonkotsu Ramen is a popular choice and I pair it with a matcha green tea.
Longtime Bostonians may recall the pop-up, Guchi’s Midnight Ramen, but did you know that PAGU’s owner Tracy Chang was part of the team that hosted it? While there are many delicious items on the PAGU menu, the Guchi Midnight Ramen featuring Rita’s pork, six-minute egg, and nori is a must-try.
And if you’re heading to the slopes…
Located at the bottom of Jay Peak in Vermont is the cutest little tramcar serving up the perfect aprés ski snack…ramen! What better way to wrap up a day on the slopes than with a steaming bowl of warm noodles and oh-so-rich broth?
Outfit Details:
Earrings: J.Crew Sparkle Double-Circle Earrings
Nail Polish: OPI You Don’t Know Jacques
Lipstick: NARS Mexican Rose
Turtleneck: J.Crew Tippi Turtleneck (similar here)
Scarf: CHANEL Silk Scarf (similar here and here)
The A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.