Toroniku Shio Ramen

by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
October 28, 2008

RAMEN SANTOKA
595 River Rd
Edgewater, NJ 07020
201-941-9113
$

I know there’s been lots of talk of the ramen wars in the City, but at the end of the day isn’t it really about what you like best? I just tried a ramen outside of the City when I finally made it to Ramen Santoka at the Japanese supermarket mecca, Mitsuwa, in Edgewater, New Jersey. Santoka is a famous Asahikawa (Hokkaido)-based ramen chain with a large presence in the U.S., including stores in six different cities, and the only thing I regret about my visit there is that I hadn’t made it sooner. It’s undoubtedly my favorite now. Santoka’s specialty is tonkotsu-shio (pork bone and salt-based broth), and it’s truly outstanding. The flavor is a rich and vibrant mix of seafood and pork bones that melds seamlessly into a smooth and soothing broth. And the noodles are perfectly al dente to give them that springy texture. The toroniku (pork belly) melts on your tongue. Though Santoka is just one member of the Mitsuwa food court, it definitely stands out.

Also in Edge Water, NJ, Japanese, Noodles, Pork, Ramen