Ramen (Fri lunch & Sat dinner only)
by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
March 4, 2005
CHIKUBU [CLOSED]
12 E 44th St
(5th & Madison Aves)
New York, NY 10017
212-818-0715
The anticipation was great since the ramen is served at lunch only twice a week. In addition, there is always a long line out the door, which reminds me of Japan. The Japanese know their food, so despite the cold and time pressure, I waited in line. Luckily, it moved quickly, and soon I was sitting at the counter eating away.
99% of the diners were having the ramen. In fact, when you sit down, the waiter comes around and simply asks, “Ramen?” It comes quickly on a tray with a bowl of rice, side of bean sprouts and some pickled cabbage and radish. The centerpiece is the soy sauce-based ramen (shoyu ramen). It is a traditional ramen with the half hard-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, sliced fish cakes, scallions and cha-shu, roast pork. The noodles are springy, the scallions are cut at a slant so they are larger than the usual scallions, fresh and crunchy. The cha-shu is key here. The meat is so tender and smooth it almost melts in your mouth. I was so pleasantly surprised with my experience that I am ready to go back and stand in line weekly. I am not saying that lines always mean that the food is good, but in this case, upon confirmation, the eager diners in line are right — it really is the best ramen in town.
Also in Japanese, Midtown East, Noodles, Ramen
