Gothamist: Camera in the Kitchen: Rai Rai Ken

like

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:59:49 -0500

I just ate at Nooch in chelsea last weekend and the ramen noodles were to die for! i first had ramen when i was visiting my sister in japan and couldn't believe how good it was (compared to the cup o soup crap we try to pass of here)...and i've been trying to find something as good here...check it out..i'll be sure to hit up Rai Rai Ken now to see how they are!

yuko

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 09:06:19 -0500

Minca, hands down. Really tasty ramen!! and their Gyoza rocks!

mdc

Sat, 12 Nov 2005 04:04:49 -0500

Can you really consider ochazuke SOUP? It's just green tea poured over rice and other ingredients. I agree with foodgirl though - menkuitei (56th and 6th) is my pick for ramen in NYC. They have way more choice soup-wise compared to RRK, and their noodles just taste better.

Jane Minty

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 19:35:05 -0500

Not ramen, but if you want cheap delicious (pho) noodle soup, I'd recommend Pho Grand on Grand and Allen. Get the #6 or #9, and gobble the eye of round while it's still raw!

Simon

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 15:09:47 -0500

mike king

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 13:17:09 -0500

It's a tossup for me between Rai Rai Ken and Minca - Rai Rai's cheaper, despite its better location, but Minca might be better.

Perry

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 13:11:25 -0500

I live right nearby, and everytime i see throngs of people standing outside of Momofuku I cant help but think that they must not be aware that cheaper and tremendously better noodles are right around the corner. But then again, bcz RaiRaiKen is so small, maybe its better that way. (for me, that is..)

liz-cj7

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 13:06:40 -0500

rai rai ken is my fav hands down. but now i'm worried -- it's already crowded enough; will the feature on gothamist bring throngs of curious ramen-hungry patrons to our beloved little ramen shop?

foodgirl

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 12:50:29 -0500

menkui tei - theres a few locations - on 56th & 6th or by St marks - on 3rd ave.. delicious ramen noodles w/ katsu don!!!

CitySpecific

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 12:18:54 -0500

And I hear that Hair Kuwayama next door gives an excellent, reasonably priced and stylish hair cut.

charles

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 12:02:04 -0500

I find Rai Rai Ken's broth to be too salty, and a couple of times not hot enough. IMO the best japanese soup in the EV is the eel ochazuke at Kasadela.

yp

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 11:22:25 -0500

Not ramen, but Rainbow Falafel on 17th b/w B'way & 5th makes a killer (super-garlic-y) lentil soup. City Bakery has a good tortilla soup with lime and melt-y cheese on 18th b/w 5th & 6th. Also, yesterday they had a hot pumpkin puree soup that's simple, but yummy. Clinton St. Baking Co. also makes a good carrot ginger soup.

Lee

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 11:06:41 -0500

what are some other good general soup places?

Jen

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 11:04:12 -0500

Sapporo is yummy, but Rai Rai Ken is great - cheap and fast. If only someone could open a Tampopo-esque joint.

gleek

Fri, 11 Nov 2005 10:46:21 -0500

i love sapporo on 49th street between 6th and bway. oishiiiiiiii!