Camera in the Kitchen: Setagaya Ramen

Ramen Setagaya is the latest outpost of a Tokyo-based ramen shop chain to open in NYC. If you're in the East Village, it's hard to miss; just look for the present line of hungry ramen lovers snaking out the door onto the sidewalk of 1st Avenue.

Their signature bowl of shio ramen (they don't make any other types of broth) is topped with soft, fatty slices of simmered pork, chopped bamboo shoots, seaweed, shaved onion and half of a soft-boiled egg oozing with bright yellow-orange yolk. The thin, firm, slightly chewy noodles swim in a light, translucent yellow broth that contains just the right amount of salt so that the rest of the broth's flavors aren't overwhelmed. What are the other flavors? We're not sure of the exact formulation, but it could include pork, chicken, dried anchovy, clams, scallops, seaweed, ginger, and garlic. None of the flavors means to knock you over—they harmoniously meld together.

Their side dishes include extra sliced pork, edamame, gyoza, teriyaki-don and oyako-don. You can also add extra ramen to your bowl, although we think the standard size is enough for one meal.

Ramen Setagaya is located at 141 First Avenue (between St. Mark's Place and 9th Street). (212) 529-2740

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By Robyn in Food on June 29, 2007 11:19 AM

Comments [rss]

guest

momofuku just barely adequate, broth is bleh. David Chang does an amazing job with everything else. Minca is really good even though it's definetely different and not necessarily my cup of tea on the regular basis. Setagaya sounds amazing though from everyone's accounts. Definetely going to try it out this weekend

guest

momofuku's ok...minca's better in my opinion. but i'm definitely going to check out setagaya when i get back (working abroad at the moment).

scoboco

I went there last weekend: excellent broth and noodles, really disappointing pork.

http://scoboco.blogspot.com/2007/06/ramen-setagaya.html

Bottom line? Better than Rai Rai Ken; can't touch Momofuku.

guest

Instant ramen is deep-fried, so it's pretty unhealthy in terms of fat per serving. The first couple of pics here look kind of tasty, but way too greasy.

freshyill

I was there last week. I think it was either $9 or $11.

perryair

Its $10 or so and very tasty. If you want cheap (good) ramen, rairaiken around the corner has shio and shoyu for 6 or 7 dollars.

roboppy

#1 - It's about the same, I think $9-$11.

I have no idea how many calories are in standard ramen, but...I honestly don't care too much. If it looked like solid fat it could've been thickened by bone in the stock.

guest

yea but it doesnt get soggy reheat pizza and its just as good as when you got it originally.

guest

#2 - pizza is better when right out of the oven too but sometimes there is extra.

guest

Look at the size of that bowl compared to minca. $10 at minca is not a bad price even in japan.

BTW ramen is suppose to be eaten fast so the noodles dont get soggy and its not suppose to be kept for leftovers.

guest

How much for a ramen here? I love Minca but it is pricey at $10 per ramen.

On another note, how many calories are in a standard ramen? I refrigerated some leftovers one night and it solidified into what looked like solid fat.