If you're a big Japanese noodle (which is called ramen in Japanese) fan, I'm sure you have already heard of the name; IPPUDO.
This ramen place is one of those so called "HIP" noodle restaurant in East Village, with a full bar, modern design, tons of people waiting in line, and of course celebrities like Anne Hathaway swallowing those noodles.
Well, even the website says "JAPANESE RAMEN NOODLE BRASSERIE", so it should be different than other places, right?
After opening its doors in 2008, this place has changed the perception of Japanese noodles for New Yorkers, bringing the ramen culture into the city. With it's innovative ideas, Ippudo has enthralled people with the mouthwatering ramen, and the traditional yet innovative side dishes. It's become an expensive dish, $15 for a bowl of noodle, which is just a crazy price if you have been to the one in Japan ($7/ bowl).
I admit that it tastes just the same as the one in Japan, which I think they do a good job, because lots of Japanese restaurants tend to be a little different from the REAL Japanese taste. However, it's interesting to see the way Ippudo marketed the NYC restaurant.
First of all, ramen is usually considered a cheap comfort food in Japan, where the price range is around $5- $6 a bowl. So, $15/ bowl is SUPER expensive for people like me.
Second, Ippudo is a chain restaurant, so the restaurant is not fancy, no bars, no designer-like atmosphere, and definitely no waiting for 2 hours to get seated (which I think is ridiculous!).
Third, the menu is slightly different, where in NYC, they have lots of appetizers but in Japan, it's just noodles and a few appetizers.
Enough with my criticism, which I just HAD to say it because when I think of Ippudo, this just comes up to my mind. I still hesitate to go to this place (only went here once) because I don't have the courage to pay $15 for a bowl.
So what is good here?
Well, of course get their original ramen, either the Shiomaru or the Akamaru. The Akamaru is a little spicier than the Shiromaru, so if you like spicy go with the Akamaru. Add the Nitamago if you like boiled eggs.
In addition to the ramen, you should get the Yamitsuki Goma Kyuri, because it is really YAMITSUKI (meaning 'addictive'). The sesame sauce is very tasty and goes really well with the cucumber.
Again, the taste is the SAME as the one in Japan so if you want to get the REAL ramen, go to this place!
Information on Ippudo
Location: 65 4th Ave (btw 9th St & 10th St)
Phone: (212) 388-0088
Hours: Mon - Sat 11am - 3:30pm
Mon - Thurs 5pm - 11:30pm
Fri - Sat 5pm - 12:30am
Sun 11am - 10:30pm
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