Rai Rai Ken - Best Ramen in NYC !!

Address:
214 E. 10th St., New York, NY 10003
between First and Second Aves. (East Village, St. Mark's Place area)
Tel: 212-477-7030
Open hour:
Mon~Sat: Noon - 2:30 am.
Sunday: Noon - 11:30 pm.

I always though Japanese Ramen is just a bowl of well cooked instant noodle, never really understand some people's obsession about it. As half northern Chinese, half southern Chinese, grew up in Taipei, and spent half of my life in Paris... Chinese's ramen or simply Taiwanese beef noodle are the best of the best in the noodle world.

I've a celebrity friend who's obsessing by the Japanese Ramen, and wherever we meet, Paris or New York, she always like to have Ramen many days in the row. We'll try out all the Ramen places possible, to find a best Ramen soup spot. But couple years later, I still can't understand why she likes Ramen so much, they're still just a bowl of well cooked instant noodle for me. And still can't understand why the movie Tempopo makes such a big deal of Ramen with some almost magical Chinese soup base.

One day I found a New York Japanese website, where many people posted reviews for the Japanese restaurant in NYC. Many restaurants mentioned, but only the name "Rai Rai Ken" 來來軒 appears repeatedly in many reviews. "traditional taste Ramen and the best soup base etc." But there was one comment lighted up my appetite. "The movie Tempopo's style..." Oh man. We got to eat that Ramen right now!!

It was Friday night, we got there just a bit after 10 pm. The very small restaurant was almost empty. And I can't help to wonder the accuracy of the reviews. Then, Kim-Chee was tasty but too spicy, Gyoza comparing with Paris Sapporo and our home made special recipe, it was almost unbearable. But the Curry Ramen and the Fried Rice were the best we ever had. It's not just the delicious soup base, the noodle itself is with character, they never lost the chew by the soup. And for the first time. Ramen is on my tasty food list. Later, by the time we enjoying our meal, the only content 14 persons' mini restaurant is already full with a small line at door.

The appetizers are from $2.30 to $4.60, and the main dishes are from $5.55 to $8.30. They only have 4 different ramen dishes, and I can't wait to try them all.
Other notice: The restaurant encourage clients to drink their very tasty filtered water, and all food are nature without any MSG added.

If you''re in New York, don't forget to have a Miso or Curry Ramen soup and fried rice at Rai Rai Ken.
Bon Appetit !