Noodle options in Williamsburg are certainly not limited, but if you’re looking for udon, Samurai Mama is the place to go. This dimly lit tavern is located on Grand Street between Bedford and Driggs, and both small and large groups can be accommodated without too much of a wait. While udon is the specialty, the sushi and appetizers are also excellent.

The discreet entrance accurately represents the dark yet comfortable interior.

Samurai Mama

The pork gyoza are delivered sizzling on a cast iron skillet.

Pork Gyoza

The udon menu is extensive though hard to go wrong. Below, the Nikujil kake Udon.

Nikujil kake Udon

When walking into Nom Wah Tea Parlor, its 1920 origins are easily imagined. The exterior and decor within do not seem to have changed much, and that’s a good thing.

Stick to the specialties: tea and Chinese pastries.

GANSO, in downtown Brooklyn, delivers a no-frills, genuine ramen experience. The discreet entrance and minimalist decor are a suitable canvas for the simple menu, which covers the essentials with a touch of creative indulgence.

GANSO Ramen

The classic open kitchen of a ramen bar, with a twist. The glass enclosure creates an “observation room” feel.

GANSO Ramen

The Spicy Miso Ramen with Inaka miso broth, slow-braised pork shoulder and pork belly, ajitama egg and seasonal greens. The noodles hold their own against the broth, and it’s obvious care is taken in sourcing fresh ingredients.

Spicy Miso Spicy Miso

The GANSO ramen with soy sauce broth, slow-braised pork shoulder and pork belly, ajitama egg and seasonal greens.

GANSO RamenThe Buta Kimchi Buns with braised pork belly, jalapeño kimchi and spicy mayo (not to be confused with nacho cheese).

Buta Kimchi Buns

The ramen offerings.

GANSO Ramen

GANSO
25 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.403.0900

The crowds turned out on the Upper West Side for the third round of street ramen battles.

The Contenders:

Contender 1: Ramen Lab

Italian Ramen by Ramen Lab.

Contender 2: Hakkoan

Hakkoan Ramen

Chan Chan Yaki Ramen by Hakkoan.

Chan Chan Yaki Ramen

Contender 3: Asahikawa Ramen

Asahikawa Ramen

Asahikawa Ramen

Asahikawa Ramen

Shoyu Ramen by Asahikawa Ramen.

Shoyu Ramen

Contender 4: Yume Wo Katare

Yume Wo Katare

Shoyu Ramen by Yume Wo Katare. This was The Book of Ramen pick (and runner up).

Shoyu Ramen

Contender 5: PESU Ramen

PESU Ramen

PESU Ramen

Colorful Ramen by PESU Ramen.

Colorful Ramen

Contender 6: JIN Ramen

JIN Ramen

JIN Ramen

JIN Ramen

Spicy Miso Ramen by JIN Ramen.

Spicy Miso Ramen

Contender 7: Tonyu Ramen

Soy Milk Herb Ramen

Tonyu RamenSoy Milk & Herb Ramen by Tonyu Ramen.

Soy Milk Herb RamenContender 8: Tabata Ramen

Tabata RamenDark Men by Tabata Ramen. This took the winning place.

Dark Men

NY is not fun in February, but the Street Ramen Contest is. Check their Facebook page for updates on the date of the final round, which is tentatively scheduled for this bitter month.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.