VIBE

This East Village ramen heaven, the first overseas location of Japanese chain Ippudo, has introduced New York to the true Japanese ramen culture with a bang. Its extreme popularity, coupled with an infuriating no-reservations policy, means getting a table on any given day or night is subject to your own promptness and patience within the absurd lines. The wait is worth what lies inside, though: surprisingly inexpensive house-made ramen noodles that are unbeatably fresh, and what is possibly the best tonkotsu broth (a rich pork-based form used in ramen soup) in the country.

CROWD

Ramen enthusiasts, East Villagers locals, and tourist.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Go stylish casual, but avoid your favorite pieces (lest, in a ramen-induced frenzy, you manage to slop some broth).

GO HERE WITH

Friends; family; kids (if they can handle the wait); yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

They make their own fresh noodles every day, making the flavors even better. Pretty much anything you order is a winner. Another bonus, the décor is surprisingly modern for a noodle shop.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Very disappointing that there’s no takeout available. And without reservations, the wait can be extremely long (anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours).

GOOD TO KNOW

Do not pass on the tonkotsu ramen at all costs. To pass the time while waiting in line, try any of the hip East Village bars nearby. However, if they tell you it’s a 45 minute wait, come back in 30 minutes and check with the reservationist; sometimes waits are reduced because people get frustrated and leave. There’s an option for “kae-dama”, which is basically additional noodles for USD 2. (After you finish your first bowl, you can add the extra noodles to go with the remainder of that delicious broth.)

OTHER LOCATIONS

Over 40 venues throughout Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong

CLOSEST COMPS

momofuku noodle (New York); Daikokuya (Los Angeles); Menchanko-Tei (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.