CHICAGO RAMEN
Ramen restaurant · Des Plaines ·
Japanese ramen specializing in tsukemen and flavorful miso bowls
Japanese ramen specializing in tsukemen and flavorful miso bowls
"Despite its name, this ramen destination is actually located in suburban Des Plaines. Acclaimed chef Kenta Ikehata, who helped open Tokyo-based chain Tsujita’s first stateside outpost in Los Angeles, whips up an incredible version of tsukemen. The cold, thick noodles from Sun Noodles are meant to be dipped in a chicken-vegetable-pork broth that’s mixed with miso pastes. On the less traditional side, there’s a white mapo tofu ramen that pays homage to the Sichuan dish with a chicken broth, silky tofu, and lots of spicy peppers. Chicago Ramen offers indoor seating or takeout and delivery via third-party services." - Naomi Waxman
"The title of “ramen lord” is already claimed by a certain Reddit-famous Chicago restaurant owner, but one could easily apply that honor to Japanese chef Kenta Ikehata, the engine behind a small empire of suburban ramen restaurants. Founded in Des Plaines, the original location of Chicago Ramen features a top-notch rendition of tsukemen, or dipping ramen, with thick cold noodles designed for dipping in rich, piping-hot soup. Ikehata had a near-immediate hit on his hands, and has gone on to open outposts in Rolling Meadows, Wheeling, Algonquin, Schaumburg, Mundelein, and Park Ridge." - Eater Staff
"Japanese chef Kenta Ikehata turned Des Plaines into a ramen destination for suburbanites and city-dwellers alike with the 2019 debut of Chicago Ramen Widely seen as one of the best noodle shops around, the restaurant specializes in tsukemen, composed of cold ramen noodles and a rich broth for dipping. The digs are unfussy and a wait is likely, but worth it. Ikehata and his team have rapidly expanded to locations in Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows." - Naomi Waxman
"Originally invented in the snowy city of Sapporo, Japan, miso ramen has a special way of warming the heart and belly. This suburban restaurant from lauded ramen chef Kenta Ikehata offers bowls of both red and white miso, along with springy noodles and an optional dollop of spicy chili paste." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam
"In a suburban Des Plaines strip mall just north of the city, Chicago Ramen has been treating customers to soupless ramen since 2020; they even provide a pictorial instruction guide at the table showing how to eat the noodles." - Ashok Selvam
