Nicholas Schellenberg (Nick)
Google
Just finished my first experience at Hachi Ramen, and I have to say it was an impressive one. The presentation alone was spectacular. It looked so well-crafted that I didn’t even know where to start.
I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen, though I was a bit unsure about the tare used. The staff mentioned it was a tonkotsu base but didn’t specify whether it leaned toward shoyu, miso, or another style. Looking at the menu, they do offer different tares, so I wonder if this particular bowl uses a special in-house blend.
The broth was lighter than I expected from a tonkotsu, but not in a bad way. In fact, it felt like a great option for when I’m craving ramen but don’t want something overly heavy, especially on a warm day. The aroma of the restaurant alone suggested that the chef is highly experienced, and the broth delivered. I enjoyed it as it was but found that adding white pepper really enhanced the flavor even further.
The chashu was easily the highlight of the dish. It was one of the best pork belly chashu cuts I’ve had, perfectly tender with a slightly sweet profile and a fantastic smokiness. The seasoned egg was well-cured, though it was just slightly shy of that ideal jammy texture. The menma was absolutely addictive, and I could eat an entire plate of it by itself. The kikurage and green onions were fresh and well-portioned, adding a nice balance to the bowl.
Instead of the standard thin noodles that typically accompany tonkotsu ramen, I opted for the thicker, chewier noodles, and I’m glad I did. They had the perfect bite and paired beautifully with the broth. I appreciate that Hachi Ramen allows for customization in this way.
The chashu was so exceptional that by the end of my meal, I decided to upgrade to the chashu fried rice along with a kikurage ramen combo. This was another absolute win. Each grain of rice was cooked properly, separate and not clumped together, just as great fried rice should be. The pickled ginger was a fantastic touch, balancing the dish perfectly.
Hachi Ramen delivered a fantastic experience with high-quality ingredients and an expertly crafted bowl. The chashu was a clear standout, and the option to switch up noodle styles was a welcome touch. I’ll definitely be back, especially to try their tsukemen, which will be my first time having it. I’m looking forward to seeing how they execute it.
Would I recommend Hachi Ramen? Absolutely. If you’re a ramen lover, especially one who appreciates exceptional chashu, this spot is worth a visit.