Hajimaru Ramen

The green tea was so flavorful and freshly made! Me and wife favorite part of everything we had was the mini rice bowl. The rice was sticky and sweet with this flavor we couldn't even explain the taste but it was soooo good. One thing we did appreciate is they put our chicken on the side on plates instead of adding them in the ramen so it don't get soggy and it gave you options if you wanted to eat them separate with the BBQ sauce. Only thing we had a issue with this place was the parking unfortunately it's not the best at all besides that we had a great time definitely recommend!

Nice little ramen shop. Interestingly I was thinking of getting sushi, searched on Google and this place popped up. No sushi to be found on the menu when I arrived though. Arrived on a quiet Sunday night, and ordered the signature Ramen, the chashu Don, and chicken karrage. The chicken karrage was fresh and delicious, but it was $10 so I certainly wonder if it was worth the price. The ramen, as warned by some other reviewers, was quite bland, despite having two chilli peppers on the menu, it was not spicy at all, though I’m not complaining about that given my low spice tolerance. The broth was simply lacking in depth and I had to add salt to enhance it, though it ended up being too salty afterwards. It also doesn’t help that I had Ichiran in Manhattan the day before so it was clearly a deviation in quality. Though Ichiran was double the price of this. The pork and eggs in the ramen were wonderful however, tender, sweet, and full of flavor. This applies for the chashu don as well, because of the tenderness and flavor of the meat, it is top notch and I certainly would return/order again for the don but not the ramen.

Very good ramen. Had the signature ramen. The broth was really perfect, not heavy. Will definitely come back here.

The ramen here is good, not great. Very solid for hitting that craving, though, and looks great if you're trying to show off to your friends! We ordered a bunch of different items, takoyaki, karage chicken bowl, signature ramen, curry mini rice bowl and tan tan ramen. Takoyaki was solid, hit the spot and exactly what I want in a takoyaki. The karage chicken was crunchy and we enjoyed the sauce that came with it. The chashu in signature ramen is to die for, sooo tender (maybe just lacking a bit of flavor?) and the soft boiled eggs were perfect. I would say the biggest thing missing in the ramen is that I felt it was missing the usual richness that you get with a good ramen bowl. The broth felt a bit thin for ramen. The mini curry rice bowl was also good, but I think the curry was also a tiny bit lacking flavor - maybe I should have added more salt. Overall would still dine here for a ramen craving but don't expect the best ramen you've ever had here.

Caution: Using a credit card costs 10% more than using cash. In an interesting twist on the using a credit card costs more than paying in cash, this place reduces the bill, and the menu prices after you order. by 10% if you pay in cash. They offer it and will bring you a second bill with the 10% discount. OK having said all that, the food is excellent, and the service is excellent. And I love the decor.

I am grateful to have a non-chain ramen spot nearby. Best experienced in person over takeout always. I hope for the best for the local owners. Would be amazing if they considered added salmon donburi or fresh yakitori to their menu. It would turn this place into a happy hour spot in no time.

This is legitimately the most bland bowl of ramen I’ve ever consumed in my life. Tonkatsu is usually known for being insanely rich and flavorful but it was incredibly underwhelming - thin broth that begged for salt. Imagine if a normal ramen joint diluted their broth with like 100-200% tap water. Noodles absolutely unremarkable and not springy. So bland they the toppings, noods, broths flavor was essentially only distinguishable on the palette by texture. You’re going to find more flavor and appreciable texture from maruchan ramen I kid you not.

This place was amazing. Came by for lunch and the place was empty. We were greeted by a friendly wait staff who told us we could sit anywhere. The decor and ambience was very appealing. The paintings of Japan on the wall were nice visuals. Had to use the restroom and I typically never use a public restroom because most are not clean. This bathroom on the other hand was sparkling clean, with an oscillating fan, an air wick spray and everything was fully stocked. I had the fried crab dumpling, edamame and a mango creamy soda. Everything came out relatively quick, no much waiting done and you can see right into the kitchen from the dining area. My crab dumplings were nice and hot and crispy, the edamame was fine. The soda was different but I really liked the taste of it. I didn’t get much of a creamy taste just tasted like a mango soda. Face mask aren’t required and staff is not wearing any mask.

My friends and I came here for dinner one cold weekday night. The place is small but pretty cozy. Prices for food items were pretty reasonable. We ordered three different ramen and I added a pork and rice for $4 extra. The food came out pretty fast. My ramen broth was pork based and was very savory. The noodles were a perfect texture, chewy but soft. I got two pork slices and a ramen egg. Both were very good. A good solid bowl of ramen! My friends enjoyed their ramen as well and my one friend let us try the shrimp tempura she got and omg prob the best I've had in the city. Light and airy tempura battered shrimp yummy! There is a cash incentive so we paid with cash. The bill wasn't bad at all for three people. Would highly recommend!

The staff here is super attentive. I wanted the shrimp tempura and the server asked if I would prefer to swap the pork broth with a vegetarian broth. She also filled up our water often but not too many times. She welcomed us in and acknowledged us. We were trying to pay with cash instead of card, she noticed and printed out a discounted cash receipt. The food came out so fast! There is visibility to the kitchen as well and it looks super organized and clean. Shrimp Tempura Ramen - the two shrimp pieces were battered to perfection, not oily and tasted like I was eating chicken? The noodles were not too thin and they weren't overcooked either. The vegetarian broth is pretty flavorful for what it is. 5/5 I will definitely be coming back! If you're in Fishtown area, check it out. They are located across the street from Kismet Bagel. There seemed to be plenty of parking in the nearby streets. The prices are very reasonable and the menu online is the same as it is in person, so no surprises!

Hajimaru is a great place for ramen in fishtown. A small and cozy spot with wonderful staff with great service. The ramen was delicious I ordered their signature dish which had a decent amount of spice to the dish. It came packed with plenty of meat and all the fixing you can expect with a typical ramen dish. Definitely a spot I would go back to and is easily found right on the corner of Girard and shackamaxon.

Cash discount. It's pricey but the best ramen in the fishtown area. Very friendly staff! They have regulars and are cool to chat.

Went here to pick up food on a friday night (we ordered online) -- and I was a little upset that they forgot the soup that came with my ramen. How am I supposed to eat the ramen without soup? :/ Disappointed-- but I've been here before and the food was decent. Just sad that I will have to eat my tan tan ramen dry or with something else.

This is a great little spot. I was out running errands and was craving ramen and this hit the spot. The pork was really what took this above and beyond. They were quick and friendly too!

Best ramen place in Fishtown for sure. I went here on a date and really enjoyed the slow-cooked pork broth and the slight bite to the noodles. The chashu and marinated egg didn't disappoint either. Hajimaru also sells mini rice bowls as an add-on order to the ramen for only $4. If I had more room in my stomach, I would've tried it. They also had plenty of sushi rolls for people who don't want ramen or curry. The interior had an izakaya vibe to it with the wooden tables, walls, and plaques in the back. Service was prompt with orders, no complaints.

Ichiban roll ($15) and Philly roll ($9) average. Nothing special. No complaints. Friend got the Tan Tan noodles ($16) which is broth-less spicy noodles. I took a bite. It was pretty good. Could definitely taste the spice

The ramen noodles have a nice bounce. Flavors are robust. The pork belly is nicely charred for extra flavor. We went on a weekday lunch so not busy and the lady was very nice. The tonkatsu curry mini bowl had a mild kick. We will be back!!

Good food heals the soul, hajimaru is proud of their food and the stuff is very courteous. The music is a nice mix of mid 2010s and jam rock. With open windows and resin sealed Wood counter bench seats it feels what I imagine to be very authentic. Chicken was juicy, ramen was well balanced

This place was fantastic and packed. Our ramens were excellent, with a great mixture of intriguing tastes. We also ordered a side dish of chicken and rice, and the rice had yet another interesting taste that we couldn't identify. This is a place to come to from somewhere else for some good ramen.

While wandering Fishtown, I was craving ramen on a budget. Quickly learning how easy it is to spend money in PA, I attempt to cushion my wallet. When I saw how packed this place was and the affordable pricing, I walked in. Food: 3/5 I ordered the shoyu ramen with a side charsu don. The ramen was surprisingly fishy (like thai fish sauce fishy) which made it hard for me to like the dish. The karrage was very basic (just fried thighs) and very bland. My charsu don bowl did not fare any better. The only brightside was that I spent under $30 for my ramen, side don, and karrage. Service: 3/5 To be honest, the staff was clearly just turning table so they weren't particularly helpful. I was hoping due to their assortment of ramens that they could have suggested something but, that was asking too much. I ordered Karrage as an appetizer but, it came out after my ramen and don. In short, not bad but not great. All in all, I guess I could go back for a quick bite not expecting anything spectacular.

Great place to pop in for a quick lunch! the rice bowl was super flavorful as was the gyoza. the waitress was very attentive!

Disappointing ramen. The broth was pretty bland and uninteresting. The noodles werent great quality nor were they cooked well. The meat was good but that's about it. Curry rice bowl was standard and decent. Service is good. Ambiance is chill, all high top tables. Quick eat and go kinda thing.

The ramen here is good, not great. Very solid for hitting that craving, though, and looks great if you're trying to show off to your friends! We ordered a bunch of different items, takoyaki, karage chicken bowl, signature ramen, curry mini rice bowl and tan tan ramen. Takoyaki was solid, hit the spot and exactly what I want in a takoyaki. The karage chicken was crunchy and we enjoyed the sauce that came with it. The chashu in signature ramen is to die for, sooo tender (maybe just lacking a bit of flavor?) and the soft boiled eggs were perfect. I would say the biggest thing missing in the ramen is that I felt it was missing the usual richness that you get with a good ramen bowl. The broth felt a bit thin for ramen. The mini curry rice bowl was also good, but I think the curry was also a tiny bit lacking flavor - maybe I should have added more salt. Overall would still dine here for a ramen craving but don't expect the best ramen you've ever had here.

Writing this review makes me happy after knowing Fishtown has a great ramen joint. I came here with my friend on a Thursday night and thankfully (for us) it wasn't crowded. I opt for the Signature Ramen and have no complaints whatsoever. The flavor hit the spot and the portion was just right. My friend enjoyed her Miso ramen as well but was hoping for more flavor. I dont think it was a biggie since the resto does provide seasonings on the side. We also ordered Karaage Chicken and it was juicy and delicious! Love the white sauce on the side for extra love. Oh, don't forget to their cream sodas! We ordered mango and melon flavor and I have to say the mango was better the melon. I can taste the mango flav more than the melon; nevertheless, both were a nice addition to the bowls of ramen. The price was reasonable so that's always good. Tip: if you pay with cash you get 10% off.

*WOULD RECOMMEND* Stumbled upon this place on my way to get ice cream in Fishtown and thought I'd give this place a try. The restaurant is quite small with two large party tables and two counter tables. The menu is not too big and has all you ever need in a ramen shop, some appetizers, some rice bowls, and of course, the classic ramen and speciality ramen bowls. Price was standard of ramen in Philly ($10-$15). You can add additional toppings to ramen and adjust spice level. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the ramen noodles were and the noodles were different depending on dish. My Hajimaru Signature came was thin ramen noodles with the perfect al dente texture. The shoyu ramen came with a thicker noodle. Overall soup was decent, could be richer. Chashu was very flavorful, salty, and lean, if only it had a bit more fat. Hajimaru Signature ramen - their speciality ramen with all the toppings you could ask for in a ramen in a spicy tonkotsu broth. This broth wasn't as good as the shoyu broth. I asked for less spicy and it wasn't bad at all. Love love their noodles, has a very nice chew to it. Shoyu ramen - thicker noodles than hajimaru ramen. This broth has a stronger tonkotsu taste and was better than Hajimaru one in my opinion. *VERDICT* I wouldn't mind coming back again

Hajimaru is a not so hidden gem, right on girard ave. The staff is very friendly and attentive, the prices are reasonable and though I haven't tried the ramen yet everything I have ordered is great. Tonight I ordered the curry chicken katsu don, takoyaki and the chashu bun appetizer. 5/5

This place was amazing. Came by for lunch and the place was empty. We were greeted by a friendly wait staff who told us we could sit anywhere. The decor and ambience was very appealing. The paintings of Japan on the wall were nice visuals. Had to use the restroom and I typically never use a public restroom because most are not clean. This bathroom on the other hand was sparkling clean, with an oscillating fan, an air wick spray and everything was fully stocked. I had the fried crab dumpling, edamame and a mango creamy soda. Everything came out relatively quick, no much waiting done and you can see right into the kitchen from the dining area. My crab dumplings were nice and hot and crispy, the edamame was fine. The soda was different but I really liked the taste of it. I didn't get much of a creamy taste just tasted like a mango soda. Face mask aren't required and staff is not wearing any mask.

WOW!! I moved to Fishtown in August and have walked by this place at least 30 times. A little voice in my head always said, "I love ramen" and "I should check this place out," but I never followed through. Sometimes it was closed. Other times I had already eaten somewhere else. Tonight was my night. I finally made it in and got their Signature Ramen. It was amazing!! The egg in there was spectacular. Every ingredient in the dish complimented the others. I slurped it up like a crazy person. Noodles and broth dripping off my chin. I didn't care. It was so good. I will definitely go back. I highly recommend. They also have good Covid safety measures in place. Sanitizer. They sanitize pens. Limited access inside.

So glad this place opened back up for takeout! It's a little far for me so I unfortunately have to get delivery or go for a long long walk. Their signature ramen is slightly pricier than the others but comes with such a large portion! Lots of toppings and one of the best ramen eggs, and lots of noodles! I love their tonkatsu don, but probably could t eat a whole one, so they have add on mini ones for the ramen. Match made in heaven for my belly. I also got an order of takoyaki. I love that stuff. Lots of bonito flakes and octopus pieces. Definitely recommend if you like takoyaki! If you like ramen and other Japanese comfort foods, definitely recommend this place! Super fast, even through delivery.

I love this place, it's small and cozy. I usually order delivery, but when I have the time, I eat at the restaurant. The service is very good. And the food is always very fresh, the ramen is really delicious; I also like to order the pork buns and the Kani salad. I recommend it 100%.

Came here for lunch. It's a good spot in fishtown. Like their interior and friendly waiters. I tried their signature ramen. Huge portion with all sort of classic toppings. The broth was a little lacking in flavor I thought unfortunately. Their noddle to soup ratio was also really off. Overall it's not bad just not a great ramen.

Been here a couple of times and this place does not disappoint me. Tried a new dish this time i.e. Curry Karage Chicken Bowl. The chicken was marinated in soy garlic and was so tender...loved the taste of it. Also the pickled radish that come on it was so delicious. If you looking for a spicy kick then signature ramen is your go to dish. The flavor is so good and gives a kick on every bite.

Such a hidden gem! The wait staff is phenomenal. They don't serve alcohol but allow you to BYOB and there's a corner store next door. The ramen was DELICIOUS. We also had the pork gyoza and a rice bowl. Everything was so good. Would recommend!

So I was here when they first opened and came back a few days ago. I'm not impressed. Their ramen isn't bad, but it's not quite there compared to other ramen places. There's something about the broth. It seems that almost all of them are similar tasting with an unpleasant pork taste. The saving grace is perhaps the appetizers and tea. They deserve close to 3 and half stars but I'm rounding it up.

One of my top 3 ramen places in Philly! Based off of tonkotsu broth, they make spicy, miso, shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), or curry ramens! Although their broth is not my favorite in the city (though that's probably more based off of personal preference), their chasu is melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked goodness! Their eggs are also perfectly soft boiled and marinated. Plus, when you order ramen, you can add a mini-rice bowl for just $3! I ordered the tonkatsu curry, which was perfectly crispy and juicy. Will definitely be returning!

tl;dr a modern ramen bar, delivering a trimmed down menu featuring Japanese street-food classics Alongside the likes of Cheu Fishtown and Sarvida, Hajimaru Ramen is a reflection of Fishtown's burgeoning food scene, offering an interesting take on Asian cuisine at an affordable (albeit, slightly premium) price. The small room maximizes its space, opting for reclaimed-wood hightop tables and family-style seating. Paper lanterns hang from the rusted tin ceiling. Replicas of traditional Japanese woodblock prints lie opposite a decal of a vibrant Japanese alleyway. Japanese hip hop buzzes quietly in the background. A corner storefront, Hajimaru is flanked by windows on two sides. While this is perfect for your people-watching needs, be warned -- in the early afternoon, the sunset will shine directly in your eyes, and the room will heat up like a greenhouse. My partner and I stopped in this past weekend for an early dinner. Spots are first-come, first-served, so be sure to get their early for choice seating -- the room was filled by the time our food arrived. We shared the Tako Yaki and the Hajimaru Signature Ramen. The former consisted of big chunks of octopus, mixed in a doughy batter and deep fried. The result was almost like a baked potato, with a crisp skin around the creamy interior. Topped with spicy mayo and pungent fish flakes, these were the ideal palate whetter for our main course. The ramen was borderline large, served in a savory, subtly spicy broth. I enjoyed the vinegary egg, but I found the pork to be chewy rather than buttery, and the noodles were somewhat undercooked. For $30, Hajimaru leans toward the pricey side for ramen. While it's a strong addition to the Fishtown neighborhood (I definitely would go here over Cheu Fishtown), I can't see myself ever going out of my way to go there -- not when I live closer to the OG Terakawa in Chinatown.

Was visiting family this Christmas and on my way back home I stumbled on this place. Amazing service and food !!! It was understandable that it was very slow but also thankful they were opened !

Signature Ramen is on spot. It's been awhile since my last visit here (pre-pandemic). They didn't have sushi/sashimi/Maki back then but they do now. Not bad. Fresh and delicious.

New hot spot in Fishtown! If you love Ramen then this is the place to be! You can't miss this spot, it's right on the corner and there's plenty of parking. Must try: I've been hearing the Fried Calamari was good so why not. The look of it was ehh but the taste was wow. The batter they used to fried the calamari was very good. The crunch/taste was just right and the calamari was flavorful. It also comes with spicy mayo on the side. Ramen: both the Miso and Shoyu was great. From the presentation, broth, and noodles. I was stuffed after eating my bowl; I drank the broth too. Also got a mini Chashu bowl! Will come back again soon! The staff was awesome and prices are reasonable.

I love this place. The food is excellent and I've never had a bad dish. Bring cash to get a discount!

I enjoyed this establishment. The Veggie ramen wasn't salty and had flavor. The veggie sushi was good as well. The service was good and they were nice. I thought the place looked clean. It wouldn't be a must-go to spot, but if I was in the Fishtown area, I would go back

Came here with friends on a busy Friday night. They were able to make some space for us in about 15 mins without reservations. The place is very nice and had a comfortable atmosphere to it. I got the Hajimaru signature ramen. Delicious soup broth, well cooked noodles, and decent chashu. It is a hearty ramen that has a wide variety of ingredients to make it a very balanced dish, each component fitting well with each other. If only the broth was more spicy. I feel a need to make a separate paragraph about the marinated eggs they have in the ramen because they were AMAZING. Definitely one of the best marinated eggs I've had in the city. Full of body and flavor with a slight hint of sweetness. A great addition to any dish. The karrage was ok. Nicely battered and light but it wasn't anything amazing. The chicken ranged between dry and someone moist. The takoyaki on the other hand was amazing! Well made and nicely fried. They did not skimp on the octopus and you get a good amount with each bite. The takoyaki wasn't doughy just a delicious ball of flavor. All in all an amazing experience with very nice and engaging staff. The food is great and I 100% recommend the takoyaki and signature ramen. At the very least add some of their amazing marinated eggs to your dish. Will certainly be back again!

I ordered for pick up through Grubhub. Great in communication. They called when my coworker didn't pick up as scheduled and they were willing to redo my order when they missed my notes. They are also able to make low sodium for each kind of ramen. Octopus balls: only several bits of octopus. Mostly dough. The sauce is very delicious and it has generous amount of bonito flakes to give umami flavor. Calamari is very greasy but soft and perfectly cooked. Miso: very light and great. The pork is so tender and melts in your mouth. My husband had the signature ramen and he likes it. The to go container is a very nice size of bowl perfect size after you put the broth in and it is microwaveable. I had to untangle the noodles because they are crumpled and sticks together. That's why I took a star down.

My favorite ramen shop. they have excellent service and ever amazing food. I love to order their chicken katsu curry ramen as it not only comes with a large bowl of ramen but chicken katsu on the side for under 20 dollars. Its great for dining alone or with friends. Definitely recommend.

Why is it always so empty when we come? This place is soo underrated! Everything was soooo gooood. Great staffs. Easy street parking. This is our go-to spot for ramen now!

Came here for dinner last Friday. What a great experience! Small cozy setting, not too loud. Menu isn't crazy large so it was easy to navigate. BYOB which is always a nice bonus. Server was super helpful and nice. No reservations so depending on when you go you could have a wait. Had the karaage chicken and pork gyoza for appetizers. Karaage chicken is always a winner, and this was no exception. Nice and crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside. Gyoza was also nice and fresh and well cooked. The Ramen was excellent! A huge helping and lots of great toppings. I had the hajimaru ramen. Perfectly cooked pork without too much fat and an egg. I decreased the spice by 1 or 2 chilis which I thought was perfect. Flavorful and the spice wasn't overwhelming. Exactly what was needed on a cold night. Was it necessarily the best ramen ever? Probably not. But definitely one of the better experiences I've had in Philly! Check em out for sure.

Good ramen! I got the miso ramen, which was good. My friend got the Hajimauru Signature Ramen, which I thought was much better than the miso ramen. Go with the Signature Ramen if you want spicy. The restaurant is in a convenient location with quick, convenient, and good service. I recommend it.

Definitely the better ramen spot in philly. If you only had the ramen near Chinatown. You need to come here. They have the best takoyaki. Their broth for the ramen are flavorful and not too salty. Strongly recommend for their special ramen. We will definitely be back soon for more since the weather will getting cold soon. Food: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Food worth: 5/5 Atmosphere/vibe: 5/5

One of the finer ramen restaurants in Philly! Going with the signature ramen, the broth boasts a deep, rich flavor with a portion size that is bound to satisfy. The meat slices have a robust texture and the various components contribute gracefully to the dish. The bright, clean interior gives the restaurant a comfortable lunch ambience. I would definitely want to revisit again to try their other selections!

I'm so ready for a ramen joint in Philly that gives Terakawa a run for its money, but alas, that day has not yet come. I came during off-peak hours on a weekday, so the place was fairly empty. I got the Miso ramen, along with a mini curry Tonkatsu rice bowl. The rice bowl was pretty decent and bigger than I'd expected. When I eat ramen, I seldom leave noodles in my bowl, but unfortunately, this was the case here (or maybe it was because of my cold, which prompted the search for a steaming bowl of ramen in the first place). Nothing in the ramen really stood out. I could barely taste the miso flavor in the broth, and the broth also did not have much substance or umami. The fish cake was a bit slimy. The pork was hard and a little overcooked (although I did appreciate the char). The noodles... well, they kind of reminded me of the ones I get in ramen packets. I'm probably not returning any time soon, but it was worth a try!

It's a cute little ramen shop with few bigger tables that I believe can sit 8. For the ramen, unfortunately it lacks flavor and doest not taste authentic. Tried out their signature and their miso ramen. Small portions compared to others. You will likely be still hungry after a bowl of ramen and shared app. I think their signature had bit of gochujang flavor which threw me off a little.

I love me some ramen! Went a little out of the city to try this place while visiting Philadelphia. The service was great. Friendly staff. We order two ramens, chicken katsu and two mini rice bowls. The dishes are huge and plenty of flavor! For $3 a rice bowl they are so big! The cha siew rice is so freaking good! The curry katsu has a nice kick to it. The ramens had a nice bite to them and the bowls were loaded with ingredients. I ordered a special one for the kids since they didnt want certain stuff in it and it wasnt an issue with the server. Overall we enjoyed our meal and would go back if we were in the neighborhood

The APPETIZERS ARE WHERE IT'S AT! Takoyaki -Soft and pillow-y, freshly made! -Topped with bonito flakes and Japanese mayo and brown takoyaki sauce. Chicken Karage -crunchy, moist chicken, aioli sauce on the side. -hot right out of the fryer Char shu Bun -I think the best think is in this establishment is the Char shu pork. It's soft, melt-in-your mouth yummy. -Bun was also soft and nice -there's a quarter-sized cucumber in there for some crunch. I'm a sauce person and the sauces on the appetizers were on point! I tried the TanTan Men and added Bamboo shoots (cost extra). Half Soft Boiled Egg (Not extra) was infused with tea or soy sauce for that light brown color. There's a spicy symbol next to the Tan tan men but I didn't think it was that spicy. It was manageable. The noodles that come with Tan Tan men is the squiggly chewy on the thicker side noodles. The curry in the Chicken Katsu is very flavorful with emphasis on curry and sweetness. On the side, you can add fried garlic chips for extra flavor. Red pepper for extra spice. Ambiance is nice and clean. Love that they have tables with hooks underneath for your backpacks and purses. They have wooden boards with Japanese writing on hooks, making the shop look authentic.

Hajimaru Signature Ramen - broth was a bit spicy, the noodles were al dente. For you get, it's certainly a bit pricy. Was able to replace the pork with chicken katsu cutlet (for an extra $2). Service - was good.

Vibes: modern, casual ramen joint with mostly hightop bench and window counter seating and a nod to Japan with themed art Tasting notes: -Takoyaki: served piping hot with generous topping of bonito flakes and a strip of sweet mayo; crispy, tender exterior with creamy interior that is filled with multiple pieces of chewy octopus -Shoyu: broth is not too salty or oily, offers predominantly bone flavor rather than of soy sauce; ramen noodles are wavy with a tender bite; chashu pork is delicate from its fattiness; love the marinated egg with its sweet jammy center Other thoughts: -Got seated as a party of four right away on a rainy Friday evening -Staff is friendly and attentive -Service is fairly fast

Kept seeing this place on my feed and was realllly curious to try cus I'm a sucker for ramen. Nice and attentive staff, solid presentation, I think it's surprisingly a good bang for your buck too. But for ramen, the flavor just isn't so memorable. I'm not saying it's bad, but it just feels like there's something missing. Tried the signature ramen - less spicy (which cost an extra $1 btw!!) Makes me think they prob took a shio broth or something and just added less spice rather than using the stock signature broth they had and I appreciated the less spice but beside that I'm not sure the actual broth had as much flavor as I would like. Not much umami/fatty or creamy flavor. Depending on your preferences you might not mind. Same impression on the chicken katsu curry ramen and the mini chicken curry katsu bowl - not a very strong curry like taste. Also for the bowl, they used a very thin curry sauce, not thick like the one at Terakawa. Unlike Terakawa though, the mini bowl here is WAY! bigger and with wayyy more katsu!! So besides the broth, I think all of the components of the food here is very well done. The proteins are perfectly cooked: chicken katsu is perfectly breaded with a nice crisp and still moist chicken. The chashu is beautiful and had a great char and flavor! I thinks it's the perfect fat to meat ratio. I find some places go too fatty. Thick noodles with a nice chew. Also! Takoyaki - spicy! A bit of a kick. First place I've been to that gives you THREE PIECES OF OCTOPUS!!! A little over cooked tho so it's hard and chewy... I also think it's over doused in sauce so the crisp part of the takoyaki becomes soggy but it's got the flavor and the inside texture down. Overall, I would return cause it's a decent ramen spot and I'm curious to try their other broths.

Went to the soft opening of Hajimaru Ramen, what a great day to open the snow makes you really want a large bowl of ramen. My roommate had a conference call so we got our ramen to go but it was cute inside I could see myself eating there in the future. The to go ramen came where you had to put it together at home it was great the bowl of noodle has room for the broth since who had a larger enough bowl to put together ramen in. I had the chicken Katsu curry, not as spicy as I though it might be but there a small kick to it.