ESO Ramen Workshop

You can save your Neighborhood Ramen going away present (for now). The team is still serving its pristine handmade noodles and exceptional slow-cooked broth, now in a tiny shop just off South Street in Queen Village. There are only six seats, and two menu items: gyokai tsukemen on Thursdays (noodles served alongside a rich broth for dipping) and gyokai tonkotsu on Fridays and Saturdays (noodles and pork belly served inside the soup). To dine on Thursdays, you have to make a reservation, in person, but on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s all first come, first serve (so be prepared to wait). The hassle is completely worth it for a warm bowl of rich, creamy broth with a flawless balance of fish and pork flavor and tender slices of pork. You can add on a soy-marinated egg, but it’s the addition of ahijen that infuses a layered, curry-like flavor to the entire mix. Their move to Japan is imminent, so don’t wait for it to be cold and rainy—this is ramen you’ll want every day of the week.

video credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN

photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN

photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN