Totto Ramen

Many people see ramen as something that is a fast food and a classic college meal when one is too lazy to cook anything more substantial. This is completely false and it saddens me when people think that something so amazing is generalized in such a way. Good ramen actually takes a lot of effort to make and the end result is absolutely phenomenal. My absolute favorite place to eat ramen is Ichiran in Tokyo and I still fantasize from time to time about that steaming bowl of goodness. There have been many ramen shops popping up all over New York and the latest hype has been about Totto Ramen. The shop is tiny and reminds one of a rustic casual ramen shop in Japan. The wait was very long but I would wait longer just to have that delicious bowl of noodles.

We sat at the bar facing the kitchen where chefs sweated and toiled over gigantic pots of rich creamy broth and noodle stations. It was nice to be able to watch the chefs perform their magic but it was also a little bit too hot 

Totto Spicy Ramen
Totto is known for using a chicken based broth instead of the more common tonkatsu (pork) broth. I initially thought that the broth would not be as tasty but I was completely wrong. The soup was extremely flavorful and creamy, one could tell that it is the result of hours upon hours of condensing quality ingredients over low heat. The noodles were chewy and of perfect texture. I love spicy food so the spicy sesame oil totally hit the spot. The cha siu pork was fatty and melted in my mouth. I also got the seasoned avocado which was passionately recommended by a dear friend and that was absolutely phenomenal. Everything in this bowl blended together to create a bowl of heaven. I am hungry just thinking about it. 

Totto Ramen

366 W 52nd Street 

New York

NY 10019