Adobe Stock | Photo by Minhyoung
Slurp up oodles of ramen noodles topped with all the fixings like pork belly and soft-boiled eggs at these Hudson Valley eateries.
By Sabrina Sucato, Samantha Garbarini, and Raphael Beretta
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TanPoPo Ramen, Albany
Eight types of ramen are on the menu at this Albany noodle shop. Cloudy, pork-bone broth is the base for the classic tonkotsu with tender chashu pork, the miso ramen, and the spicy Tanpopo ramen, with a double helping of roast pork and minced pork paste (plus delicious kikurage mushroom). The curry and beef stew ramens, topped with seasoned greens, are particularly hearty, while a vegetarian version is packed with umami-rich mushrooms. All come with wavy, Tokyo-style noodles, but can also be prepared with thin, gluten-free rice noodles.
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Hudson Food Studio, Hudson
Taking inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisines, Chef/Owner David Chicane crafts a locavore menu (hoison-glazed Berkshire pork ribs, wild salmon, chanterelle mushrooms) that changes seasonally. At least one noodle bowl is typically on the menu, including fragrant pho and ramen, with traditional Vietnamese chicken pho with bean sprouts, chili peppers, and more.
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The Mermaid Café, Catskill
Yes, The Mermaid Café’s ramen really is worth a drive to Catskill (as is the entire menu, TBH). Once you grab a seat inside the cozy eatery, choose from two tasty options. Remedy Ramen builds on organic Kinderhook Farm pork bone broth as its base. Sub in either miso seaweed broth or gluten-free rice noodles, and enjoy the rest of the colorful accoutrements. Lotus root, daikon, Chinese okra, and a slew of other fixings will surely satisfy. The decidedly lighter Bianca Bowl features a miso broth with Asian greens, pickled veggies, and nori galore.
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YumYum Noodle Bar, Woodstock, Kingston, Red Hook
Three Hudson Valley locations give you free rein to build your own ramen bowl with five noodle varieties, a range of hearty broths, and ridiculously good protein add-ons like salmon, pork belly, shrimp, and house-made seitan. While you’re there, feel free to give the rest of the expansive menu a shot, with delicious delights like banh mi, pad Thai, and bibimbap.
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Quinn’s, Beacon
Among the Japanese favorites — shrimp katsu with yolky mayo, traditional takoyaki, and delicious chashu buns — at this Beacon favorite is a rare-to-the-Valley chilled ramen. (There’s also a hot iteration on the menu.) Both versions are meat-free, made with vegetarian broth; topped with wakame, scallion, tomato, and egg; and served with optional add-ons, including house-made kimchi, pork, chicken, and/or vegan soba or udon noodles.
Underground Ramen, Chestnut Ridge
The latest addition to the Hudson Valley’s ramen scene, Underground Ramen makes a big splash. Drunken noodles, bao buns, and even empanadas join miso and shoyu smoked jerk chicken ramen. Underground serves incredibly fun dishes in a chic atmosphere. The miso option features black garlic oil, crispy shallots, and pork belly. Also, don’t forget to pair your bowl with an elegant cocktail.
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RameNesque, Peekskill
Before you go, get two things straight about this popular local spot: Yes, RameNesque is a real word, and no, the trek to Westchester will not disappoint.
Almost a dozen plays on ramen noodles will keep anyone with the craving more than satisfied. Spicy bean paste dan dan and clear, garlicky Nin’Niku offer a variety of broth options. Plus, there’s an entire vegetarian section of the menu made with vegan broth.
Photo courtesy of Kishuya
Kishuya, Hartsdale
Despite the unassuming location in a Central Ave strip mall, this sleek Japanese spot serves some of Westchester’s best ramen. Chief among the many choices (tonkotsu, chashu-chicken kuroshio) is the spicy Tantan Men, a rich bowl of nutty, chili-spiked, soy-seasoned pork broth, topped with ground pork, bok choy, and bamboo shoots. Wash it down with one of the several sake on the menu.
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Asagao, Croton-on-Hudson
Named after the Japanese “morning glory” plant, this Croton hotspot has a robust selection of ramen. Add-ons like bean sprouts, kikurage mushrooms, pork chasu, and more make nearly any menu option optimizable. Spicy Bibim Men is a soupless ramen, with dried red chilis and a special sauce. Plus, all your favorites like classic tonkotsu, miso, and shio make an appearance. If you’re still hungry, peruse the list of creative specialty sushi rolls, which feature anything from baked eel to Korean-style marinated beef.
