The day before Thanksgiving, I had some business to take care of in midtown west that left me hungry afterwards. Since DLS was “working from home”, we decided to meet up for ramen on the rather rainy day, at a place that Cheese had recommended to me more than a few times – Tabata Ramen.
As soon as we’d ordered, small salads appeared. Tasty enough but completely unnecessary, it was a nice touch for a lunch meal.
DLS ordered the shoyu ramen. I tried some of his broth and thought it was sweeter than I expected the broth to be; soy sauce based as shoyu is, I expect it to be super salty – which is ironically the reason I don’t order it.
It’s ironic because I tend towards the shio ramen, which is what I ordered… and shio means salt based broth.
My broth was definitely saltier than his shoyu broth, but not overly salty. In fact, I found it perfectly satisfying on a rainy Wednesday when the city was hustling its butts around for Thanksgiving the next day, while I had not a care in the world. The noodles were perfectly chewy and while maybe not my favorite ramen noodles, they were simply good, and that’s all I wanted on that day. The pork slices were very good, but never my focus when I eat ramen. I would definitely return to Tabata – and in fact want to return so I can get the tan tan mian, which I hear is incredible here.
Yvo says: I can say with certainty that I’ll be back. The prices in the low double digits make it about on par with my favorite places, and sometimes you just want a big steaming bowl of noodles – which isn’t always easy to find in Midtown for a reasonable price or reasonable wait (I’m looking at you, Totto). Slurp away!
recommended
TT says
great minds…I went here for dinner the same day. My thoughts coming tomorrow afternoon. 😉
Feisty Foodie says
We missed each other by mere hours! I was still nearby when you were here though 😉
CheeeeEEEEse says
I’ve never been given a salad… 🙁
Normal stuff I order:
Tan Tan Men (w/ pork) – Fantastic sesame broth. The menu says it’s spicy…it’s not…I’ve no idea why they call it that.
Sutamina Ramen – A bit spicer, but pork broth.
Garlic Noodle – No broth, but they give you a miso soup on the side. Gried garlic and pork are worked into a bowl full of noodles. I am a garlic fan so I really like this.
Also to note, don’t order the gyoza. They come out all stuck together (Literally all 5 of them like this |||||) and soft everywhere but where they touched the pan. If you watch the guy make them you’ll see why. I have no idea why they mess them up…
Another note, they have a liquor license now and have beer, wine, and sake at reasonable prices.
CheeeeEEEEse says
Should be “fried garlic” rather than “gried”.
Feisty Foodie says
I definitely want to try the Tan Tan Men, and now I want to try the Garlic Noodle too – thanks!!! Sounds yummmmmmy! I’ll have to twist DLS’s arm to return, I’m sure 😛 haha.
Thanks for the rec!
CheeeeEEEEse says
I live really close, just sayin’ 😛
Seriously, I go at least once a week.
BeerBoor says
A nice hot bowl of ramen sounds perfect right about now…
(Urbanspoon screwed up their GIFs. The one that is showing is really 130×36; I don’t know where the gif that contains the address, and ought to be 200×146, has gone off to.)
Sara says
I work down the street. I’ve been here twice and was underwhelmed and found myself drinking about 10 gallons of water post. Bummer.
But when you come back, let me know and I’ll join ya. 🙂
hungry says
I liked Tabata when I went there too but definitely prefer the broth at Totto. But convenience and price brings me back to Tabata.
Oh and I agree with Cheese. The gyoza is crap.
CheeeeEEEEse says
Craaaaaap!
T.C. says
I want to go there. For Spicy Ramen!