momofuku, rai rai ken, or minca

Hello. I'm trying to decide between these three noodle houses, and am wondering what the differences (quality and product)are between the three. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Woodside Al]

I will chime in here with another up for Minca. I really like their broths. Especially their Tonkotsu (pork-bone based broth) Ramen, which is a relatively rare item in the NYC area (and, yes, it's supposed to be that fatty, but oh so good). It's also quite a bit less cramped and more comfortable than RaiRaiKen. Momofuku is pretty inauthentic fusion-y stuff, and on the 2 occasions I've been there its been pretty bad with an unbearable (and unbearably loud) "scene" thing going on.

[Greg]

I've noticed a flavor in Minca's shoyu miso that I don't particularly like. It's kind of like black truffles. Has anyone else noticed this flavor or am I completely out of mind?

[kayonyc]

minca, hands down! rairai a close second, momfuku, never!

never been to minca but i prefer the ramen at momofuku over rai rai ken...berkshire pork buns and chicken buns are awesome at momofuku!

Momo's pretty fusion-y, ie, non-traditional. Minca has a thicker broth than Rai Rai on the dishes they both serve, and serves a noodles-on-the-side version, but Rai Rai is cheaper and also serves things that aren't on the menu at Minca (more sides, a couple different kinds of ramen).

I like Minca best, particularly with a slug of hot sauce in the broth, but Rai Rai's good and Momo is too, though what they do is different.

Link: http://twentyaday.blogspot.com

Don't forget Menkuitei!

I've never gotten into Momofoku's ramen, so I suggest go there, have a pork bun, then swing over to Minca for some Charshu ramen :)

i mostly agree with these descriptions.

momofuko is the least traditional. the one time i tried it the broth and noodles were awful (i've herad they've improved) but the pork was good. i believe it is the most expensive option also.

rai rai ken is good. but minca is by far the best. minca's broth is much thicker and more flavorful than the others. i think rai rai ken and minca are similar in terms of price, maybe minca is slightly more.

i can't really comment on the sides at either, i have not tried enough.

i do like the ramen at men kui tei in midtown quite a bit, especially the mabo ramen (spicy ground pork). i've haven't tried the one downtown.