Ramen for Pescatarians?
I have a friend coming to town next weekend and she really wants to try some good noodles. Problem is, she only eats fish and most of the best places serve pork-based ramen only (Ippudo, Ramen Setagaya). I know momofuku has a ginger/scallion ramen but I've been nonplused by momo as of late, and want to try somewhere new. Looks like Souen and Minca have vegetarian options. Are these any good? Any better suggestions?
Thanks much!
By foodie4life
on Feb 9, 2010 06:00 AM
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I'm a fan of Menchanko Tei - your friend can get the vegetarian noodles and add fish cake or other toppings.
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/...
Minca is eh, and I think Momofuku's ramen is over-priced and under-good.
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Thanks very much! I'll suggest that.
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I'd be really surprised if Menchanko-Tei offers a ramen made without a meat-based broth (chicken/pork). And it's not all that great. Their vegetarian menchanko might be an option, but that's not ramen. Their menchanko dishes are much better than their ramen dishes.
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I was suggesting the vegetarian menchanko - perhaps that wasn't clear. I figured since the OP wanted "good noodles," ramen was just one possibility.
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You're right, small h, it doesn't absolutely have to be ramen. Based on what I read just now about menchanko noodles (slightly thicker than ramen?) sounds like they fit the bill!
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i'm not sure, but i think menkui tei may have fish/veg options
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Yes, they do, but I don't think Menkui Tei is nearly as good as Menchanko. I've had the vegetable ramen there, and it is lackluster.
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ok. i wouldn't know - as i like it porky!!!!
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Ippudo has a vegetarian option if you ask for it. Also just because your bored with Momo. doesnt mean someone from out of town might not enjoy it
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Have you had this at Ippudo? Is the soup purely vegetarian? There seems to be queries for vegetarian ramen fairly often these days and it would be nice to read a report or two. I couldn't imagine any of the Japan Ippudo branches doing this, but I can see them experimenting here with it.
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I'm not bored with Momo, I was disappointed last time. I want her to have a good experience. I've heard many other places are better. If Ippudo really does a veg option, that would be great to know. Is that a definite?
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Sobaya on E. 9th street around the corner from Ippudo has hand made noodles (often made in front of you) and plenty of pescatarian-friendly dishes. Well worth checking out.
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soba ya doesn't do ramen though, it does soba (duh) and udon, which is why i didnt mention it
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Ippudo offers a wasabi shoyu veg broth once in while.
Menkuitei has a ninboshi ramen.
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Why don't you try a udon place? That would be easier for a pesca.
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i haven't been to any of the other places mentioned, but i have been to souen and really enjoyed it both times.
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