Annaburg Slurping Turtle-Japanese ramen ceiling!

Ann Arbor’s Reopened Ramen Gem – Most Authentic Japanese Ramen in Town (Worth the Wait!) After being closed for ages, this spot is finally back—and it’s a game-changer! My partner, who knows a lot about Japanese food culture, says it’s the best and most authentic Japanese ramen in Ann Arbor right now. It’s super popular (walk-in only!), so expect a 20-minute to 1.5-hour wait if you go around 5 PM—but trust me, the ramen is worth it. Here’s why 🥢! 📍 Vibe & Basics: Cozy Bar, Great Sake List We sat at the bar, and the wall of alcohol in front of us was so nice—chill, laid-back vibes. The menu focuses on homemade hand-pulled ramen (the star!), plus a sushi bar, rolls, shareable apps, and a sake-heavy wine list. Prices are mid-range, ~$20–$40 per person—fair for the quality. 🍜 Ramen: Homemade Noodles & Perfect Broth (Total Win!) The ramen takes a little longer to come out (worth the wait for fresh noodles!), but the broth and noodles alone make it better than most spots in town: Classical Tokyo Shuyo: 10/10, MY FAVE! The broth is light but flavorful—salty with a subtle sweetness, like a rich kombu dashi (kelp stock). The pork belly chashu is insane—even the lean parts are tender and juicy, with a balanced sweet-savory taste. The noodles are thinner than regular Japanese ramen, chewy, and cooked just right. Toppings: fresh veggies, a runny marinated soft-boiled egg, and bamboo shoots. A little green onion and garlic oil add aroma without making it heavy—first sip had me hooked (I almost teared up, it was that good 😭). Shrimp Shio Ramen: Also delicious! The broth is pork-based, fragrant, and paired with tender (though ordinary) shrimp. Toppings include veggies, a onsen tamago (hot spring egg), and bamboo shoots—plus a drizzle of sesame oil for extra nuttiness. Simple but satisfying. 🦪 Apps: Scallop Sashimi & Duck Fat Fried Chicken Steal the Show Don’t sleep on the apps—they’re just as good as the ramen: Sashimi Scallop: Super fresh! Rare to find scallop sashimi with no fishy aftertaste—sweet, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth. Duck Fat Fried Chicken: My new favorite fried chicken in Ann Arbor! The batter is so thin, you barely notice it—all you taste is juicy, flavorful chicken (the duck fat makes it extra fragrant!). Even without the mayo dipping sauce, it’s perfect. The side salad is crisp and fresh, cutting through the richness—10/10. 🥤 Drink: Orange Chuhai – Hits or Miss We tried the orange chuhai, a low-alcohol Japanese cocktail. My partner liked it, but I’m not a fan of sparkling water—it tasted pretty plain to me. Stick to sake or tea if you’re not into bubbly drinks. ✨ Fun Facts (Why It Stands Out!) Homemade Noodles to Go: You can buy their hand-pulled noodles for $4 to cook at home—genius for ramen nights! Female-Friendly Touches: The bathroom has pads stocked—such a thoughtful detail. Personalized Service: The waiter remembered us and our food preferences after just one visit—small but nice! 💰 Final Verdict: Will Wait Again for This Ramen The wait is long, but the authentic, well-made ramen (and amazing fried chicken!) make it worth every minute. It’s the best Japanese ramen in Ann Arbor, and I’ll definitely be back—next time, I’m trying the sushi bar too! #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #AnnArborFood #AnnArbor #Ramen #JapaneseFood #AnnArborEats #MichiganFood #AuthenticRamen