Menya Daruma | Charlotte’s Top-Tier Ramen Hideout

🍜 Menya Daruma | Charlotte’s Top-Tier Ramen Hideout 📍 Why This Stands Out Tucked away in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood, this no-frills shop serves Tokyo-level ramen with zero pretension. Vibe: Counter seating + open kitchen (watch chefs hand-pull noodles) Key Fact: Broth simmers 18+ hours – no MSG shortcuts 🥢 What We Ordered 1. Tonkotsu Black ($16) • Broth: Creamy pork bone base + black garlic oil (umami bomb!) • Noodles: Medium-thick with perfect chew (ask for katame = extra firm) • Toppings: • Chashu: 72-hour sous vide pork belly • Egg: 6.5-minute marinated ajitama • Pro Tip: Squeeze the black garlic bulb on the side 2. Kid’s Shoyu ($9) • Broth: Light chicken/veggie blend (less salty than adult bowls) • Upgrade Hacks: • Add $1 for extra egg • Request free scallions (they’ll oblige!) • Parent Win: Portion rivals adult sizes 📊 Menu Deep Dive Ramen Type Broth Base Best For Price Tonkotsu Black Pork + garlic Umami lovers $16 Shoyu Chicken/soy Kids + light eaters $14 Miso Fermented soybean Bold flavors $15 Vegan Mushroom Plant-based $15 Value: 5/5 – Free broth refills for kids! 🍜 Ramen Science Why Their Broth Wins: 1. Pork Bones: Roasted then boiled 2 full days 2. No Salt Overload: Uses kombu seaweed for natural savoriness 3. Customization: 5 noodle firmness levels Charlotte Ramen Rankings: 1. Menya Daruma (authentic) 2. Futo Buta (creative) 3. Suzuya (vegan-focused) 👶 Kid-Friendly Perks • Stools with backs (rare for ramen bars!) • Dinosaur egg molds for soft-boiled eggs • Quiet corner with coloring sheets Parent Hack: Order extra noodles ($2) to split 1 broth between 2 kids 💡 Pro Tips 1. Timing: Arrive before 6pm – noodles sell out 2. Parking: Free in adjacent lot (look for red torii gate) 3. Leftovers: Broth freezes perfectly for 1 month Next Visit Goals: • Tsukemen (dipping noodles) • Karaage don (lunch-only) CharlotteRamen #JapaneseFood #KidFriendlyEats #NCFoodie