ZAO Stamina Ramen — Restaurant in Bethesda

Zao is one of, if not THE best ramen place in the DMV area. I lived in Japan for four years, and I even prefer it to some places I frequented there because not only do the owners of Zao have a true passion and skill for making ramen, but they have a unique creativity that is unlike anywhere else. Their "Gentei" or limited time bowls are always a culinary adventure that keeps me coming back again and again (as seen by my many many point cards...). Pictured are limited flavors I've tried over the years like Pumpkin Spice Miso which I had today in the spirit of Halloween, and previous ones like Spicy Yuzu Tsukemen, Hiyashi Kani (Crab) Corn Ramen, Corn Croquettes, Mapo Tofu Ramen, JIRO Style, etc. Also pictured is my usual go-to on the standard menu, their amazing Tan Tan Men (with extra scallions, or "Kara negi"!). You can see (and taste!) the amount of work that goes into each bowl on Zao's menu. Though a lot of the bowls pictured here aren't available at the moment, the gentei flavor is always updating with new interesting flavors each month, or rotating old favorites back in; Check their Instagram to see what's coming up. Like others have mentioned, their fried chicken is also a must order!

The self ordering at the front is simple and straightforward, and if you're a single or duo diner, you can sit and order at the counter! They also make all their noodles in-house every morning -- You won't get a more authentic Japanese ramen experience anywhere else. I also highly recommend trying the fruit beer- the Hokkaido Melon actually tastes like they packed a real melon in there! Really unique flavor if you like sweeter alcohols, but for those who prefer a normal one, nothing beats a pint of Japanese beer with a bowl of ramen. As you can tell, I love this place and am a regular. The staff here truly care about the customer experience, and are a wonderful team who are quick and helpful. Definitely worth...

Revisited for Jiro Ramen.

I increased the rating one star. They did good job of making Jiro ramen. The taste was good and it is good to enjoy Jiro ramen here in this area. Very rare opportunity.

However, I ordered Mt. Fuji Jiro which costs about 10 dollars more than the normal Jiro, and I was expecting that Mt. Fuji Jiro would be equivalent to Jiro with 'Mashi Mashi' vegetables etc. however, Mt. Fuji Jiro's portion was quite disappointing. It would have been better ordering the normal Jiro with adding some toppings like bean sprouts etc. It's way pricy than Yume Wo Katare in Boston. Considering all these, yes I increased one star rating but it would not be enough to give 5-star. I wish they will offer another Jiro days and bring true Jiro spirit here (Jirorians (Jiro enthusiast) love and enjoy 'Mashi Mashi' portion)

It is ok taste, not very bad. This shop does not have a parking so you should park at a parking lot nearby. The service was ok. It is a bit pricy but understandable because of its location.

It says a real Japanese ramen which probably true, but I, born and raised in Japan, have never heard Zao ramen when I lived in Japan. I looked it up on google and it looks like Zao ramen (蔵王ラーメン) in Japan is not that popular (the rating is like 3 out of 5) and I totally agree with the rating (I do not know if this Zao in Bethesda is related to Zao ramen in...

The food (two ramen dishes - one of them vegan - along with the pork gyoza, the ouchi salad and water) was good, no problem with quality. We took exception to two things:

1. the quantity. With tax and tip, we paid 70$ for the two of us. The female diner was as usual easily satisfied, though she left behind less of her portion than usual. The male diner was anything but satisfied, and within two hours of the meal required a couple of slices of pizza. The rice portions were particularly meager - the bowl was quite small to begin with and then only half full. And this was an extra portion of rice that cost 2$.
2. the tipping culture. The size of the tip is decided at the end of the meal and is based on the quality of all aspects of the meal. At this place, one enters one's order into a computer at the entrance and pays immediately - the lone wait staff was not hanging around to answer questions, and that is fine, but then it seems normal that the tip would be lower than the standard, if one is needed at all. However, the computer not only insists that a tip amount be entered before accepting the order, but proposes a minimum of 18%. We almost left on this account (had I known how hungry I would be after the meal, we would have).

So, no recommendation for this place, although those who live in the US are doubtless more used to the tipping "unculture" and may...