Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Back Bay — Restaurant in Boston

There seems to always be a line outside Santouka when I walk by which has prevented me from checking it out up until this point...I don't love waiting. But with a friend in town who loves ramen, I decided that going for lunch would be a good time to go.

WAIT TIME: We get there around 11:15 on a Friday (soon after it opens) and there are only two people waiting in front of us outside. We look inside and realize why there is always a line. The place is tiny and really only seats 18 people (6 at the counter and then 12 at tables). We wait maybe 15-20 minutes and are seated. By the time we left, the line grew to 10-15 people so just be aware that there will probably be a wait here. Don't come if you're in a rush.

Something I noticed while we were waiting and sitting was that a significant number of people (maybe 50%) were eating alone. Ramen is one of those foods where it's common to go and eat it alone. I have never been one to go out to eat alone, and I never will be (I will just cook) but it's still an interesting phenomenon I noted at this place specifically.

SERVICE: Very friendly and attentive. Nothing negative to say. They take your order quickly, bring you your food quickly, and bring you your check quickly. It's not a big place so it's not too complex to manage.

FOOD: Beyond all this, the reason people come here is the food. The RAMEN. I have had a fair amount of ramen/pho but I am no expert on it. It is one of the few foods I won't attempt to make at home given the time and experience required to make a really good broth.

I ordered a combo (you gotta' get the combo) with a large Kara Miso Ramen (spicy miso ramen) and a side of the pork cheeks and a soft boiled egg. Large vs. a medium is only $1 more and totally worth it if you have a big appetite. It came full of noodles with a spicy (but not too spicy) broth. A few pieces of pork belly (never enough though, in ramen) as well as some mushrooms and green onions. I ate the whole thing and was perfectly full. The side of pork cheeks was amazing too...so tender and juicy. All this for $16 is a steal!

Though I may not actively seek out to come back due to the wait time, if I know it's a slow time, I will definitely be back to Santouka Ramen.

TIP: This is a good place to eat out alone because so many others are eating alone (if that's something you care about). Just be warned that you may be sharing a table with other groups or...

4 ⭐ for taste:

I found that the broth lacked umami flavor. In contrast, the pork, and the quality of the seaweed and bamboo shoots were exceptional.

The egg was a little too runny than usual and might have needed a minute more or so. The yolk mostly faded into the broth. I'm not sure if that was intentional.

3 ⭐ for service:

The servers were really nice when taking our information for the wait list. They were also really polite when taking our order and in giving us suggestions.

However they did not or may have forgotten to inform us that we "must" return to the restaurant within 5 minutes after receiving a text. Otherwise you would be put off their wait list and may have to wait extra.

They also did not inform us that you cannot call the text notification and their web app does not provide a number to call the restaurant or in anyway inform the servers that we were on our way. For that matter, the servers cannot be absolutely sure if you have decided to cancel but can only assume when you don't arrive within 5 minutes.

I understand that servers probably had a long day working and may have made a bigger deal than necessary about us arriving late.

5 ⭐ for Cleanliness:

The restaurant and especially their restroom were spotless despite how busy they were.

Improvements:

In hopes of avoiding miscommunication and for added convenience, I hope they will include their waiting/reservation terms in the text notification or on their web app in the near future. Also I hope they will provide a way to cancel a reservation or inform the servers that we are arriving.

I would give this place another try and I hope my review would help...

Worth the Drive: A Ramen Paradise in Back Bay!

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Back Bay is where ramen dreams come true—no wonder there’s always a line snaking out the door! 😋 This place is so popular, they don't even bother with reservations, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. We trekked all the way from Rhode Island, fueled by the promise of their legendary ramen, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

I indulged in the Combo with a large Tonkotsu Kara Miso Ramen, and it was love at first slurp. The broth had a delightful miso base with just the right amount of spiciness, giving it that perfect kick without overwhelming your taste buds. The toppings were the stuff of ramen lore: succulent Bara Toro Cha-Shu (pork cheeks and braised pork belly) that practically melted in my mouth, and the Aji-Tama, a marinated soft-boiled egg that was simply divine. Add in the fried onions and sweet corn, and you’ve got a bowl of happiness.

But wait, there’s more! The combo also included a Cha-Shu Gohan, a rice bowl topped with more of that irresistible braised pork belly, simmering in a rich stock. It was the ultimate comfort food, pairing perfectly with the ramen to create a meal that’s both hearty and heavenly. 🍲

Santouka is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts. Sure, you'll have to brave the line, but once that first spoonful hits your lips, you’ll understand why people are willing to wait. This ramen joint is truly a treasure—no reservations needed, just...