Ganko Ittetsu Ramen — Restaurant in Braintree

I had the privilege of visiting Ganko Ittetsu Ramen during its soft opening in Braintree with my wife and Mother In-law. Despite the early phase of its operation, the experience was nothing short of remarkable. Ganko Ittetsu, already renowned for its Sapporo-style ramen, brings a much-needed dose of authentic Japanese comfort food to the South Shore.

The Food

I had the Tan Tan Ramen

The Tan Tan Ramen was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening. This bowl is a masterful blend of flavors, featuring a spicy sesame broth that perfectly balances richness with a mild heat. The ground pork added texture and a savory depth, while the delicate noodles, cooked al dente, were a perfect vehicle for the broth. The toppings, including bamboo shoots, bean sprouts and scallions, were fresh and added a wonderful contrast to the umami-laden broth. For spice lovers, this dish is an absolute must-try—it warms your soul without overwhelming your palate.

Pork Gyoza

The pork gyoza were expertly executed. Each dumpling was pan-fried to golden perfection, with a crisp exterior that gave way to a juicy and flavorful pork filling. The accompanying dipping sauce was slightly sweet and tangy, complementing the savory dumplings beautifully. It’s evident that these are made with care, as the balance of texture and flavor rivaled some of the best I’ve had.

Double Fried Chicken

The double fried chicken was another standout. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the chicken was seasoned impeccably. The coating was light and crunchy without being greasy, and the addition of a sweet chili dipping sauce elevated the dish to a new level. It’s the kind of appetizer that sets the tone for an indulgent meal—craveable, satisfying, and just a little indulgent.

Service

For a soft opening, the service was surprisingly smooth. The staff was attentive and enthusiastic, eager to introduce diners to the menu and answer any questions. Despite the inevitable learning curve of a new restaurant, the team worked seamlessly to ensure every guest felt welcome and well taken care of. It’s clear that the team is committed to maintaining a high standard of hospitality, and I can only imagine how polished the service will be as they settle into their routine.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Ganko Ittetsu is cozy and inviting, with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food. The layout is well-designed, with an open kitchen that lets diners catch a glimpse of the ramen-making process—a thoughtful touch that adds to the authenticity of the experience. Even during the soft open, the restaurant had a lively, welcoming energy that made it a joy to dine in.

Final Thoughts

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen in Braintree is shaping up to be a standout addition to the South Shore dining scene. The Tan Tan Ramen is a showstopper, the appetizers are executed with precision, and the service and atmosphere set a strong foundation for success. If this is what they’re offering during a soft opening, I can’t wait to see how they evolve as they hit their stride. This is a must-visit for ramen lovers and anyone seeking a taste of authentic Japanese...

I have been eagerly waiting for Ganko to open its latest location on the South Shore and was thrilled to visit them during their soft opening.

This location is a replacement for the one that closed in Providence RI (RIP 😔 ), and they have another smaller location in Brookline. This location has more tables than any of there other spots which makes it easier to come with a larger party.

The service was super friendly and nice. We told them we were so excited that they were finally open and they were thrilled to hear that we’ve frequented all of their locations. They took our orders promptly and the tan tan ramen is just as good here as it is in Brookline. Springy ramen noodles with great texture and chew + a spicy sesame broth + a beautiful soft-boiled ajitama. It’s everything I could hope and dream for on a cold winter’s day. We’re so happy you’re finally open and can’t wait to go back soon!

P.S. If you show up an an off-peak time—say when they open at 5pm, then you can most likely bypass having to wait. If you show up to any hot restaurant in town without a reservation on a Friday at 6pm…..you’re going to have to wait. That’s what we did during the soft opening with a party of 4 on a Friday and we...

I have never tried the Brookline location, so I was happy to discover that there’s a location in the South Shore now. The inside felt clean and hip, and it was pretty busy during dinnertime. You can sit at the bar or a table.

Extra Crispy Karaage ($10.50): The karaage was cooked to perfection and bigger than expected (it might be nice to have smaller cuts to make this a shareable appetizer). The chicken/batter didn’t have much flavor on its own (which I guess is why the sauce portion was generous, though I wasn’t a big fan of the garlic ponzu), but I think the juiciness of the chicken made up for it. Gantetsu Shoyu ($17): The pork chashu was soft and had a nice smokiness. I also liked the crunchy garlic and thick ramen cuts. However, the broth was way too salty. I know shoyu is soy sauce based, but the broth should still be drinkable, as that is what makes or breaks a good ramen place. Offering oi-meshi at the end could have helped.

Service was friendly. I’ll try a ramen with a different...