Menya Daruma — Restaurant in Charlotte

My friends and I are absolutely hooked! We are all ramen lovers, and we have tried every place in charlotte. I also make ramen at home too, and I say that because I am still in the process of trying (and trying and trying and failing) to recreate the egg that is included in the tonkotsu red (it is the go to for us), because it is perfection! My friend gets at least 1 extra egg every time. I love the edamame because it comes with the REAL salt. I always order the spicy chicken wonton too. We have tried almost everything on the menu but I’ll certainly surpass the character limit if I try to explain what I love about everything we’ve tried.

The seating and atmosphere feel very authentic and as soon as you walk through the doors, you’re immediately transported. Something that I love (that people might not typically notice) is that they make sure the water pitchers at the table are full at all times. Never have I ever in any of the times I’ve been there had to ask for more water. Also…. I love the cups, but that’s a personal me thing hahaha

Anyway! We visit so often that we have gotten to know the servers and staff- all of whom are lovely! They are definitely a huge part of the vibe that we love so much.

I don’t have that many pictures but I was able to find a few in my gallery that shows our favorites! (Disclaimer: please ignore the girl dinner thing lol that is a joke I started doing ironically that has now become.. not ironic I’m afraid). I digress- if you were on the fence, get off it! Give...

4.5/5 - fantastic flavors, best tan tan ramen I’ve had in a very long time. I’m excited to add this to the ramen rotation. Good aesthetics and layout inside. Wrap around bar seating and tables; first come first served. I wish the music would be a little louder given the loud kitchen noises & vents constantly going.

The ramen was great. The snacks/apps were lacking. I am use to getting at least 5-6 pieces of karaage only 3 tiny pieces were served. Good flavor needed a bit more lemon. The spicy chicken wontons were great, you get 4, good balance of flavor and welcoming spicy level. The hot chicken sandwich was okay, def a bit pricey for its size but good flavors, wish it was a tad bit spicier. The pork gyoza were by far the standout of the snacks, highly recommend getting a couple for the table. They serve Coke products and tea, no alcohol in case anyone was wondering. A nice sake selection would truly make this the best ramen bar in Charlotte!

Service was attentive and you order everything via QR code. I loved the flavor, spice level, and the noodles were fantastic. The only complaint, no kaedama (extra serving of noodles) available for purchase; that would’ve really made me leave with a happy belly but regardless bowl was left empty :) You apparently can get rice so I’ll be trying that next...

I recently came back from a trip to Japan and wanted to try more ramen around Charlotte after eating it nearly every day I was in Japan for "research." I've been to Menya Daruma 3 times so far since I returned from Japan.

Anybody can boil an egg at home, so I find it's especially important for the egg to be perfectly-boiled and tasty when you're paying someone else to do it. They absolutely nail the egg; it's both extremely well-marinated and perfectly boiled, every time. 10/10 egg.

The pork chashu is delicious and melts in your mouth. The broth is very flavorful and somewhat complex (some other ramen shops in Charlotte have a broth which seems like it's missing some ingredients).

The vibe of the shop is quite nice too; it's very similar to many of the ramen shops I visited in Japan, with a counter by the kitchen and a few tables for groups to dine together.

My only very small complaint is a couple of times when I've come here, the noodles were just slightly too chewy/tough for my preference. I personally find this to be a tiny priority though when the broth and egg are so good.

Overall, some of the best ramen I've ever had. I have a feeling I'll spend a bit too much money here now that I know it's within walking...