I came by with a party of 2 on a Sunday afternoon. We were seated right away, but the staff wasn't very friendly (something that would make up for a lot of errors for me). We placed our orders for takoyaki, two ramens, and drinks.
The takoyaki was cooked and seasoned well, and the sauce was good but it was more flour and very little filling. Most of the pieces only had 1 piece of octopus in it, making the entire thing very dough-y. Most of my bites contained just flour and sauce.
Somehow, our waitress managed to take both our ramen orders wrong. She didn't ever come back to check on us, so we ended up just eating the bowls she brought. This probably made the entire experience sour for us as we were excited to have the ramen flavors we had initially ordered.
The chashu was thick, and sliced the long way; and mostly very fatty. This isn't a criticism, but just a heads up for anyone who likes or doesn't like very fatty meat. The eggs were cooked perfectly, and the broth was decent.
I think that my experience was truly dampened by the fact that I felt like the waitress didn't care to confirm our orders, brought out two wrong dishes, and never once checked on us. It wasn't a busy hour, half the tables were empty. We didn't finish either of our ramen bowls. Instead of coming to ask if anything was wrong, we were then brought the check without requesting it.
It's very difficult for me to want to give a place a second chance when I've had such a...
Read moreIt's a good place for an inexpensive meal.
This place is fine. Nothing was bad. Everything was average. If you understand umami as a specific, rich deep flavor (MSG), there's plenty. If you define it more philosophically, as the depth of flavor experience that makes you say, "ah, yum," it's lacking.
The miso soup was ordinary, might as well have been from instant powder. The sushi rolls were just one notch above grocery store to-go sushi. The pork buns were respectable: lettuce, braised belly with spicy mayo and Japanese BBQ/teriyaki sauce. The ramen was ramen, not especially mind-blowing. The gyudon lacked subtly, but was still satisfying. Portions were all very generous.
The walls of this place are covered in anime posters. Also, travel agency posters from Sapporo. It feels like they're really catering to an after school, teenage or young adult crowd.
The menus were greasy to the touch, and honestly, nothing about the place seemed up to traditional Japanese standards around cleanliness. It wasn't dirty and off-putting, per se, but it also wasn't clean.
If you're a college kid or a bachelor looking for a cheap Japanese meal with big portions, you'll probably be very happy. If you're drunk from partying too hard and you need some hot and fatty broth to settle your stomach, Megumi will deliver. But if you're a bit more discerning, looking for a culinary adventure, this will be a severely...
Read moreMegumi Japanese Ramen & Sushi Bar is a standout dining destination in Philly’s Chinatown, offering a satisfying mix of authentic Japanese flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast, a sushi lover, or both, this spot delivers high-quality dishes that keep customers coming back for more. The ramen is the star of the menu, featuring rich, flavorful broths that are perfectly paired with tender noodles and fresh toppings. The Tonkotsu Ramen is a favorite, with its creamy pork broth, while the Spicy Miso Ramen adds just the right amount of heat for those looking for a kick. The sushi is equally impressive—fresh, beautifully presented, and with a variety of creative rolls to choose from. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate vibe, making it a great spot for a casual date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. The staff is attentive and friendly, happy to make recommendations if you’re unsure what to try. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portions, making it a solid value for a great meal. Megumi strikes the perfect balance between traditional and approachable, making it a must-visit for Japanese cuisine in Chinatown. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of ramen or a beautifully crafted sushi roll, this spot...
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