Menya Hosaki — Restaurant in Washington

A Perfect Ramen Experience at Menya Hosaki

When it comes to satisfying your ramen cravings, Menya Hosaki is the place to be. My recent visit to this ramen joint left me nothing short of impressed, and I can't wait to share my experience.

We started our culinary adventure with the "Triple Threat Ramen," and it lived up to its name. The creamy broth was subtle yet packed with flavor, making each spoonful a delightful journey. It was like a warm hug for my taste buds. The balance of ingredients was spot on, and the noodles had that perfect springiness that I adore in ramen.

Next up was the "Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen," and it was a flavor explosion in my mouth. The broth was rich and multilayered, with just the right amount of heat to tickle my taste buds without overpowering the dish. The combination of ingredients created a harmonious dance of flavors that left me craving for more.

For an appetizer, we tried the "Chicken Karaage," and it was a steaming hot plate of goodness. The crispy, golden-brown chicken was not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. It had that perfect crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside. The flavors were on point, and it was the ideal way to kickstart our meal.

The ambiance at Menya Hosaki is relaxed and fun, making it an excellent spot for a casual dining experience. The atmosphere is comfortable, and you can feel the positive energy in the air. Whether you're hanging out with friends or enjoying a solo meal, you'll feel right at home.

Now, let's talk about the staff. They were not only efficient but also super friendly. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles, and they made us feel genuinely welcome. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to answer our questions added to the overall pleasant experience.

In my humble opinion, Menya Hosaki served the best ramen I've ever had. The flavors were exceptional, and each dish was meticulously crafted to perfection. It's evident that they take pride in their culinary artistry, and it truly shines through in every bite.

One thing I appreciated about Menya Hosaki was their online waiting queue system. It was a breeze to use, and the timing was accurate to the minute. Waiting for a table has never been so painless. Plus, it allowed us to explore the nearby neighborhood while our table was being prepared.

In conclusion, Menya Hosaki is a ramen haven that I wholeheartedly recommend. With a menu that offers a delightful variety of flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a must-visit for any ramen enthusiast. Their dedication to quality and customer service left a lasting impression on me, and I can't wait to return for another bowl of their heavenly ramen. Don't miss out on this culinary gem; it's a...

Let me just say this right off the jump—Menya Hosaki f-ing slaps. If you're anywhere near D.C. and you haven't eaten here yet, please just go. There was a line around the block when I arrived. It is genuinely worth the wait.

My expectations were high. I read the reviews, and also I grew up in Japan, so the cuisine is close to my heart.

Started off with the karaage, and sweet baby Jesus—it was insanely good. Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside. The seasoning was judicious in application, and perfect. The yuzu mayo is the perfect sauce for it. Best Karaage I have had... in Japan or otherwise.

Ok...the Ramen. My go to order is spicy tonkatsu ramen, but the Triple Threat caught my eye. Thankfully, my girlfriend got the spicy tonkatsu, so I could try both. The spicy tonkatsu is marvelous. It's a classic executed perfectly. The spice is very even across the palate and the broth was savory, and had deep, beautiful flavor.

The Triple Threat is in a class all it's own. It has a blend of smoky dashi, chicken and tonkatsu broth. Combining broths from different styles of ramen can be heresy in some circles. I certainly have never had anything like that in Japan. And it was killer. The flavors blended so perfectly and it was a joy to eat. Don't sleep on this one.

Also, an ode to Orion beer—crisp, cold, and dangerously drinkable. I have been heartbroken on the beaches of Okinawa with naught but this beer to console me... and it was worth it. Goes well with Ramen, too.

Menya Hosaki isn’t just the best ramen spot in D.C.—it’s a holy shrine to noodlage. Make the pilgramage because it's worth it. I will be back, for sure.

Also, Eric (who was expediting) complimented me on my watch. (I was wearing a Bulova Lunar Pilot ref. 96K11) Not only does he have great tastes in watches, he runs a tight and clean kitchen, the mark of a great...

Genuinely outstanding ramen -- Menya Hosaki has a small, but mighty menu, with shoyu, tonkotsu, and tantan ramens. Each of their broths is remarkably flavorful, and their noodles are fantastic: they're springy and have a slight bite, but are also perfectly slurpable. They're thick, curly, and will put you to sleep instantly -- truly everything you want from your bowl of ramen!

I was also incredibly impressed by their vegan / vegetarian ramen; most shops fall into the trap of making their veggie options super light and almost sad, with nothing to replace the flavor and richness provided by the meat. Menya Hosaki, however, embraces the veggies, loading up their bowls with a rich, creamy almond milk-based broth (never thought I'd say the words "rich and creamy" and "almond milk" in the same sentence), infused with sesame oil / paste and, if you decide to opt for their tantan ramen, a wonderful hit of their housemade chili. Then, they level up the bowl with a bunch of toppings, including kikurage (woodear mushrooms, which give the noodles a great crunch and act as tiny ladles for the soup), scallions, menma (bamboo shoots, which offer a bit of umami), spinach, seaweed, fried tofu (which act as perfect little sponges for all the glorious broth), and, of course, the ever-critical soft-boiled ramen egg.

Menya Hosaki is hands down one of DC's best ramen spots for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. The interior of the shop is also adorable, with super streamlined, no-frills decor and an open kitchen / bar that almost makes it feel like you're at a ramen bar in Tokyo. They don't take reservations, which can be tough given how popular the restaurant is, but the line moves quickly and they're absolutely...