Your DC Ramen Rotation: Bowls You’ll Want on Repeat
Ramen that will warm your body, soul and hopefully make you forget about your inbox for a while
Most of us have a ramen origin story. A core ramen-memory that proves it has a way of staying with you. Look, I’m not saying ramen will fix everything. But I am saying that if you’ve had a long week, if your fingers still haven’t fully thawed from the walk outside, or if your soul just needs a little pick-me-up, a big, slurpable bowl of ramen is a solid life choice.
Short on time? I see you, world-savers—jump to listicle. Otherwise, let’s talk ramen.
A great bowl of ramen isn’t just a meal—it’s warmth in a bowl, a full-body reset, and sometimes, the only real cure for the kind of cold that settles into your bones. DC has some serious contenders when it comes to ramen, each with its own vibe. If you’ve never ventured out to experience our little corner of this ~170-year-old multicultural tradition, and maybe find yourself with a therapeutic case of “ramen belly”, this is your sign. A love letter to ramen in DC right now, and to you, to go out and find a bowl that makes you forget about your inbox for a while.
And while we’re saving our absolute must-visit, can’t-stop-dreaming-about-it ramen spot for next week, this list has plenty of spots we’d be glad to have on repeat.
Dakaya / Haikan / Bantam King
This powerhouse ramen trio, helmed by Katsuya Fukushima and known for bringing a Jose Andres adjacent - authentic yet deeply imaginative - take on Japanese comfort food. Each spot has a unique personality:
Haikan is an excellent choice to pre-game night on U St, 9:30 Club, or a movie at Atlantic Plumbing Cinema. It is the only restaurant besides the Dabney that has helped me, as farm-raised white girl recognize that pig ear (sadly, no longer on the menu) can actually be delicious.
Bantam King, tucked around the corner from Dakaya on the quieter side of the Capital One arena, leans playful, serving up chicken-based ramen alongside indulgent donuts or chicken & waffles, making it a great pick for families or groups looking to mix it up.
Step into Dakaya, and you’ll feel the hum of quiet (ok maybe not on game day) conversations, the clink of chopsticks against ceramic pulling you to settle into those cozy wooden booths - especially the hidden one in the back - crush a bowl, and forget that outside, winter is trying to break you. We recently enjoyed Dakaya’s spicy miso ramen and also found they had my favorite sake thus far of this ramen journey - ask for the snow tiger and tell me what you think.
Bonus: Upstairs, Izakaya gives you a the Japanese tavern experience specializing in rare whiskey bottles (sadly, no ramen upstairs). This one belongs on the modern DC going out treasure map. Enter with the feeling that you may never need to exit again, lose yourself in some top shelf eastern whiskey and very munchable snacks and consider the idea that you may have escaped to another timeline, hidden away in a piece of inhabitable art.
Toki Underground
You don’t just walk into Toki Underground—you ascend. Up a stairway tucked up above longtime local dive bar, The Pug, on H St, bathed in soft purple blacklight glow, past incense curling through the air, into a ramen joint that doubles as an art installation. Stickers cover the walls, skateboards serve as décor, and the vibe is unmistakably cool.
Toki Classic Ramen—creamy broth, springy noodles, and toppings like poached egg, kale, and pulled pork. We’d call it a punk-rock classic take on Japanese comfort food, and it works. Bonus points: They serve a kids' bowl, so ramen-loving parents, take note.
Chaplin’s
Chaplin’s is where the best stuff from 1920s craft cocktails and inspiration from the japanese ramen tradition come together. If you’re here, order The Woman of Paris—a delightful take on a Sazerac I have loved for years, and if they ever take it off the menu, I will need a full mourning period. Right now you can get it for just $7.25 from 4-7p hh every day.
The ramen itself is rich and satisfying, perfect for settling in with a group of friends, a strong drink in hand. We do love the pork buns too. It’s a spot that feels lived-in, loved, and always a little bit buzzing.
Sakuramen
True to Adams Morgan, Sakuramen isn’t here to play it safe. This is the place where the heat is cranked, both in spice level and in the top 40 hits blaring overhead. If you’re looking for a bowl that fights back, the Tonkotsu Red Ramen will do it—with its deep, fiery broth and thinner noodles built to soak it all in.
They definitely get the pork on top (chashu) right here, just check out that amazing texture. The Spicy Miso Ramen sweet-spicy corn obsession is real, and the crispy pork belly texture is on point.
Pro tip: Order cold sake. You’ll need it to cool down after one of their spicy bowls.
Quick-Click Ramen Round-Up
Haikan – Pre-game spot near 9:30 Club with imported Japanese noodles.
Dakaya / Izakaya - Cozy booths, spicy miso, our favorite sake, and a whiskey lover’s paradise upstairs.
Bantam King – Family-friendly ramen with donuts & chicken and waffles.
Toki Underground – Trippy ramen adventure with a punk rock soul.
Chaplin’s – Cocktails meet comfort. Classic ramen, classic drinks.
Sakuramen – Loud, spicy, and unapologetically bold.
Your Next Ramen Night Is Calling
Ramen isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, a comfort, a reminder of the humble, restorative good things in life. From divey, sticker-covered walls to elegant whiskey lounges, we’ve scoured the city for our best bowl but yours? That’s up to you to discover. Whether it’s a nostalgic favorite or a new contender, there’s nothing like that first steamy bite of broth-soaked noodles.
Next up? Later this week we’re hitting Japanese grocery stores, beginning our search of the essentials for mere mortals to get closer to authentic ramen at home and throwing out the #SakuraSurpriseChallenge.