Tonchin

A Flavor-Packed at TONCHIN RAMEN in New York City

If you’re hunting for a cozy yet modern ramen spot in New York City that delivers authentic flavor, rich broth, and unforgettable sides, let me introduce you to a place that absolutely hit the spot: TONCHIN RAMEN. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this sleek and stylish Japanese ramen restaurant isn’t just about good noodles - it’s about creating a memorable, flavorful dining experience.

On a chilly rainy evening, we decided to warm ourselves up with a comforting bowl of ramen. While I’d read rave reviews about Tonchin’s menu before, this was my first visit - and definitely not my last. We ended up having a wonderfully satisfying dinner that checked all the boxes: delicious food, warm ambiance, and yes - excellent ASAHI SUPER DRY draft beer that became the unexpected highlight of the night.

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Atmosphere and First Impressions

Walking into Tonchin New York, we were immediately struck by the vibe. The interior was stylish yet casual, blending modern minimalism with warm lighting and subtle Japanese décor. It felt chic but not intimidating—a great place for a casual dinner date, catching up with friends, or even a solo ramen mission.

This restaurant has been featured in the Michelin Guide since 2019.

The buzz of conversation and the sound of clinking bowls created the perfect backdrop for an authentic ramen night. We could already smell the rich aroma of tonkotsu broth floating through the air—it made our mouths water before we even cracked open the menu.

Although there were a constant stream of customers, we impressed by the fact that the employees were not in a hurry at all and all seemed like skilled employees.

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What We Ordered

We kept things simple but thoughtful, choosing a variety of dishes that would showcase different aspects of the menu:

• TSUKUNE BUN
• TONCHIN CLASSIC TOKYO TONKOTSU
• SPICY TAN TAN
• ASAHI SUPER DRY Draft Beer

Draft Beer – The Unexpected Star

And now, for the real surprise of the night: draft beer.

The staff clearly know what they’re doing—when they serve beer, it comes with the perfect foam-to-beer ratio and is served at an ideal chilled temperature, just right for a lager.

We finished our first beer even before the food arrived, and when the next one came, it had the exact same perfect foam-to-beer ratio. In that moment, we realized just how well-trained the staff are in every detail.

They do have a good bar setup. If you want to try other drinks, you have lots of options.

TSUKUNE BUN

This was my first time eating bao buns, and I had no idea what I was missing.

First Impressions

These chicken buns were steamed to soft, pillowy perfection. The bun itself was warm and fluffy, and it held a generous portion of crispy fried chicken inside.

Flavor and Texture

The chicken was juicy, with a crispy outer layer that added a satisfying crunch. It was topped with a creamy, slightly tangy sauce and some fresh pickled vegetables, which balanced the richness of the chicken beautifully.

I couldn’t believe I’d never tried buns before, and now I can confidently say: I get the hype. They’re portable, flavorful, and an absolute joy to eat.

If you’re visiting Tonchin, don’t skip the buns—they’re the perfect appetizer or side dish.

TONCHIN CLASSIC TOKYO TONKOTSU

If there’s one item that embodies what Tonchin does best, it’s their signature tonkotsu ramen. Jaedon ordered the basic version, and from the first slurp, he was visibly impressed.

Flavor Profile

The broth was rich and silky, a true hallmark of quality tonkotsu. For those who may not know, tonkotsu broth is made by boiling pork bones for hours, extracting the collagen and marrow to create a creamy, almost milky texture. Tonchin nailed this. It wasn’t greasy or overly salty - just deep, warming, and flavorful.

The noodles were springy and held up beautifully in the broth. They were cooked to the perfect al dente texture, absorbing the flavor without getting soggy. The ramen bowl also came topped with very soft chashu pork, a soft-boiled ajitama egg, scallions, and kikurage mushrooms.

Highlights

The chashu was tender with a slight char that gave it depth, and the marinated egg had that gooey golden yolk that ramen lovers dream about. Jaedon is pretty picky about ramen, and he described this bowl as “one of the best he’s had in New York.” High praise.

If you’re looking for authentic tonkotsu ramen in NYC, this is it.

SPICY TAN TAN

I chose the Spicy Tantan, - it was absolutely delicious.

Broth and Spice Level

The broth was a creamy, spicy miso base with a hint of nuttiness, probably from sesame or tahini. It had a smooth richness that coated every bite, balanced by a kick of heat that lingered without overpowering. I’m someone who enjoys spicy food but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed, and this hit the sweet spot.

Toppings and Texture

The toppings included ground pork, chili oil, greens, and soft noodles that paired wonderfully with the thicker, creamier broth. The ground pork soaked up the flavor of the broth and added a protein-rich contrast to the spice. The greens brought in a little freshness, making each bite feel well-rounded and thoughtfully constructed.

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Desserts

We were too full to try the shaved ice dessert, but since Tonchin has an open kitchen, we were surprised to see just how gigantic it was. While we can’t give a firsthand opinion, it definitely looked like a unique dessert experience that’s worth trying if you have room.

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Overall Thoughts on Tonchin Ramen NYC

From start to finish, our dinner at Tonchin was a total delight. They have open-kitchen where everyone can watch how they cook, which gives more trust to our dishes. Servers are all trained well, the food was flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, the ambiance was chic yet comfortable, and the service was attentive without being overbearing.

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• Delicious tonkotsu broth that’s rich and balanced
• Unique ramen options like the spicy Dantan ramen
• Surprisingly amazing chicken buns
• Acai draft beer that elevates the whole experience
• Great Midtown location, easy to access

It’s a popular spot, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours

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Worth it?

If you’re on the hunt for the best ramen in New York City, Tonchin Ramen should absolutely be on your radar. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of creamy tonkotsu or in the mood to try something spicy like Dantan, you’ll find a bowl that warms your soul. Add a side of their heavenly chicken buns and a glass of acai draft beer, and you’re in for one of the most satisfying ramen meals in NYC.