Ramen Guide to Boston – Part 3

Boston has no shortage of great soups. From ramen to pho and everything in between, there are plenty of soup spots to keep you warm this winter.

Hojoko (Fenway)

Hojoko is more than just a spot to get some quick ramen. The currency lining the back of bar section gives “Tokyo dive bar” vibes in the heart of Fenway. This is the ideal spot to grab a cocktail or a sake bomb before a concert at House of Blues.

Not to get too off topic, but the ramen here can stand up to any in the city. The spicy miso uses a 48-hour chicken broth, packing a light punch that pairs perfectly with Sapporo. What makes it unique is the style in which they boil the egg. It results in a chewy and gooey bite not usual for ramen.

Just like the ramen and cocktails, Hojoko puts their own unique twist on sushi. The spicy tuna and spicy salmon rolls here are the perfect post-ramen snack to split with friends.

Wen’s (Back Bay)

If Hojoko is the trendy spot to grab drinks and ramen, then Wen’s is the no-nonsense, no-frills place to get great yunnan noodles and ramen. Yunnan noodles is a Chinese-style rice noodle-based soup. The broth is less salty and rich than ramen. It reminds us more of a chicken noodle soup base. The rice noodles are less chewy as well. This is a great soup alternative when you are all ramened out.

This place is on the list for our ramen guide and it rightfully deserves to be there. The miso ramen has a rich flavorful broth that warms the soul. We loved the breaded chicken, which had an addicting crunch to it.

Tora (Chinatown)

Tora is a small hole-in-the-wall spot that usually has a line out the door. Something just feels right slurping up noodles in a small, intimate setting.

Specializing in Tonkotsu-style ramen, its a creamier, almost milky pork-based broth. The white noodles are less chewy than the typical wavy noodles you get around Boston. The sous vide pork used for the Tonkotsu offers a softer depth of flavor than the typical torched pork. This pairs better with the notes of Tonkotsu broth. If you are going for the classic ramen feel, their miso broth is rich and hearty, with those yellow wavy noodles.