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Food: Spicy tan tan ramen - not to spicy, the broth was
Food: Spicy tan tan ramen - not to spicy, the broth was creamy, wan't to salty -, Fried fish and spicy mayo bun - the sauce was really good -, match milk shaved ice had red bean & cream - it was not overly sweet, not bitter at all. Overall, the food was delicious. The service was quick & our waiter was very friendly. The interior setting had dim lighting, and the music volume was just right. Open kitchen, there is a bar area. The restroom was very clean. They do take both walk-in and reservation. By 7pm, the place was fully packed & a small line waiting. Would definitely recommend this place.
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My friend picked Tonchin for dinner.
I arrived a few minutes before 5:30 without a reservation and surprised to see a line and noticed the Michelin sign. Luckily I had been there early enough to be seated. We could have sat a table or bar but chose the latter. I got the Classic Tonkotsu Ramen with Spicy Chicken Wings. My friend got mushroom kimchi, pickled plum rice ball, and the vegan Miso Ginger Ramen with clams. The wrong wings came out and I had to wait longer for the correct ones. At that point my friend's apps came out so I wanted to keep them but they got sent back before I could react. The kimchi was delicious - crunchy and little spicy and sour. My wings were nice and crunchy but a little salty. Ramen was delicious. The pork very tender and a good amount of wavy noodles. While eating I also order some corn which arrived quickly. My friends miso ginger ramen was good also but I couldn't taste the ginger. She enjoyed her ramen too. Would definitely come back.
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Overall saddened by the quality of this place!! I went to
Overall saddened by the quality of this place!! I went to the Tonchin in Taipei first and when I saw it in Manhattan I was so happy that all my nostalgic memories can flowing in. I was happy that the hostess was very accommodating we had 3 people and I hand to get back to my meeting but she said as long as I get out of here within 45 min she can seat us. I took it for sure! I orders my usual with buttered corn. No, I have a pic of the bowl I had in Taipei and it does not resemble it. My waitress forgot my corn..i reminded her and 10 min later I got steamed corn in a small cup. Not the same...I had it in a tin foil with butter. The waitress well I guess is like all the apres covid workers is just there emotionless and serving. Triste.
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Get the regular ramen don't order the dipping ramen way too
Get the regular ramen don't order the dipping ramen way too salty.. the high ball whiskey are water down..
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We were in Times Square already so we wanted to look for
We were in Times Square already so we wanted to look for something Japanese to eat. This place was highly rated on yelp. We got there at 11:45 and there was a short line , they opened at 12. The ramen was good but not great for the price. The side dishes we got was really good though. Ambiance is nice , food presentation is great but flavor is aitteeee as my Japanese husband described it. Worth the experience though!
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This place was packed on a Wednesday night.
My party had some spicy chicken wings and I had the spicy tan tan tsukemen. Both were super savory and delicious. I think that this is a great noodle place in general, and would come here if I was craving ramen. Service-wise, it was really busy and felt like they couldn't wait to get rid of us, so that wasn't the best. They asked if we wanted the bill maybe half an hour after we started, which I did not appreciate.
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Pretty solid ramen restaurant but certainly doesn't live up
Pretty solid ramen restaurant but certainly doesn't live up to my expectation.Had the pandan white negroni as a drink and i think they did a bang up job of making a buttery smooth, lightly floral cocktail. Lacks the bitterness of a true white negroni but is much more accessible. Main complaint is that their pandan infusion gets kind of lost, most of the noticeable pandan comes through via the leaf garnish.Shishito peppers were pretty good. Most restaurants opt for light salt or citrus zest; Tonchin used an umami salt which might as well be msg and salted kombu, giving a really intense dashi flavor.I ordered the smoked dashi and thought it was overall okay. The shishito peppers tasted more of dashi than the ramen and I could not have told you there was any smokiness if it wasn't on the name of the dish. Whatever flavor the clams had was basically leeched away and the broth itself had good mouthfeel but was lacking in any distinct flavor. Noodles were fine but I prefer a bit more chew. This isn't to say I disliked the ramen, I just thought it was a n okay tonkotsu when I theoretically ordered a smoked dashi. Bingsoo was pretty good, texture of shaved milk could have had a touch more lightness but the matcha base used was very good, as was the honey cream atop. Overall, think this is a fine place to go to, especially if you can pop in for a worktime lunch but not worth seeking out. Don't see why it has a bib gourmand.
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When we arrived for our noon reservation, the door had not
When we arrived for our noon reservation, the door had not opened yet and line of people without reservations already stretched 15 feet past the door. Make reservations. Even a seat at the bar is best had by a reservation. Keep in mind that they will not seat your party unless everyone is there even if it is only two people. If you want takeout, you need to order it in person and not over the phone. Because of the demand for seats, they limited the lunch to 90 minutes for all parties. Lots of rules, but the food in this Michelin-rated restaurant is totally worth it. We ordered off the lunch set ($24) of an appetizer with ramen. This time we had the Tonchin classic ramen and the smoked dashi ramen. Yes-smoked. The broth is so rich and complex I could have that alone and be satisfied. For appetizers, we had the fried fish and spicy miso bun and it was delicious. Since it was lunchtime, I opted for the green lemonade mocktail, which was so refreshing. I have not had a bad or even mediocre meal here yet. This stays in my book as the go-to for high quality ramen that is decently priced. If the lines are anything to go by, many others agree.
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Came on a Sunday afternoon.
Wait time ~30 minutes. Friendly host and servers. Attentive and asked us how everything was frequently. Tonchin Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen: Broth was flavorful and rich. Noodles are thin and made fresh. Was surprised the chashu pork was very sliced thinly. The best way to describe it was like eating thinly cut ham. Not the typical chashu pork that you would see at ramen places that have the combination of being more meaty, chunky and fatty. I honestly prefer the more typical thicker chashu, but just my personal preference. Very yummy and solid nonetheless. Also, tried a little bit of the spicy tan tan broth only, good kick but was not really spicy at all. Tried a little of the matcha shaved ice for desert, since mango wasn't in season yet so it wasn't fresh. Very solid and good.
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I would like to start of by saying it is worth coming to
I would like to start of by saying it is worth coming to this restaurant. Ramen, drinks, appetizers and everything is A+ especially the Service is a quick. Employees are really respectful and Patient. I recommend everyone to come here.
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Serious and sad experience
Tonchin restaurant - New York We are a group of 5 people and visited New York from December 26, 2022 to January 6, 2023. Since one of us is celiac (severe celiac disease), every time we booked a dinner we made sure several times at the restaurants that gluten-free options were available, meaning not only as gluten-free food but also cooked in order to avoid contamination. There were no problems whatsoever in any restaurant visited during our stay (Smith and Wollensky, Peak restaurant, Peter Luger, Ilili 5th Avenue, Tamarind Tribeca etc.), except for the Japanese restaurant Tonkin (36th W street and 5th avenue). We chose this restaurant as it was marked on the Michelin guide and appreciated by many visitors. We then booked a dinner for the evening of January 5th at 9:00 pm. However, on January 2 one of us personally went to the restaurant to make sure there was a possibility of having gluten free options. This verification was repeated again on January 3, and the present waitress confirmed that the celiac person could have eaten “everything but ramen and noodles”. We then shared on our chats the menu available on the site https://www.tonchinnewyork.com/midtownmenu, checking the presence of many other dishes (maguro, rice balls etc) in addition to ramen and noodles. On the evening of January 5 we go to the Tonchin restaurant and we are greeted by the same waitress we had met on January 3 who in fact, after asking for the name on the reservation, greeted us saying "you are the group with the celiac person". To our confirmation, however, the waitress added that the celiac person could only have eaten “three salads and edamame”, that is only cold dishes. Surprised by this different information, we pointed out that the same waitress only two days before had assured that the person could have eaten everything but noodles and ramen and that becoming aware of this limitation only at that moment put us in serious trouble. The waitress then asked us to wait saying that she would check with the cook again. After a few minutes, she confirmed that the only dishes available were the cold ones (not even all), that is only three salads and edamame. Waiting for our obvious difficulty (at that time it would not have been possible to find another restaurant available for 5 people) we asked to be able to talk to the manager. After a few minutes a boy showed up to us, qualified as the person in charge who initially apologized for the inconvenience but confirmed that it was not possible to offer the celiac guest any hot dish, we pointed out that we had come by twice in the previous days and that the information provided to us had been completely different but he kept saying that unfortunately it was not possible for them to prepare any hot gluten free dish for the celiac guest. Since it was not possible to find another restaurant available at that time and the group was also made up of two children (12 and 14 years) who were supposed to have dinner, we decided to stay anyway. The manager walked away saying he would go and check if the table was ready already. After a few minutes, however, the same manager returned saying that “because of our behavior” the waitress felt “uncomfortable” to serve us and therefore told us that we could not have dinner at the restaurant and that we should leave. Incredulous by such inexplicable behavior we asked what our behavior could have ever been but the person in a confused way and gesturing with nervousness, told us that we had never been to the restaurant before nor had we ever asked for information because he had never seen us and invited us to leave the place. At our request for explanation, the manager kept repeating that we should have left the venue, even when we informed him that we would call the police to report what was happening. The boy was even more nervous and kept repeating that he had never seen us. Waiting for the crowd of people who had meanwhile piled up behind us, we decided to leave the restaurant. The very serious behavior of the staff of the Tonkin restaurant (the various information provided to us, having lied about our presence in the previous days, the last-minute decision not to want to serve us) caused a great inconvenience to all of us, not only because a group of 5 people (including two children) was left without dinner and the possibility of booking another restaurant, but above all because unjust discrimination and humiliation was carried out against a person and the whole group that accompanied him. This behavior is unacceptable for any restaurant, but it is even more so if the place is also valued to be reported by the Michelin guide (we hold, at this point, undeservedly) and – moreover – should be an expression of the proverbial kindness and welcome of the Japanese people (in this case completely absent).
Everything we liked here, starting from waiting time, service, value and the most importantly food. One of the best ramen in town but not only.
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Felix on 12/15/2022
Awesome Ramen! Absolutely delicious! Highly recommended! Wie loved the food and service. Had a great place at the bar.
I made the reservation for Tonchin on October 10th for a dinner (for one) on October 31st. I arrived promptly on time (7pm) and was sat at the bar right away. I ordered a shrimp tempura rice ball starter and the classic ramen along with a coke. The bar staff that were serving me were kind but to the point. There was nothing beyond the normal greeting and thanks. The starter (the shrimp tempura rice ball) was quite good and gone in a few bites. While eating my starter, two other guests were seated next to me on both sides. They ordered while I was eating the starter. At around the 25 minute mark when the other guests next to me received their food, I started to get concerned. At the 30 minute mark, I was glancing at the bar staff to see if there was any news on my ramen. It was 35 minutes later that the guests next to me (two separate guests, both arrived 15-19 minutes after me) received their ramen. I waited another 5 minutes (total of 40) when I told the bar staff that were serving me that, “It’s been 40 minutes for the ramen – at this point I don’t want it and I’d just like the check.” The staff member did just that – got the check, dropped it, and walked away. Not once in 40 minutes of a 2 foot distance at all times did any member of staff say, “Let me check on your order,” nor did anyone at all even offer an apology. Not a syllable of conciliation that I waited 40 minutes for a bowl of ramen that just never arrived. It’s a shame – I waited weeks to try this place and to just be shrugged off like it was no big deal was really disappointing. There’s an attitude that really isn’t worth it when basic hospitality is missing. Koku Ramen just a couple of blocks down is fantastic without any of the attitude.
Utterly delicious food, friendly staff, great atmosphere! Found it by chance whilst staying close by. The ramen dishes were so full of exciting flavours and all cooked and presented beautifully. My son had the chicken wings and said these were the best he’d ever tasted! Would highly recommend.
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One of the things I really wanted while visiting NYC was a
One of the things I really wanted while visiting NYC was a good bowl of ramen. There are countless options around the city. We decided on Tonchin on recommendation from a friend and it did not disappoint. The chicken wings were tasty down to the bone. The handmade noodles were smooth with just the right about of bite to them. The broth was deeply flavorful and satisfying. I look forward for the opportunity to return and sample all the other dishes.
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Amazing ramen place! Well worthy of the Michelin Bib
Amazing ramen place! Well worthy of the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Everything was so flavorful (especially the chicken)! My friends and I walked here on a Monday evening around 7:45 without a reservation and was told the wait would be about 40 minutes. We were able to order drinks while we waited but were soon sat, as our drinks were coming out (total wait about 25 minutes). We ordered the spicy chicken wings and gyoza to share, and everyone got their own bowl of ramen. While I got the spicy tan tan ramen, other orders from my table included the smoked dashi and classic tonkatsu. Naturally, I tried some of everyone's broth, and I must say they were all delicious, with a great depth to the flavors. Concentrated, rich, and hearty, but not to salty. The thick, wavy noodles were cooked perfectly and the chashu was tender and well-seasoned. My only complaint with the meal was that while my egg was perfectly medium-boiled and had good flavor, it was too salty. Overall, 10/10 meal. I will be coming back here the next time I'm in the city.
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We got an early Sunday (530pm) reservation and although
We got an early Sunday (530pm) reservation and although there is a time limit (1.5 hours) we never felt rushed and the service was stellar.Most of us ordered the Spicy Tan Tan Ramen which wasn't spicy at all so I am glad we ordered home spicy sauce on the side. Overall it was a solid bowl with the broth and actual noodles being highlights and now one of my favorite ramen spots. The cashew nuts were a nice touch however the portions for the chashu pork were a bit small and served thin (compared to standard chunks) so in the future, I might add an extra serving or add clams to give it some substance. The strawberry shaved ice was a surprisingly refreshing dessert that we all enjoyed despite the somewhat high cost ($~15) given it's ice.
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Exceptional ramen restaurant at great prices, holds a
Exceptional ramen restaurant at great prices, holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand (great value). Recommended!July 2022:Rice Balls: Prime Beef ($6) and Unagi (eel) ($7): 5/5Exceptional for the price. Perfect crunchy seaweed with flavorful fillings.Tonchin Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen ($19): 5/5Excellent pork broth, very well balanced.Spicy Tan Tan Ramen ($20): 4.5/5Almost equally excellent, but you do lose a bit of complexity in the pork broth from the spiciness.
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Dinner was an hour wait so we walked to Herald Square and
Dinner was an hour wait so we walked to Herald Square and shopped to work up an appetite. They texted us when table was ready and we were back at the restaurant in 10 minutes. I lived in Japan and everything tasted very traditional, which I loved. One bite took me back to Tokyo, the flavors had me feeling very nostalgic.Very clean. Service was attentive and food came out quickly.
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This place serves :DD The buns were super flavorful, but it
This place serves :DD The buns were super flavorful, but it only comes with two for 16 dollars. They were light and airy with a nice crisp. The ramen is a good price for the quality and quantity you get. The Spicy Tan Tan Ramen was flavorful without being too salty, very rich flavor! Atmosphere and service was good as well
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Came here with friends for a weekday dinner without
Came here with friends for a weekday dinner without reservations and snagged one of the last remaining tables.We shared the spicy chicken wings appetizer, and frankly it was one of my favorite things I'd eaten that week in New York. It came out freshly fried and dusted with white and pink pepper and salt. All of us ordered the Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, which came with thinly sliced chashu pork, half an egg, scallions, bamboo menma, and seaweed. The broth was not overly greasy nor salty, compared to other iterations of pork-based ramen soups.
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Food 8/10Solid ramen, very savory broth and chewy noodles.
The lunch hour deal is quite good.Atmosphere 8/10Clean and orderly, wooden design.Service 8/10Solid, nothing outstanding but nothing horrible either.
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So far the best Vegetarian ramen I had!Love the flavors!
So far the best Vegetarian ramen I had!Love the flavors! Worth it for the portions. Definitely did not disappoint.
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Great ramen spot! Super popular ramen spot and usually
Great ramen spot! Super popular ramen spot and usually there is always a wait if you don't have a reservation. We got Smoked Dashi Ramen, fried fish buns, and mango milk shaved ice. Everything is so tasty and would recommend all of the dishes mentioned! The shaved ice is surprisingly so good! Definitely worth trying!
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A reason in itself to visit NYC.
Best. Ramen. Ever. My go to is the tonkatsu or smoked dashi, but you really can't go wrong with anything here.
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What a wonderful restaurant
I took my daughter last night. We had booked but due to jet lag asked for an earlier table, which they happily accommodated in a completely packed restaurant, which had a great atmosphere. And then the food and service… Wow. Our server Imari was an absolute superstar - thank you. The Japanese Old Fashioneds were delicious as was the sake. Rhe shishito peppers and the ramen were the best I have ever had. Gyoza were also amazing. I didn’t vibe so much with the shoestring fries - they were cut too small or the wings - overcooked IMO that’s splitting hairs because it was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended. We found it via the Michelin Guide.
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Had to wait a little bit to get seated as it was busy.
But it was 100% worth the wait! So far my fav ramen place in NYC.
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Came here on a weekday with reservation.
I got the classic tonkotsu ramen and my boyfriend got the same one. I ordered mine in the mini version though because we also got the buns to eat for appetizer. When i came here the first time the mini version was on the menu but when I came back the second time i asked them if they still had it in mini version and they did. Noodles were good and the ramen broth definitely hits the spot. Beautifully cooked egg in the ramen. Place gets pretty packed so I would recommend making reservations. For dessert we got the mango kakigori and it was soo good. Fluffy ice with lots of mango. It was pretty big as well. Such a good way to end the meal!
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After having so many ramen spots in NYC I think I've found
After having so many ramen spots in NYC I think I've found my favorite one. Def see why there's the michelin recommendation and pro tip: save room for the kakigori (shaved ice) and gyoza.RAMENYou might be surprised that the chashu is thinly sliced pieces of meat so while you may not get the traditional texture and shape, you will still get a nice salty and umami flavor from the pork. The noodles are nice and chewy, and the broth is packed with flavor without being too salty. KAKIGORIVery fluffy, soft and cloud-like texture. When we went the flavor was strawberry and it was nicely tart and sweet without being overly so. The problem with a lot of shaved ice dishes is that it can have that icy flavor, or it can be too sweet and doused with syrup, and be soggy. This was neither, hitting that goldilocks situation of well-flavored but not soggy, and just fine enough to maintain structure but not dissolve in the flavoringThis place is my top ramen recommendations when people visit NY and I see myself coming back to this place time and time again. Also, yay for reservations!
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Tonchin is pretty incredible! I always take friends here
Tonchin is pretty incredible! I always take friends here whenever they're in the mood for ramen. The branding for this place is spot on (the wallpaper in the bathroom is so cute)! The food is amazing and the drinks . Sometimes it's hard to get a table, but it is well worth a trip!
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I so wanted to go here and every time I tried making a
I so wanted to go here and every time I tried making a reservation I would never end up getting a table. But finally I made it and it was so worth the wait. Everything on their menu is soooo good and the ramen was very filling. I took the vegan ramen bowl and was just perfect.
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We came here on a Saturday afternoon and only waited about
We came here on a Saturday afternoon and only waited about 15 minutes. Everything was so delicious, highlight of the meal was the TOKYO BANANA pudding for dessert! It's probably the best banana pudding I've ever had. Onto the ramen! The Tsukemen was absolutely delicious, the broth was rich and flavorful and the toppings were delicious. My favorite appetizer was the fried fish bun and the rolls. Everything was good but the ramen did take a little long to come out. Overall I highly recommend!