March is National Noodle Month, but in Chicago, most residents consume them year-round. And why not? Windy City has some of the most innovative ramen shops, whether you’re looking for an authentic experience with unique ingredients or a contemporary alternative with attitude.
If you crave noodles during lunchtime and work downtown, you’ll want to pop into Ajida, an unassuming little shop that’s also family-owned. Diners can choose from seven varieties of ramen, three types of noodles (thin, thick, or udon), and five proteins (beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, snow crab). One of the best bets is the curry-age monkey ramen: dried dry noodles topped with Japanese curry sauce and red ginger. 201 N. Wells St., 312-332-6878
Since opening several years ago, Arami has had three different executive chefs, each of whom has made the menu their own. One thing, however, is certain: they will never, ever remove the signature Arami ramen. It may seem like standard food (homemade noodles, pork belly, braised beef), but it’s also brimming with a secret hot sauce, as well as fresh pieces of naruto (cured fish), grilled enoki (mushrooms), and house-made tsukemono. (Japanese vegetables) And you have to admit that naruto , enoki, and tsukemono are fun words to say when hanging out with your friends. 1829 W. Chicago Ave., 312-243-1535
Not far from Arami is Enso . It’s best known for sushi, but there’s a seafood noodle dish that you probably want to keep a secret after the first sip. Udon tempura features a variety of vegetables, white fish, and shrimp in a deliciously light dashi soy broth. 1613 N. Damen Ave., 773-878-8998
Furious owner Spoon, Shin Thompson, opened this store to pay homage to their Japanese roots and original recipes from her grandfather. Furious Spoon is a late-night eatery that’s a respite for those crawling through the Wicker Park pub scene. Diners choose from four different bowls and then top them with poached eggs, roasted garlic, and marinated mushrooms. 1571 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-687-8445
Tucked beneath the bustling smoked meats of Green Street is High Five Ramen, a tiny den that churns out rare and wonderful hip hop jams while diners feast on some of the spiciest noodles in town. The good news is that you can choose to make your own with “hints of sweet miso” to tame the heat, but that would not be fun. Make the commitment and order “half the spice,” which comes with sliced pork belly, alkaline noodles, a seasoned egg, and locally grown bean sprouts. Regardless of what you order, you are sure to have a great experience as the bones have been cooked for several hours to produce a legitimate tonkotsu-style broth.
112 N. Green St., 312-754-0431
The spectacular ramen offerings from the sorbet turtle are amplified with the addition of toppings like pork chashu (Japanese braised pork), rotisserie chicken or a spicy “volcano paste”. It’s especially great to be able to get Michelin starred delchef noodles. Takashi Yagihashi every night of the week. 116 W. Hubbard St., 312-464-0466
