Ichiba Ramen

Don’t let the name fool you: ramen isn’t the only offering to be had at this Union Square eatery though it is a house specialty. Japanese standards, from donburi (rice bowls) to yakitori (meat skewers) are all present. But there are also Korean and American influences, and even the most familiar Japanese items may be prepared in unfamiliar ways: the edamame is hot buttered; there’s corn grilled with umami and sriracha; bulgogi beef fills steamed buns. Perhaps the most famed are the ramen tacos, which take the foodie trend a step further. Taco shells are made of deep fried nori lined with crunchy ramen, then stuffed with kimchee slaw, pork belly, ahi and more. Note that Tuesdays are the only day tacos are on the menu.