Amazing timing on this as I just went went there for the first time today. They are going to have four locations open soon, btw.

Best Ramen in Van? Not sure any of them can be called “best”. Passable. Acceptable. But none deserve the “Best” title.

Benkei has good broth but not noodles or chashyu
Kintaro has the crowd but not the noodles.
Motomachi Shokudo is pretty darn good but not the best in any of the three.
Meinya has good chashyu and good broth (if you like a heavy tonkotsu like I do).

Thankfully, I’ll be in Japan in just over a month’s time for some real good stuff. You know the kind, where the noodles slurp easily, the pork melts in your mouth, and the broth is to die for. Yes, I am a ramen snob.

Hey Will….glass half full….remember?

Hi Jef

Benkei@east 5th will officially open on April 15th.

Minako Yanagida

Thanks Minako….I’ll be there…with bells on….