Sure, New York City is home to a number of decent ramen places.  Ra Ra Ken and Ippudo always come to mind, but living on the other side of the GW Bridge, driving to the city and circling the neighborhood to find a half-decent parking spot just for ramen is too much of a headache.  If I’m already out in the city for other matters, then yes, a ramen stop will most likely make it on the itenary.

I live close to Fort Lee and Edgewater in New Jersey, and ramen can be found in either city.  However, I am partial to the small ramen stand inside of the Japanese supermarket Mitsuwa, which is located in Edgewater, NJ.

At Santoka, long lines are the norm, but the wait is worth it.  Although the ramen isn’t made in-house like those at Ippudo, it’s secondary to the broth.  I can’t resist drinking the broth after the meat and noodles are gone.  It’s good-to-the-last-drop-lip-smacking goodness.

I usually order the ‘B Set.’  It’s made up of a regular bowl of salt ramen topped with fatty pork, a bowl of rice topped with salmon roe, and a hard boiled egg on the side.  For $11.00, it’s not the cheapest meal, but when has Japanese food ever been cheap?  At least the price for ramen is lower in Jersey.

The ‘B Set’

Santoka @ Mitsuwa Marketplace
595 River Road
Edgewater, NJ 07020