Back at it! I apologize for the lack of pictures, I forgot my camera at the time so I had to use my phone. I’ll probably go back at some point, but for now these will have to do. Sue me.
This place opened back in the beginning of May, and if you haven’t been yet, you should go. They’re open from 12-4 & 5-11 on most days, unlike some ramen places that are only open from 5pm onwards – weird.
They have these in NYC, but I’m glad us Bostonians no longer have to venture all the way out there for a bowl of the stuff. A long-time fan ended up persuading the NYC team to let him quit his law-job to open up a location in Allston.
The main difference between Totto and some of the other places around town is that their ramen uses a chicken base (most places use pork). I personally don’t have a preference but some say that they prefer the taste of chicken to pork.
The moment you get within ten feet, you can tell if you’re going to have to think about eating something else while you wait – there’s usually a wait. If it’s just you, you’re pretty much a shoe-in for the counter, anymore than two to your party and prepare for a late dinner.
You’ll be greeted once you enter the semi-small room. It’s all encompassing, meaning the kitchen is right there so you can see them prepare your bowl of deliciousness.
Once you’re seated, you’ll be handed a pretty concise menu, filled with different appetizers and standard ramen choices. I went with Spicy Ramen: "Original Rayu, Spicy Sesame Oil, adds a spicy kick and refreshing aftertaste to our original Paitan ramen.Topped with scallion, bean sprouts, and nori."
It came out looking larger than I had expected, and I was more than grateful. The pork was cooked to perfection, it was fatty but not overly so and it melted instantaneously (I wish I ordered more). The usual vegetables were present as well; beansprouts, corn, boiled egg…..
I can honestly say that this was the first bowl that I’ve finished (while dining out). It might have been because it tasted great, that I was really hungry, or both…either way I wolfed it down in record time and considered getting an order to-go.
Because we decided to go when they initially first opened, they were very quick to get us out of there, which isn’t something that my cousin and I are used to. When we go out for dinner we like to chat, catch up, and really enjoy our meal – European style if you will. But other than that I would say this is a must stop on the tour.
Wanna know where I’m headed next? Keep an eye out on twitter and instagram.