Ramen is one of those foods man...I can't seem to get enough.
Doesn’t matter the time of year or the corresponding temperature either, hot, cold, lukewarm, I’m game. Growing up I used to think that all ramen was like the kind in the package. You know what I’m talking about...that infamous orange and yellow packet. Whether you wait for the water to boil before adding the noodles, put everything in and set the stove to high, or a rebel and use the microwave, you know what kind of ramen I’m talking about when I say orange and yellow packaging.
I remember the first time I had ramen that wasn’t what my diet would consist of if I didn’t complete school (or so my parents would tell me – which at the time was fine with me because I loved it, still do). I was out with my cousins, and being the familee that we are, we ordered one of everything and divvied up everything. The moment the bowls came out I started to understand my future.
Bowls the size of my forearm, filled to the brim with stuff I couldn’t wait to taste. Noodles, egg, seaweed, scallions, corn, are those beansprouts?, pork belly…but the way the broth smelled…there are few words I could use to contain my excitement.
Fuck, I think is what I said. There was so much to look at, so much to take in, to smell, to taste!
Fast-forward to today and I’ve had ramen at some of the best places in the cities that I’ve visited. From meat so tender that it dissolves in your mouth from being marinated for days at a time, to perfectly cooked eggs.
Ever since my first bite, I’ve been trying to mimic that reaction. Bliss. Few places come close, but when they do, they’re worth writing about.
I’ve lived in Boston for twenty-two years now, and I still haven’t been to all the spots yet. What prompted me to start this ramen tour was that there aren’t that many spots in town and I figured I could eat a dozen or so bowls of the stuff.
As Yeezus would say, so let’s get on wit it.
First stop on the tour, Sapporo Ramen. Located in the Porter Exchange mall in you guessed it, Porter Square (Cambridge). If you’re not familiar with the mall and the shops within it, most if not all of them are cash only, and most are no-frill great food type places. This is no different.
see her? she's on the right!
They’re usually anywhere from at capacity to waiting in a line with envy. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat when you get there, a woman with a forceful voice will show you where to sit and hand you a couple of menus…which you will glance over quickly to order before she disappears into the back. In what feels like seconds she’ll appear tableside with the kitchen’s offering. Piping hot, and picturesque, you’ll be ready to dive in.
Veterans will add the perfect combination from the toppings on the table; first timers will usually just eat it the way it comes. Both are fine, trust.
I usually order “Clear” or “Miso” the broth is meat based, pork I think. But they have vegetarian options! Two different types of pork, corn bambooshoots, beansprouts I think? scallions and nori (seaweed). This doesn’t come with an egg, but it’s okay you’ve got plenty.
No music, no frills, no fuss, just food. You get in you get your food and you get out. There’s nothing romantic about the layout, it’s a small open face restaurant with an exposed kitchen, and tables and chairs: seating with strangers is standard so don’t come here if you’re not willing to make new friends. Some may think the service is shitty, but it’s just business.
The woman I told you about earlier? She’s the bronze, she takes the orders, delivers the food, prepares takeout orders, and busses the tables while tending to your needs.
If you want a great bowl of ramen, from a place that means business, and you’re in it for the food then I highly recommend going to Sapporo. You won’t be sorry.
Stay tuned for the next stop on the Boston Ramen Tour