5 Ramen Shops That Will Warm You Up ASAP
Fresh noodles, steaming broth, savory flavors– ramen is the ultimate cold weather craving!
All photos by Grace Pritchett
When the weather gets cold, the first thing I turn to is a big bowl of ramen. It’s a cold-weather accessory that I would recommend to anyone who needs a little bit of warmth in their life. Keep reading for the best places to go when you’re in the mood for the noods.
Shio Ramen Shop | 3605 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
Let’s just address this now: I’m probably going to say “cozy” a lot in this article, but truthfully, Shio Ramen Shop is very cozy. Their cottage-like interior sets the scene for a steaming bowl of ramen. Shio Ramen is all about simple ingredients, but here, simple ingredients don’t mean simple flavors. They take full advantage of locally-sourced and authentic Japanese ingredients to deliver the kind of soul-warming food we’re all searching for. Think buttery noodles, light broths, and flavorful spices.
Komatsu Ramen | 3951 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
I will admit I have never fully understood the interior aesthetic of Komatsu Ramen but I’m not here to yuck anyone’s yum, I’m here to talk about great ramen! Komatsu specializes in a more brothy ramen, which allows the contents of the bowl to soak up that rich sauce. Their straightforward menu mixes and matches toppings with creamy broths, thick noodles, and multiple protein options, giving you more time to slurp. Check out their smoked brisket or fried tofu for something new.
Columbus Park Ramen Shop | 549 Gillis Street, Kansas City, MO
This one is a no-brainer. Columbus Park Ramen was Kansas City’s first dedicated ramen shop and their cult following has only grown over the past few years, and for good reason. The menu is “chef-driven” which just means they like to play with their food. With options like pickled vegetables, chili bombs, tangy proteins, and a 30-hour pork broth that is velvety smooth, you can have a lot of fun with your food too. Their menu changes with the seasons and you can always count on a new ramen special popping up on the weekends. While you’re there, grab a sweet Thai tea or something nice from their extensive craft beer list.
Ramen Bowls | 918 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS
Photo by @everything_waldo
If you’re in the mood for a ramen road trip, check out Ramen Bowls in downtown Lawrence. This shop combines multiple cuisines for their ramen bowls, resulting in flavorful choices left and right. The house-made noodles are tender, the spices are sharp and the broth marries it all together. I added their grilled spicy shiitake mushrooms to my ramen order, which ended up being a killer move because it became one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth. I completely forgot to ask the waiter for the recipe so Ramen Bowls: if you’re reading this, call me!
Noodle Bar | 10940 F, Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS
The sleeper hit of this ramen research can be found in Kansas City, Kansas by the Legends Outlet Malls. Noodle Bar is a self-described Asian restaurant that serves up all kinds of Asian cuisine. You’ll find pad thai, pho, curry, and fried rice on their diverse menu. When we visited, the place was packed and with only two ramen options on the menu, we got down to work. The broths are rich and aromatic, resulting in a hearty ramen bowl with tender noodles and warming proteins. The toppings, like pickled ginger and shiitake mushrooms, are prepared with the full meal in mind and give you a cozy feeling as you settle into your bowl.
