Ramen is a popular Japanese noodle dish that can be made in many different ways, providing an array of possibilities. It is served in a broth, with typical toppings including sliced pork, dried seaweed, bamboo shoots, and scallions. Almost every region in Japan has its variation of ramen, such as the pork bone broth (tonkotsu) ramen of Kyushu and the miso ramen of Hokkaido. Many consider it a staple of Japanese cuisine due to its diverse options and versatility.
However, finding good ramen without driving too far or learning how to recreate it at home can be difficult. So, when my family noticed that an empty lot in the area would soon be turned into a ramen shop, we were delighted. Akira Ramen & Izakaya is a restaurant in Waugh Chapel Towne Centre, claiming to “specialize in taking the authentic ramen experience to the next level.” Some of the dishes they serve, as featured on their online gallery, are Karaage Ramen, Akira Ramen, Tonkotsu Miso, Geso Kara (fried squid), Hamachi Kamayaki (grilled yellowtail fish), Gyoza, Takoyaki (grilled octopus), Karaage (fried chicken), Vegetable Spring Rolls, Seaweed Fries, and Seaweed Salad.
One positive thing I have already learned about Akira Ramen is that their food is accessible to those with allergy issues or other problems with eating. For example, I am allergic to shellfish and a few other foods and often worry about ordering food from places that produce it. This is heightened by the bad experiences I have had in the past with other restaurants. However, Akira Ramen makes it easy to modify your dish, allowing anyone to add or remove ingredients with ease. They also have plenty of vegetarian options for those who seek out a different diet.
Today, I will be reviewing a few different types of ramen and two of their appetizers. My family ordered Beef Skirt and Chicken Yakitori (skewers), Beef Ramen, Vegetable Ramen, and Plain Ramen. For drinks, I ordered Ramune, a type of Japanese soda.
Beef and Chicken Appetizers
The beef and chicken yakitori were a nice start to the meal. They were both seasoned well and had a crispy grilled outside. They came in a sweet and savory sauce that enhanced the dish well. My only criticism is that it was a relatively small portion. If you prefer a more filling appetizer, I recommend you order either multiple servings or other sides to go with it.
Beef Ramen (without egg and fish cake)
I ordered my Beef Ramen with a few ingredients removed to suit my tastes. It was served with tonkotsu broth, sliced beef, curly noodles, seaweed, corn, scallions, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms. The beef came in a bowl on the side, presumably to prevent overcooking in the hot broth. All in all, I would say that it was top-tier. The hot pork broth was filling and went well with the corn and scallions. The beef was plentiful, cooked to perfection, and had a slightly sweet flavor that contrasted the savory flavors the rest of the dish presented. Lastly, the chewy curly noodles tied the whole dish together, resulting in an overall satisfying experience.
Vegetable Ramen (with Tonkotsu broth)
My mother ordered her Vegetable Ramen with pork broth. However, without any edits, the dish is vegetarian. Most popular types of ramen usually consist of meat or seafood, so this variation offers a refreshing take on traditional ramen. It contained thin noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, corn, bok choy, green onions, seaweed, and wood ear mushrooms. The pickled vegetables and bitter bok choy contrast with the more basic tofu, making the dish slightly spicy. In addition, the sweet corn and fresh green onions round out the bowl in a harmony of different flavors. Vegetable ramen is a good alternative for vegetarians or anyone seeking a healthier option while still wanting a similar experience.
Other Notes
My younger brother, aged five, ate plain ramen with chicken broth. This ramen is one of the simplest dishes on Akira’s menu, consisting of only broth and noodles. It is a good meal for children with more complex opinions about their food.
Akira Ramen also sells desserts, including crepe cakes and cheesecakes. Sadly, my party did not order any, but if the dessert is of the same quality as the ramen, then it should be on par.
One criticism I have considered is that other locations offer a larger array of options, mainly sushi. However, I understand that the Waugh Chapel branch is smaller than others, which could limit their options on what they can produce.
Conclusions
Akira Ramen offers a variety of options for different types of people and tastes. Their food is of excellent quality, and it lives up to their reputation. Akira sells accessible meals that cater to a majority of their audience. They are also one of the first ramen restaurants in Crofton, followed by Tai Chi Bubble Tea. I highly recommend Akira Ramen to anyone who wants to try authentic Japanese ramen in the area.
