Santouka Ramen

Abe H

Same high quality ramen as other Santouka locations! Friendly service. Very popular stand, so budget time when you go there.

Bessy Tam

FINALLY MADE IT HERE! Love love love the ramen here - very authentic and reminds me a lot of Japan. Great chew and the shoyu ramen is slightly sweet and has a fantastic umami taste. I actually liked it more than the spicy miso Pork neck had a fantastic smoky flavor. We came here around 3pm on a weekend. While the front chaser says the wait might be 20 minutes, don't be fooled! We got ours in 7mins I ordered the set to come with salmon + salmon roe rice (comparing with previous pics it seems like they decreased the amount of roe a lot due to inflation ) More on Instagram: @midwestmunching

S S

I ordered a regular-sized, miso broth, charsiu ramen. This place has locations all over the world, including Japan - - originating in Hokkaido--, and of course this popular spot in Chicagoland. I probably should have ordered the shio ramen since that's their specialty, which I'd get next time since it's worth another try. This time, however, the ramen didn't meet my expectations. I had heard only good things about Santouka, and since it's located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, it has discerning customers galore, so the high rating should have been well-deserved. They promise "a substantial bowl of ramen piled high with a precious amount of pork roasted to the point of falling apart," and there was definitely A LOT of char siu in the bowl. However, having lived in Japan for over a decade myself, I had never had such undercooked and overly-fatty char siu before. It was generous, but not of the quality that made me want that amount. The noodles are firm, which I usually like, but these were a little too firm and actually seemed underdone. The other ingredients were good, however, and the broth - - which is key of course - - was excellent. I finished the bowl no problem, since the regular size is actually not that big, soup and all and felt satisfied. Next time I'll get the 'oomori' shio ramen without all the extra char siu, and expect that will be a better experience.

Viktor Grror

This place is a great ramen shop. Get number 71 for an all around great experience of ramen. It goes for around $15. Everything is so tasty that you don't need any additional seasoning. During the weekend, there will be a line formed before they open, but orders are put out fast. Edit: #82 is also very good. You get pork instead of natto. I have included a picture of #82. It was around $18.