Do you love Ramen as much as me? Well then you’re going to love Ivan Ramen located in New York City! I didn’t even know there was such a thing as popular ramen places in the Big Apple, until my little sister made us a reservation at one of New York City’s most popular ramen spots.

As the story goes, Ivan Ramen is run by Chef Ivan Orkin. His journey began back when he was just 15 years old with a dishwashing job at a sushi restaurant. From there he went on to major in Japanese language and literature and also spent time teaching English in Japan. Orkin returned to the United States in 1990. He then enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America where he began his culinary training. Much time passed until he opened a ramen shop…. in Japan! (You can read the full story on the Ivan Ramen website, here).

Orkin’s ramen shops became a huge success in Tokyo. After some time he moved back to the States where he opened another ramen place which has since become wildly successful as well.

His delicious menu is available for review online and you can easily make a booking as well.

When my sister and I visited Ivan Ramen on 25 Clinton Street I was amazed by all the anime drawings. The restaurant itself is pretty small – in fact be prepared to rub shoulders with the couple next to you! But, the food is so delicious that it makes the tiny space somewhat bearable.

Alternatively you could just sit bar style and munch away there!

What to order?

We ordered the steamed pork buns, complete with soy plum glaze and pickled daikon.

This was followed by spicy red chilli ramen – rye noodles, dashi, chicken broth, rolled chashu, smashed egg and bok choy. It was absolutely delicious.

Where is Ivan Ramen located?

NYC CLINTON ST: 25 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002646-678-3859

Monday – Sunday | 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Life of Shal Rating:

Have you eaten at Ivan Ramen, NYC? What was your experience like?