PROVIDENCE — Here we are, on the other side of the holidays, and in the doldrums of a dark, New England winter. As much as I want to continue snacking on peanut butter cookies and Snickers bars, I know I need something hot – kind of like soup, but with noodles. It needed to be as filling as a meal so my hand didn’t reach for the cookie jar, and also be satisfying in flavor. Yes, I need a piping hot bowl of ramen. And no, meat is not a requirement. Here are four bowls I’ve had recently that I recommend.
FOR THE MEAT LOVERS
When the temperature drops, there are plenty of places to go for a traditional ramen bowl, but I wanted heat, and to possibly split a taco or two. So, Casa Azul Taqueria in the Washington Park neighborhood of Providence for birria ramen was the place to go. They prepare their ramen with slow-cooked beef Birria stew, and then top it with the shredded meat and sliced red onion and cilantro. I add extra jalapeño slices and squeeze a side of lime all over it. 840 Allens Ave Apt 2, Providence, R.I.
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FOR THE VEGANS
Tori Tomo in downtown Providence is a staple for all of your vegan ramen needs. Sure, they have meat options (like a delicious pork miso ramen, or a shio bowl with chicken sea salt broth), but they offer a lengthy list of vegetarian and plant-based options. My favorites are the tomato ramen, which includes mushroom tempura, caramelized onion tofu, corn and broccoli. And then the kimchi ramen is a must when you need to kick that stuffy nose.
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Bonus: They have gluten-free noodles available, too. Each ramen comes with half a soft-boiled egg (if you want it), spinach, beansprouts, scallions and sesame seeds. 69 Washington St, Providence, R.I.
FOR A DINNER BEFORE THE SHOW
Before heading to a show at one of Providence’s local theaters, sit at the counter at Providence Noodle Bar and order a yuzu Shochu sour or highball using Japanese whiskey. Then move onto the main course: karaage (lightly battered fried chicken with sides of seared romaine, chimichurri, ponzu dipping sauce, and spicy shichimi aioli), ika ponzu salad (blanched calamari, edamame, marinated cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, cilantro, ponzu sauce, and yuzu kosho), and then follow it all with the ramen. Their standard ramen features confit chicken and chicken karaage, but don’t sleep on their seasonal special, which is always posted on their Instagram. 187 Mathewson St, Providence, R.I.
WHEN YOU ALSO REQUIRE AN APPETIZER AND DESSERT
A dark and intimate ramen shop on the West Side of Providence, Pickerel is run by chef Scott LaChapelle, who specializes in ramen and soups and was trained under ramen masters. I recently enjoyed the green curry ramen, which was a special, but something they serve often. If you want to play it a bit more safe, order the Shio ramen, which may taste more familiar while still being delicious. Before you order the ramen, grab their caesar salad, which is a heaping pile of cabbage covered in yuzu dressing, parmesan, lemon, and ichimi, a dried chili-pepper seasoning. Then grab any dessert – especially if it’s served as a sundae or with ice cream. Flavors change often, and usually with the seasons. 3 Luongo Square, Providence, R.I.
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Alexa Gagosz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.