The best noodle shop in Louisville might be this ramen hot spot in the Highlands
- Rating: 3 out of 4 stars
- Address: 1250 Bardstown Road, Suite 17A
- Cuisine: Ramen
- Price Range: Moderate
There was a point when I wasn’t sure we’d get here, but, blessedly, the season of braised meats, roasted root veggies and — best of all — piping hot bowls of noodle-laden soup has arrived.
Not that this category of culinary expression isn’t desirable year-round, but there is something about an enriching bowl of brothy noodles that brings out the best of the cool weather months. For those on the hunt for such a meal, the newly opened Ramen House in the Highlands neighborhood is a worthy destination.
As the name would suggest, this small restaurant located in Mid City Mall, 1250 Bardstown Road, specializes in traditional Japanese ramen. It has several varieties on offer in addition to a menu of rice bowls and an assortment of buns with flavors of Korea mixed in throughout. This particular restaurant space has seen its share of turnover throughout the years; however, based on the full house, I experienced during both of my review visits, I would venture to say that Ramen House is an ideal match.
Unlike former tenants, Ramen House is a full service restaurant. Bowls and buns are built to order and delivered to one’s table. I had my sights firmly set on ramen during my initial visit but elected to warm my palate up with an order of the spicy garlic edamame ($5.50). This proved to be a wise decision. The pods are coated in a thin layer of chili oil, garlic and pepper flakes that gather in the pockets between the soybeans. The edges were slightly charred, adding further depth of flavor to this typically one-note dish.
Restaurant review:Gasthaus serves up 100% authentic German deliciousness
An order of the rose gyoza ($8.50) piqued my interest as well, and three ample dumpling flowers were soon blooming in front of me. The equivalent of six standard pork dumplings (which are on the menu as well), the wrappers are formed into delicate petals, making for a pretty presentation. In terms of balance, the ratio of wrapping to pork filling was rather skewed, and I think smaller dumplings would make for a more well-rounded bite, particularly given the subtle nature of the minced pork.
I may have come for the ramen, but I would happily stay for the assortment of buns. There isn’t anything subtle to the sweet and spicy notes played out in the bulgogi buns (all buns are $7 for two). This quintessential Korean marinade comes across strong in the beef, chicken and pork offerings. The buns themselves are seared and not as fluffy as I’ve experienced elsewhere, but this kiss from the griddle adds a toastiness that fits right in.
Eel foregoes the bulgogi marinade but is presented in bun form as well ($7 for two), garnished simply with green onions and eel sauce. It is featured in the rice bowl section of the menu as well, where the unagi bowl ($12) showcases just barely broiled eel that melts in your mouth. Pickled radish and a semi-sweet eel sauce accompany the fish and are layered judiciously, lifting up rather than smothering the fragile slices of eel.
The spicy pork chashu bowl ($9) finished a close second to the unagi bowl. The pork is a nice balance of lean meat and decadent fat, expressing itself as tender rather than greasy. The Japanese curry bowl ($8) fell to the bottom of the pack. The combination of thick sauce and vegetables lacking the same appeal as the rest of the bowls sampled.
Review:This mainstay Bardstown Road restaurant cornering the market on fried fish
As I have made apparent thus far, there is much beyond Ramen House’s signature dish worth exploring on its menu. While these items proved to be delicious distractions, it is the ramen that best showcases the nuance and talent at work behind the kitchen doors.
Four types of ramen are on offer, and the complexity of flavor builds as one works their way down the menu. The shoyu ramen ($12.50) is highlighted by a blend of both Japanese and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel soy sauces. The chicken broth is infused with this distinctive salinity and topped with corn, bamboo shoots, a soft-boiled egg and our selection of chicken, which was thinly sliced and simply seared with the nest of noodles bringing it all together.
As well constructed as the shoyu was, I am a sucker for a broth that brings some heat to my palate, and the spicy miso tonkotsu ramen ($13.50), with its umami infused pork broth, black garlic and chili oils, set my tastebuds alight. It boasts a fire that is balanced and enticing with the garnishes contributing wonderful texture and contrast where necessary.
It is this type of impressively executed dish that makes me comfortable with bidding the summer season adieu. Ramen House is my pick for the comfort food demanded by the chilly months ahead.
Reach freelance restaurant critic Lindsey McClave at lindsey@foodie-girl.com.
RAMEN HOUSE
Rating: 3 out of 4 stars
Address: 1250 Bardstown Road, Suite 17A
Telephone: 502-709-4374
Web: facebook.com/RamenHouseLouisville
Cuisine: Ramen
Children’s Menu: Child-friendly options available
Alcohol: Beer and sake
Vegetarian: Four vegetarian-friendly entrees available
Price Range: Moderate
Reservations: Yes
Credit Cards: Yes
Smoking: No
Access: Restaurant is handicap accessible
Parking: In Mid-City Mall parking lot
Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 to midnight Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday