I am not a big fan of chicken-based ramen broth, but I must admit that Totto ramen (specializing in only chicken-based broth) overall quality was better than Ippudo (specializing in pork-based broth). I used to love Ippudo in NY and I still do love their small plates as pork buns or fried green peppers, but the quality of the soup itself seems to have deteriorated.
Maybe I was not lucky when I went there last week, but the pork belly slices at Ippudo were overcooked, dry and falling apart. While the ramen noodles at Totto, a two location joint in Midtown West, were pleasantly al dente, the chicken broth was nice and full of flavours and the pork belly – perfectly cooked and slightly fire torched before serving.
I am still hoping that I am wrong in regards to Ippudo, but at the moment the clear winner is Totto. My only advise – go there early as the queuing time at the original place on the 52nd street can take up to two hours. They say, that the waiting time at the new Totto ramen shop just one street away is much better.
Totto ramen
366 W 52nd St,(Bet. 8th & 9th Ave) New York, NY 10019
464 West 51st Street (Off 10th Ave) New York, NY 10019
Ippudo
65 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003
321 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
