Underrated Hokkaido-style ramen spot w/ legit Abura Soba & incredible karaage. A true neighborhood gem for serious noodle lovers.
Menkoi Sao, a Japanese ramen shop in Manhattan, offered authentic Hokkaido-style ramen and other dishes. It was known for its rich broths, particularly the spicy shoyu and tan tan men, as well as its unique Abura Soba and delicious karaage. Despite its low-profile and casual atmosphere, it garnered a loyal following for its quality and flavor, often compared favorably to other ramen establishments.
This Japanese ramen restaurant specialized in Hokkaido-style ramen, with particular acclaim for its spicy shoyu ramen, tan tan men, and cold ramen during summer. They also offered Abura Soba, a brothless ramen uncommon in NYC, and highly-rated karaage (Japanese fried chicken). While most feedback was positive, there were a few reports of food poisoning linked to the curry ramen with ground pork and fried chicken.
"Customers frequently recommended the spicy shoyu ramen, tan tan men, cold ramen (especially in summer), Abura Soba, and the Hokkaido-style fried chicken (karaage). The spicy vegetarian miso ramen was also highlighted."
Customers largely praised the restaurant for its high-quality ramen, with many considering it a top-tier spot in NYC. However, a few negative experiences involving food poisoning were reported, though the overall sentiment remained positive.
Important Note
There were some reports of food poisoning linked to specific dishes, though the overall sentiment was positive. The restaurant has since closed.
"Menkoi Sao is listed by the commenter."
Neutral"The commenter frequently visited Menkoi Sao for its vegetarian miso ramen after it reopened during the colder season."
Positive"The spicy vegetarian miso ramen at Menkoi Sao is recommended."
Positive"This commenter recommended Menkoi Sato, indicating it's a place worth trying."
Positive"This commenter recommended trying Toribro on 52nd street if the user enjoys Menkoi Sato."
Neutral"This commenter confirmed Menkoi Sato's plans to reopen in a few months and agreed that their karaage is incredible, recommending it as one of their top choices for ramen shops that also serve great karaage."
Positive"The author mentioned Menkoi Sato is temporarily closed but hopes to reopen soon. They previously enjoyed their ramen and fried rice, but were particularly impressed by the karaage (Hokkaido-style fried chicken), calling it possibly the best they've ever had."
Positive"This user expressed heartbreak over Menkoi Sato's closure, recalling frequent visits before having their first baby."
Negative"This user noted that the original post was updated to indicate the closure might be temporary."
Neutral"The user is looking for places similar to Menkoi Sato that import ingredients from Japan, as Menkoi Sato has recently closed."
Neutral"This user responded to the argument about costs by stating that rent was the reason Grays Papaya closed and provided a link to another closure attributed to rent."
Neutral"This user expressed extreme dismay and disbelief at the news of Menkoi Sato closing."
Negative"This user estimated Menkoi Sato's rent in Greenwich Village to be between $11,000 and $35,000 per month based on market rates."
Neutral"This user estimated labor costs for a restaurant operating 12 hours daily with 8 employees to exceed $80k/month, suggesting it could be higher than rent."
Neutral"This user estimated that a ramen shop with 3-5 employees would likely have rent as the biggest cost, depending on the shop's size and rent price."
Neutral"This user questioned the cost of labor and food for Grays Papaya in response to the argument about rent."
Neutral"This user questioned the claim that rent is 'by far' the largest expense, emphasizing labor and food costs."
Neutral"This user expressed interest in attending similar promotional events and concern about the owner's departure due to rent, despite their passion for ramen."
Negative"This user recommended Tamashii Blue as a cozy and dark spot for a solo ramen meal."
Positive"This user provided a link to the Japan Society event and shared that the Vice Governor of Hokkaido was a humorous presenter."
Positive
