Satisfy your noodle craving

Big Bowl ($12.25)

It’s National Noodle Day! For many islanders, their noodle of choice is ramen, and for top quality, you can’t beat Ramen-Ya. In fact, the name literally means “ramen shop,” and over the past 10 years the restaurant has established itself as a go-to spot for local noodle-lovers.

A key to Ramen-Ya’s success is its broth, made by cooking ingredients such as pork bone, chicken and vegetables for 10 hours.

Tan Tan Ramen ($11.25)

A great way to sample what’s made Ramen-Ya a go-to spot for noodle lovers is to order one of the Combo Sets. Combo Set A ($12.25), for example, comes with mini ramen, four pieces of gyoza, and choice of mini fried rice, chicken katsu, Spam katsu, mochiko chicken, beef curry or gyoza curry.

“It’s the best value we have,” says company president Dorothy Lee. “You get three items in one package.”

Combo Set A ($12.25)

If you want a little kick, try the Tan Tan Ramen ($11.25). “It has a touch of spiciness, but not too much,” Lee says. “It’s very addictive.” Homemade char siu, egg and vegetables combine with the noodles and broth for a highly satisfying bowl.

For those with serious appetites, there is the aptly named Big Bowl ($12.25). Chicken katsu, char siu and an assortment of vegetables come together in a miso-based broth. “It’s a huge bowl that can be very challenging to finish!” Lee says.

MORE THAN RAMEN

OK, maybe you aren’t in the mood for noodles. Ramen-Ya offers other dishes, such as Mochiko Chicken ($10.75). “It’s a local favorite,” president Dorothy Lee says. “We season the chicken overnight in a light coating before cooking it. The chicken is boneless and very juicy.” The Mochiko Chicken plate is served with rice and macaroni salad. It’s also available as a side dish to accompany Ramen-Ya’s other offerings.