Santouka Harvard Square — Shio Ramen

Review

There were many ramen options on the menu, but I ordered their most popular shio ramen. One thing I really liked was that you can choose the size from S to L. I was also able to use a student discount, which gave me a free upsize for one dollar — a great deal.

They used tip-of-bamboo shoots (hosaki menma), which were very flavorful and delicious. I was a bit disappointed that there was no seasoned egg, but I found it interesting that the bowl was topped with umeboshi, a dried pickled plum. It added a unique touch.

The noodles weren’t thin, but they had a medium thickness that felt just right. The broth wasn’t salty at all, and the temperature was perfect. It had a clean shio flavor with a light tonkotsu taste, and honestly, there was nothing to complain about.

Since this shop is part of a Japanese chain with locations in many places, it felt reassuring to eat here, knowing the quality would be consistent.