Frequently asked questions

Staff Picks vs Featured, submissions, judging criteria, late‑night (after 10pm), vegetarian/vegan, cheap bowls, and borough tips.

General

What does the Staff Pick badge mean?+−
The Staff Pick badge is awarded to ramen shops personally selected by our editorial team for exceptional quality, consistency, and a unique experience.
What does the Featured badge mean?+−
Featured highlights partner placements with premium visibility; featured shops still meet our community quality standards.
How can I add an event or restaurant?+−
Submit details via our Contact Us page — include the shop or event name, neighborhood, links, and any photos. We’ll review and follow up.
What is the best ramen in NYC?+−
It depends on the style and origin. We judge bowls by how faithfully they represent their tradition (e.g., Hakata‑style tonkotsu should be rich, creamy, and pork‑forward) and by overall execution.

How do you define late-night?+−
We mark a shop as late‑night if it posts a closing time after 10pm on at least one day of the week.
Do kitchens close earlier than posted hours?+−
Often, kitchens stop food orders 15–30 minutes before close. If it’s late, call ahead.
Where can I see late-night ramen spots?+−
Visit Late‑Night Ramen NYC — staff picks first, then ratings.

What counts as veg‑friendly here?+−
We tag a shop as veg‑friendly if it offers either vegetarian or vegan options with true veggie broths. Vegan‑only bowls are marked “Vegan” on the list.
Are the broths truly vegetarian?+−
If a shop labels a bowl as vegetarian/vegan, we expect a meat‑free base. Some kitchens use shared equipment—ask your server if cross‑contact matters.
Do you list gluten‑free options?+−
Yes—look for the “GF” badge. Standard ramen noodles are wheat‑based; GF options use alternative noodles when available.
Where can I find veg‑friendly ramen?+−
See Vegetarian Ramen NYC.

How do you define cheap?+−
We mark a shop as cheap if its price level is “$” or it’s flagged as budget‑friendly (value bowls, frequent deals, or lunch specials).
Any tips to keep costs down?+−
Look for lunch combos, skip extra chashu, share sides, and add kaedama only if you’re still hungry.
Where can I see budget picks?+−
Visit Cheap Ramen NYC.

Any good ramen near Midtown and Times Square?+−
Yes—use filters on our Manhattan page. Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, and the East Village are popular pockets.
Late‑night ramen in Manhattan?+−
See Late‑Night Ramen NYC and filter to Manhattan.

Which Brooklyn neighborhoods have the most ramen?+−
Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn, and Park Slope have strong coverage—use filters on our Brooklyn page.
Late‑night ramen in Brooklyn?+−
Check Late‑Night Ramen NYC and filter to Brooklyn.

Where should I look first in Queens?+−
Astoria and Flushing are top ramen hubs—start there and use style/rating filters.
Late‑night ramen in Queens?+−
Some spots run late—see Late‑Night Ramen NYC and filter to Queens.

Explore the Queens guide.

Does the Bronx have ramen?+−
Fewer shops, but there are gems—watch our Bronx list for new openings. Know a spot? Tell us!

Explore the Bronx guide.

How’s the ramen scene in Staten Island?+−
Smaller but growing. Fans here are loyal—regulars often get seasonal perks or occasional off‑menu treats.