Ramen Ishida ramen photo by The Chashu kidd

This wasn’t just another ramen visit — Ramen Ishida was my redemption bowl. After a forgettable first ramen experience back in 2013 near St. Marks, I spent seven years thinking ramen just wasn’t for me. Then, in 2020, I stepped into this tiny LES shop on a quiet Manhattan side street — and everything changed. Their truffle-infused shoyu broth is rich, earthy, and perfectly balanced. The noodles had that ideal chew, and the chashu melted on contact. It honestly stopped me mid-sentence. I went back three days in a row. Since then, I’ve had ramen in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — and Ishida still holds a top spot on my list. Don’t sleep on this place. It’s easy to miss, but impossible to forget.