There’s nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of ramen. Chewy noodles, a flavorful broth that coats your palate, tender meat, veggies, an egg—what’s not to like?
Over the years, New Jersey’s ramen scene has grown massively. What was once a state with close to zero ramen options is now a noodle powerhouse, packed with both authentic and inventive bowls. So skip the orange bag of Maruchan and grab something a bit more hearty. Here’s where to score an excellent bowl of ramen in the Garden State.
Where to Find the Best Ramen in New Jersey
Tsujita NJ Artisan Noodles – Fort Lee
Tsujita first opened in Tokyo in 2003 and has since expanded to the States. They specialize in tsukemen—rich broth, meat, and veggies served alongside a separate bowl of noodles. Simply grab a bite of noodles with your chopsticks, dip, and slurp.
Menya Sandaime – Fort Lee and Jersey City
Menya focuses on two main components: a 12-hour pork broth and bouncy, house-made noodles. Most bowls revolve around the two—some featuring grilled pork belly, spinach, and marinated egg, while others, like the tsukemen, infuse seafood into the mix. For something different, try the Ankake Yaki Ramen, which includes pan-fried noodles, stir-fried vegetables, shrimp, and calamari.
Rai Rai Ramen – New Brunswick, Mt. Laurel, East Brunswick
Slow-cooked broths and chewy noodles are the name of the game at Rai Rai, which has multiple locations across South and Central New Jersey. There are plenty of bowls to choose from. My pick? The rich oxtail ramen, or the spicy Tan Tan with ground pork and tofu in a shoyu broth.
Ramen Matsu – Closter
Tender meat, glistening broths, and chewy noodles define Closter’s Matsu Ramen. There are plenty of bowls to choose from, but the simple shio option is the way to go. The salt-forward, clear broth lets the kitchen’s technique really shine. What you get is a bowl so delicious, it’s almost hard to believe how simple it is. On select Saturdays, they offer mackerel ramen—a truly authentic treat.
Umai Ramen – Cherry Hill
This anime-themed South Jersey ramen spot is a local favorite for their slow-cooked tonkotsu broth, which is so rich and collagen-forward that it almost looks like cream. For something a bit different, spring for the ribeye option, which comes with seared steak, scallion, leek, menma, and egg over a rich chicken broth. Like thick noodles? Umai Ramen has plenty of udon options too.
Sum Ramen – Westfield and Millburn
With two locations, Sum Ramen offers plenty of variety. Choose from comforting bowls like black garlic, tonkotsu, and spicy tan tan with ground pork. You can also customize any ramen with a wide range of add-ons. Before you get to slurping, consider springing for a fluffy bao bun or crispy, pan-fried gyoza—you know you want to.
Oishii Ramen – Glassboro
Classic ramen options are abundant at Oishii in Glassboro. Pick from favorites like chicken shoyu, tonkotsu, miso, and the house-favorite Mayu ramen—a Heritage pork soup, flavored with a burnt leek and garlic oil. All of this and more inside of a comfortable, cozy atmosphere.
Ramen Azuma – Hackensack and Englewood
Ramen Azuma specializes in authentic ramen, done the right way. Creamy tonkotsu with black garlic, chicken shoyu, and rich miso are just a few of the many options. For something a little different, try the Yuzu Shio—clear, yuzu-and-salt-flavored chicken broth topped with crispy chicken karaage and sliced scallion. It’s comforting, perfect for a cold day.
Santouka – Edgewater
This no-frills Japanese ramen chain is tucked inside Mitsuwa, the famous Japanese grocer in Edgewater. Santouka keeps it authentic: bouncy noodles, rich, mouth-coating broths, tender meat, and more. For something truly special, try the spicy miso bowl—packed with a three-pepper blend, savory miso broth, chashu, and wood ear mushrooms.
Momoya Ramen – Bloomfield
That’s right. Bloomfield has ramen that competes with the best. Momoya offers a wide variety of bowls to choose from. The classic shoyu features slow-cooked chicken broth flavored with soy tare and tender chicken, while the house-special Momoya Ramen comes with a creamy tonkotsu broth, pork chashu, fish cake, marinated egg, corn, and more.
Ramen Nagomi – New Brunswick and Freehold
Nagomi focuses on meticulously crafted bowls of ramen, with doses of innovation when appropriate. What this looks like is miso crab ramen, veggie curry, and the house-favorite truffle butter ramen, which comes with slow-cooked pork broth, tender pork belly, and a dollop of truffle compound butter. Only available in winter.
Ani Ramen – Montclair, Summit, Maplewood, and More
Ani can be credited with popularizing ramen in North Jersey—and eventually, the entire state. The local chain first opened in the mid-2010s and has since exploded into an NJ institution. In North Jersey, in particular, you’re never too far from an Ani Ramen. Classics like the spicy miso showcase Ani’s strength: accessible, reliable, and tasty.
Kokoro House of Ramen – Glen Rock
Creamy chicken ramen, shrimp and scallop bowls, tonkotsu, and vegan options are just a few of the choices at Glen Rock’s Kokoro. This cozy ramen shop serves not only some of the best ramen in Bergen County, but also some of the most authentic.
Blackbeard Ramen – Cliffside Park
You’ll find plenty of familiar favorites at this Cliffside Park ramen spot, but why not try something different? Blackbeard Ramen serves a variety of Thai-Japanese bowls, including red and green curry, and tom yum—a spicy, sour Thai-style broth loaded with shrimp and lime. Blackbeard satisfies classic cravings while sparking new ones.
Tenmomi – Coming Soon to Rutherford
What happens when authentic Japanese technique meets Filipino flair? You get Tenmomi, one of New Jersey’s most unique ramen spots. Currently operating as a ghost kitchen in Westwood, Tenmomi will open its first standalone location in Rutherford this March. Pro tip: get the tonkotsu—and ask for extra drama oil.
Tojo Restaurant – Ho-Ho-Kus
This cozy eatery serves a variety of authentic Japanese fare, from bao buns and karaage to takoyaki and handmade gyoza. But let’s be honest—we’re here for the ramen. Brothless mazeman, chicken and clam, shoyu whisky, and tan tan are just a few of the must-try options at Tojo. It’s quickly becoming one of the hottest ramen spots in the area.
pastaRAMEN – Montclair
pastaRAMEN stands out for a few reasons, the biggest being their specialty: Wafu-Italian bowls—ramen with an Italian twist. Think spicy pork broth with guanciale, tomato, and garlic bread, or sauceless bowls with goat cheese, leeks, and potato fritti. While not as casual as some of the other spots on this list, pastaRAMEN still serves up some of New Jersey’s best—and most inventive—ramen.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
