Boru Ramen: Columbia Pike's Hidden Gem
2915 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204
Introduction
In the middle of 2022, I was searching for apartments near my workplace in the DMV area. One day, while having lunch with my family at a Thai restaurant in the Columbia Pike area, I discovered a small ramen shop called Boru Ramen. Being a long-time fan of authentic ramen, I was excited to try this new spot.
Since then, Boru Ramen has become a favorite of mine, and I've visited multiple times. In this post, I'll share my experiences and thoughts on what makes Boru Ramen special.
Impressions & My Favorite Starter
Boru Ramen is a traditional Japanese restaurant perfect for any occasion, whether you're planning a casual date or gathering with friends and family. The dining area features tables with chairs and a comfortable bench adorned with pillows for extra comfort. There’s also a bar, where you can see your food being prepared live by the chefs.
The menu offers a variety of ramen, rice bowls, and classic Japanese appetizers. My go-to starter is always the takoyaki, a delightful snack of fried, ball-shaped morsels filled with octopus and tempura scraps, topped with Japanese mayonnaise, oyster sauce, and green onions. I adore the texture and flavor of this dish, with its delightful blend of gooeyness and crunchiness, perfectly seasoned by the rich Japanese mayonnaise and savory oyster sauce. Definitely my go-to whenever I come to Boru.
Entrees
Boru offers a variety of ramen options, but after numerous visits, my favorite is the spicy tantan-men ramen with a side of chashu. This dish arrives steaming hot, featuring minced pork, a perfectly runny egg, bamboo shoots, and peanuts in a silky pork bone broth. The star of the show is the spicy, rich broth that is consistently warm, enhancing the flavors of the chashu and peanuts. I love a spicy broth, and the hotter it is, the better it complements the other ingredients. The bamboo shoots and peanuts add a satisfying crunch, giving the dish a delightful second dimension, while the soft eggs with slightly runny yolks add to the overall perfection. Among the ramen places I've tried in the DMV and Boston areas, Boru's ramen stands out for its consistent quality, transporting me straight to Japan with every bite.
In addition to their ramen, I've tried a variety of their donburi bowls, and my favorite is the fried chicken katsu rice bowl topped with curry and potatoes. This dish is a delightful combination, with the softness of the potatoes, curry, and rice contrasting perfectly with the crispy breaded chicken strips. It's a simple yet wonderfully delicious meal that satisfies my craving for something savory and sweet at the same time.
Recap & Final Thoughts
Boru Ramen has become my culinary haven since moving to the DMV area. The food is not just consistently good; it's authentically delightful, always leaving me full and immensely satisfied. It’s almost bewildering that such an exceptional ramen spot is tucked away so close to me. Columbia Pike, with its modest array of dining options compared to the bustling Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle in DC, or Clarendon in Arlington, seems an unlikely home for such a standout restaurant. Yet, Boru Ramen outshines its more renowned competitors—Hanabi, Daikaya, Haikan, Jinya, and many more!
Boru Ramen is a hidden gem, a culinary secret that hasn’t quite made the rounds among many of my friends and colleagues. Despite its under-the-radar status, it has become my go-to for a heartwarming bowl of ramen, consistently serving up dishes that feel like a warm embrace. From the first slurp to the last, Boru’s offerings transport me straight to the bustling ramen shops of Japan.
What are your favorite ramen spots? Do you have any hidden gems or must-try recommendations? Share your thoughts below!
Score: 8.1/10
Site: http://boru-ramen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boruramen.arlington/
The best ramen place in the DMV ❤️