My first visit to Ramen Lab was during the pop up takeover by Ichicoro Ramen, a Florida fushion ramen concept that resulted in me being a very satisfied customer.

I wasn’t sure what lay in store for me this particular evening, as far as dinner was concerned. I was in the midst of a delightful early evening walk, enjoying the warm NYC weather. I started from my neighborhood of Chelsea, passing through the West Village, Washington Square park for some people watching, Soho and eventually found myself in the Little Italy area.

When I realized I was a mere two blocks from the buzz-worthy (hopefully you consider a recommendation by Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop website to be buzz) Ramen Lab. I saw a few folks standing outside, waiting their turn to slurp in some ramen magic and I gladly joined them.

The place is uber tiny. Only 9 spots at the counter in which to stand (no seats).

Like being invited to a friend’s house (that friend just moved in, so she has no furniture yet) because she made too much food and needs people to come over and help her eat but she’s also super busy and not in the mood for company, so you can’t stay long.

Sorry.

Now, I can’t talk about the usual ramen served here. I’m only speaking about the Ichicoro popup ramen. But watching the guys make each bowl of ramen, lovingly, was like watching art being made.

I didn’t want my food to be ready too quickly, so I could continue to watch them do their thing. They would place a tiny portion of housemade bacon on the cute little grill. Next to the bacon, some unusual gnarled green peppers were charring peacefully.

There were only three ramen options this evening, Seafood (I can’t), Vegetable (why?) and Spicy (duh).

The Spicy Abura Soba ended up being a brothless dish, which disappointed me at first.

After realizing it was a warm night and I probably was better off not sweating all of my internal liquids out, I took a liking to the idea rather quickly.

Finally, I was handed my bowl and instructed to break open the soft boiled egg and mix up the yoke with the noodles. Wow. Just wow. The yolk added an obvious creamy consistency which I fell in love with. I began to imagine what other foodstuffs a little yolk might add a little magic too.

The spice level was perfect. My eyes weren’t molesting every inch of the room searching desperately for the Sriracha.

I will definitely be back to try the regular ramen menu. I just hope the same whimsy and theatrics will be employed in creating the usual dishes and this won’t have been just a one night stand.

70 Kenmare St
New York, NY 10012
b/t Mulberry St & Mott St
Little Italy, Nolita
(646) 613-7522
ramen-lab.com

Vegetable – $12

Spicy Abura Soba – $13