Arashi Ramen

Noodle Soup Review #17

It’s frightening to think about, and I cannot shake the worry that I am not doing a good job as a Mom, but my kids eat a lot of ramen. Not “real” ramen, but the stuff that comes out of a package or that comes with it’s own styrofoam cup/bowl. Then there is the worry that the MSG might make them overly hyper, or even worse, unhealthy in unmentionable ways. I try to offer other morning fare but so far, frozen breakfast burritos and hot-pockets have been incorporated in our early morning frenzy.

I myself have eaten a lot of ramen. And I unscientifically attribute my gluten intolerance to having eaten so much bad stuff that my system just said “stop.” In spite of the fact that eating wheat noodles makes me feel kinda sick, I have been taste testing ramen shops along with the search for great and good Pho.

During an art pilgrimage to see the Jeff Koons exhibit this fall at the Whitney Museum, we added ramen to our noodle soup search. It was nearing mid-night and we wandered into Momofuku, bypassing the legendary line around the block. Upon first slurp, I became intrigued (well, maybe obsessed) with ramen – not the packaged stuff but the stuff that has moved from Japanese fast food to New York gourmet.

The first thing I did was watch Tampopo, the second thing I did was read Ivan Ramen, and the third thing I did was start eating at ramen restaurants. Then, I started eating more Asian noodle soups of all kinds, especially the Seui (water) Mein of my childhood.

Ramen places in Seattle are far and fewer between than Pho shops. Arashi Ramen had been getting some press and notoriety and it is relatively near my house. Rene and I were eager to try it and weaved it into holiday shopping. Arashi sits in the corner of a strip mall across the street from Southcenter Mall and what it lacks in atmosphere, it makes up in a simple menu made up of Tonkostu-based broths (a milky rich pork soup) and good service.

Our Shio ($8.95) bowls were rich and the meal slipped easily into our bellies, filling us with pork, marinated egg, noodles, red ginger, green onions, bean sprouts, and a hearty broth.

Address: 17046 South-center Pkwy, Tukwilla, Washington
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 AM-3 PM and 5-10 PM