Ramen Star - Denver

First off, let's talk about the price. The Ramen Star bowl costs $18, and for that, you get noodles, Chashu, and green onions—nothing more. If you want an egg a... read more First off, let's talk about the price. The Ramen Star bowl costs $18, and for that, you get noodles, Chashu, and green onions—nothing more. If you want an egg and some nori, that's an additional $4, and six slices of bamboo shoots will set you back another $3. The price-to-quality ratio was a major disappointment. As for the food: the broth was thick, resembling a soup ramen rather than the lighter tonkotsu broth I expected, which wasn’t indicated on the menu. It felt heavy and rich, not in a good way. The bamboo shoots were served ice cold, which caught me off guard with my first bite. The egg was unseasoned, semi-firm on the outside (which I like) but very runny on the inside, unlike what their online photos suggested. The nori was nice and crisp, and I have to say, the noodles were the highlight—they were the perfect thickness, neither too thick nor too thin. However, the Chashu was a real letdown. It was cut thick but lacked any color or texture. I’m not sure how they prepare it—perhaps sous vide?—but it wasn’t seared at all, resulting in a mushy, uniform consistency. I ended up leaving the second piece in the bowl, which I almost never do. Because of how everything had a similar texture, it became monotonous. Towards the end, I began to taste something akin to cardboard and decided to stop eating. Not to delve too deeply into the philosophy of food, but it felt like this bowl was crafted without any consideration for variety in texture or flavor, which is disappointing given the restaurant's glowing reviews. Everything else about the place was fine: it was bright and clean, the service was decent, the food arrived promptly, and the menu offered a diverse selection (they even have Mazemen, one of my favorites, but now I’m hesitant to return). I hope my experience was an isolated incident, but I would recommend trying Jinya Ramen, Oishii Ramen, or Katsu Ramen in Aurora instead.

For vegetarians: I had no trouble replacing the beef with tofu in my noodle bowl. While most of the broths are meat-based, they do offer a vegetable broth optio... read more For vegetarians: I had no trouble replacing the beef with tofu in my noodle bowl. While most of the broths are meat-based, they do offer a vegetable broth option as well!

It's absolutely delicious! The broth is incredibly rich and creamy, and the flavor evolves pleasantly as the temperature changes. I highly recommend it! read more It's absolutely delicious! The broth is incredibly rich and creamy, and the flavor evolves pleasantly as the temperature changes. I highly recommend it!

Ordered the Ramenstar and the Tsukemen ramen star. Even though, it says Tonkatsu, the tare is very unique so the ramen really has its own thing going on.The top... read more Ordered the Ramenstar and the Tsukemen ramen star. Even though, it says Tonkatsu, the tare is very unique so the ramen really has its own thing going on.The toppings and regular and rarer chasu are delicious. The noodles are some of my favorite that I have had in Denver. The tsukemen is definitely on the greasier and thicker side compared to a lot of ramen places I have tried in the US. Love it though. :

Best Ramen in Denver! I spend a lot of time in Japan, and this place is a gem. Oishi desu! Service, ambiance, decor and food are all top notch. The Gyoza was Na... read more Best Ramen in Denver! I spend a lot of time in Japan, and this place is a gem. Oishi desu! Service, ambiance, decor and food are all top notch. The Gyoza was Narita-san gyoza-house authentic, and the kara’age chicken was perfection. The Ramen? Complex, flavorful and house made. Not rushed. All natural, and lovingly prepared as it is in Japan. Not just food. It betrays an artist’s hand. Nicole is amazing. Personable, knowledgeable, attentive, genuine, and with a smile and an aura that will enhance your entire dining experience.