Ramen House Shinchan
1939 S Plum Grove Rd, Palatine, IL, 60067
Ramen House Shinchan Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Palatine for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Palatine for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1939 S Plum Grove Rd
Palatine, IL, 60067 - Phone (847) 496-4189
- Website https://www.ramen-shinchan.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
- Mon :Closed
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Allan P.
Ramen House Shinchan is among the most solid places for ramen in the northwest suburbs. If you're in the area with got that special itch that only pork broth & noodles will scratch, definitely stop on by here. The staff is efficient & friendly, always greeting you when you enter. They don't care if this is your first time trying it out, or if you're a long-time noodle veteran, all are welcome. This place is open very late into the night, which is also a plus when you've been out & don't want to settle for subpar burgers or burritos. It's a small area, which means if you hit them up during the prime dinner hours, expect to stand around a bit while they try to get you situated. The owner is working in the kitchen with his crew, the wife is most likely the lady that will seat you. This is a straight-up, no-frills, Japanese homestyle temple to the noodle. Do not call them up expecting to take-out, although if you're the type of person who would attempt to drive with a bowl of ramen in your car, you're most likely also the type of person that tries to wrestle grizzly bears. They don't do reservations, either. The food is quite delicious. Favorites of mine include the Best Condition, the Taiwan Ramen, & the Tonkotsu Ramen. Also on the menu are the traditional Japanese sakes as well as the quintessential Japanese beers, which are always a welcome companion with any bowl of ramen. If you're reading this in the car, you should definitely pull in & give them a try. You should also not look at your phone & drive, but you're also probably that person I referenced earlier with the grizzly bear.
(4)Mike M.
Plain amazing food, along with expert service is the ultimate restaurant experience. I can not wait to go back and eat again.
(5)Brooke C.
My family is always looking for a good ramen place. Why didn't I come here sooner? Convenient location and authentic! It's a small place and we came on a Sunday evening and it was busy. In addition to ramen, they also have more items on chalk board, so we will have to come back again. The ramen soup has great flavor and not overly salty like most other places. Noodle portion is good with perfect al dente texture but there is only one thin slice of Cha-Shu in the the bowl. If one needs more, will have to order extra. My kids are already asking to go back again. We definitely will become regular...
(4)Robert G.
I don't often sit back and think to myself, you know what sounds good for dinner? Ramen. But I did this weeknight, and it was awesome. There were a lot of options, but having seafood in a pork broth piqued my interest enough for me to pick it over the others. Since it's also the most expensive item on the menu, it's the only thing I ate here. This bowl of ramen is absolutely enormous. And the broth is as good as I hoped it would be - an almost-creamy, flavorful, very hot pork broth. Great depth to build a bowl of ramen on. The egg noodles tasted, surprisingly, like eggs, and not like generic slimy starch. The meat and fish were tender, and the vegetables crunchy. A little dusting of chili spice made it complete. The dining area is very quiet, and most of the other people dining in were Japanese, which is always a good indicator of quality. I'm ready to try a Miso bowl for the next time.
(5)John S.
So I might be jumping the gun to give Shinchan 5 stars especially since I've only been here once BUT it really has a lot going for it! Start with Fried Calamari. It's a lighter batter, clean tasting, & not overcooked. A small dip in the condiment & spices makes the flavor complete. Tebasaki. Chicken Wings. When served they smell very peppery. Once you bite into them there is a nice sweet honey flavor, a bit of salt, & mild pepper finish. Really good. Gyoza. Some of the best I've had. The wrapper is thin, pan fried on one side, filled with juicy pork & vegetables. It is a very tender filling with great flavor. Minimal dipping sauce needed. Maybe just drop these into your ramen broth!! Tonkotsu Ramen. Mild to medium rich by american standards. It has a subtle richness to it. I liked it a lot Miso Ramen. Light broth flavor, also good. Compared to almost any other udon or ramen house the broths here are mild and not salty. They have a light subtle flavor that is very good. I personally do not think you should add a ton of soy or salt to these. I would relate this broth to a filet mignon, enjoy it for what it is. Ask for the 7 pepper blend to add... Wait times can be long. They will stop seating 30min before they close if they are full. We got there when they opened, 15 min later they were full with a 30-45min wait. Carry out might be the best option!! Will be back often.
(5)Nikita W.
very tinny place for Ramen. the Noodle is good, soup basic is good, enough selection as a Ramen Shop. going there only for Ramen, do not expect other food. I will go more often, if i live closeby. only one thing, waiting time for seat.
(4)Sara L.
Finding a place to eat in the burbs at 11p at night that isn't fast food or drunk food is nearly impossible. Lo and behold Ramen House was to the rescue!! The owner greeted us immediately as we walked in and was very friendly. The place is very clean, brightly lit and modern. The menu has other items for non-ramen eaters. Keep an eye out on their chalkboard for specials. We ordered the chicken wings, Tiwan ramen and Shio ramen. The food came out quickly, which is something I like. We've been to other ramen places where you're waiting an eternity for your food. Don't mess with a girl who is hangry!! The Tiwan ramen was spicy, meaty, filing and down right delicious. It had a enough heat to give it a kick but without burning your mouth. The Shio was smooth, light and complemented the other ingredients very well. As for those wings, we made the right choice ordering them. The wings had a nice crispy finish without being over cooked or oily. Needless to say we were happily in a food coma and fell right asleep when we got home. Now I've a reason to come out to the burbs more often!!
(5)Mick B.
This review is for take-out only. Given the other reviews and the line of people waiting to be seated, I thought that it would be some time before my take-out order was ready- I was somewhat shocked at how quickly it was in my hands and I was on my way. A couple of notes about the experience: The day that I visited, they were out of the take out menus. I chose my order from a laminated menu card, but the menu is also on their wall and on their website. It did not appear that all items on the in-store menus were listed on the website however. I had some difficulty flagging down someone to give my take-out order to, its also a bit confusing figuring out what the waitstaff roles are, and indeed, even if a particular person is a customer or an employee. A different person brought me my food than took my order and payment- the second person acted somewhat suspicious that I hadn't paid, and unfortunately I had told the person that took my payment that I didn't need a receipt. I felt a bit uncomfortable as I didn't want them to think that I was cheating them. Notes about the food: You do get a large portion but as previously mentioned, it is a bit pricey with all things considered. I ordered the Best Condition Ramen and it had a distinctly pepper finish, but overall was very tasty. The Miso Ramen that we ordered was a bit bland but it came to life after adding a bit of soy sauce. I certainly would suggest doing take out if you can because of the other reviewers comments and my experience that getting seated can be somewhat of a challenge.
(4)D S.
Love this out of the way place.. good food..great hole in the wall. Awesome noodles, I would highly recommend the Ramen house for noodle dishes!
(4)Ag C.
It's our second try at this place since they open. The shio n shoyu might be ok, tried tonkotsu n miso, it was very average. As much as I don't care for misoya, I think we would go misoya instead of here the next time.
(3)Neal P.
Located in a strip mall that houses AJ's Pizza and Biscuit & Bows, This place is as good as it gets! There's so much to offer in this cozy shop in suburban Palatine IL. Walking inside, you're instantly greeted with the traditional Japanese nicety "itadakimasu" !!! Right there, you should already know... You're about to experience something truly wonderful. If you're looking at a Ramen place review, you've probably heard about how yummy Ramen dishes are. In fact, if you aren't already on a Ramen kick, this place will get you started. The other known fact is that they are often busy at all times of the day. However, for my first visit there today, we were happily surprised to see only 2 people waiting for a seat. They have their signature ramen dishes on a walled menu in the waiting area. I think there's like 9 of them. Then they have a slew of other delicious yummies that I'm going to check off one by one in the near future. Some of those include: Gyoza (Japanese pot stickers), Katsu Kare (pork cutlet with curry sauce), and Yakisoba ... any service member stationed in Japan or Okinawa will know what this is ;) After hearing reports from others about the spice factor of a certain dish they had, I didn't hesitate to order the Taiwan Ramen -- be aware that this one packs a heckuva kick, so much that even Mr Miyagi would bow down to its awesomeness. But it's not just about the spice factor. My first sip of this immensely flavorful broth transported me to another world. I was slurping and chewing, and didn't have a care about who was watching or hearing my hot mess. At one point during my heavenly trip, tears were dripping past my eyes -- either the sweat from my brow or a deep appreciation that I have a job right down the street from this place... YES! Anyways, the Taiwan Ramen is not for the average eater that thinks black pepper is "spicy". It's for that muncher that appreciates the exotic combination of spicy hot and crazy good, such as you find in Thai food ;) But not everything is spicy at Ramen Shinchan. In fact, I'd say there are only a few dishes in their inventory that hit this level of hot. But it was soooooo good. Don't wait any longer. Get there. Get a menu. Start checking off items, get on a Ramen kick, and become a repeat customer. My one dish was so filling (and I'm an eater by trade) and cost about $10.82 after tax. Money well spent, IMO. -- And if you haven't lived by this well known tip before... {There are a lot of Japanese people seen eating in this Japanese restaurant which means that this is a Japanese approved dining establishment -- and this goes for almost all ethnic restaurants}. Enjoy! ... and ... itadakimasu!!!
(5)Kenway N.
So my foodie friends decided to come here after reading David Pangs ramen review. We were all blown away by the ramen here. We all ordered the tonkotsu ramen and avoided the long waits by coming at 11pm on Saturday since they open later on the weekends. The broth was simply tasty without being too heavy like most ramen shops. The noodles were excellent. Had great consistency and cooked perfectly. The egg and pork belly was very good here. All my friends drank the soup after they inhaled the ramen. Balance is the key for the ramen at Shinchan and I will be coming back very often.
(5)Seleen T.
Great ramen. I got the Tonkotsu Ramen and it was amazing. The venue is really small though and gets packed fast for lunch. Price is reasonable for 11$. Fast service too. I would go back.
(4)Louise M.
Usually, when I'm with my Chicago friends, I have never felt hungry. This Saturday, I was starving for some reasons between way too much activities that did not involve me opening my mouth and swallowing delicious chewable items. Further, it took awhile to decide where to go for lunch. Though we were all hangry, no one could suggest of where to eat. Thank goodness that all of a sudden one of us yelled Eureka! Not in the tub, but in the backyard and really...what our Archimedes was saying was..Ramen. Before we knew it, we were in front of Ramen House Sinchan. I have never tried it before and frankly skeptical with suburban ramen houses. Ramen is tricky you know. It's hard to find a good bowl. However, I also did not have a taste for it that day. I wanted soup but ramen broth usually is so rich and thick while I just wanted something light. At that point though, I would slurp just about anything even Archimedes' bath water. Luckily, we got seated right away thanks to my friend calling ahead. The place was pretty cool inside though small and people were waiting for a table. It was absolutely packed! I started to salivate looking at what other people were eating at nearby tables. I was jumping for joy when finding out they had Shio ramen, which was ramen with clear chicken broth. That was exactly what I wanted! Chicken broth for my hoarse throat recovering from a cold. Perfect!! Our table also ordered the Tonkotsu ramen and Miso ramen as well as Kara age or fried chicken and some Japanese fried rice. The fried chicken came first and oh it really was tasty! It's crispy, hot, and had a very good flavor though it could stand a bit more salt. However, once you dipped it in the mayo sauce, all is well. My ramen was delicious and from not really wanting one, I ended up really enjoying and appreciating my bowl. The broth was light, clear, and it felt so good going down my throat. I think I drank the whole bowl of broth and left half the noodle behind completely dried. The tea egg was tasty and they gave you both halves! The noodle part was okay and I wasn't sure if the noodles were homemade. I tried my friend's Tonkotsu, and that was great! Next time when I wasn't recovering from a cold, I would go for that rich, thick, pork broth and slurp away. The Miso was pretty good but I have never would go for Miso ramen so my opinion did not matter here. The fried rice was really nice. I don't know..it just tasted good. Was it because I was hungry? Could be, but it was still good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great find for me! I would never thought of going here looking at it from the outside. It was in a strip mall and it didn't stood out at all. It's cool that we don't have to go fighting traffic next time and go to the city just for ramen. That's a great discovery as great as hydrotastic or pi. The displacement of my watery broth from the bowl to my tummy was enough to make me follow suit to Archie and took the street naked jumping for joy of my discovery. On second thought, naaaahhhhhh. I don't want to get arrested for ramen.
(4)Nick D.
Another great ramen place in the Schaumburg area. I feel like we are starting to get spoiled. They have an excellent variety overall, but my favorite is the tonkotsu here. They have the best tonkotsu broth I've had. Highly recommended!
(4)Mike M.
Back to the burbs for the next chapter of my ramen adventures...I've been on a quest to try all the ramen I can get my hands on and I've had my eye on Ramen House Shinchan since it's new and not too far from my office. I decided to come here on a Saturday for lunch since I happened to be in the area. I figured this would be a popular lunch spot, so I waited until 2:30 PM to stop by. I was shocked to discover that there was still a good amount of people just waiting to be seated, and it's never a good sign when you see people holding those restaurant pagers they give for long waits. Luckily a spot opened up at the bar and I strolled right in. The inside had a very similar layout as Ramen Misoya: a handful of tables on one side and then bunch of seats along a counter on the outside of the kitchen. I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen and added extra cha shu pork to it. Noodles: The noodles were thinner and firmer than a lot of the other bowls of ramen I've tried. I liked em. Broth: I really enjoyed the broth. It was one of the milkier, creamier broths I've tasted in a while. While it still wasn't as heavy as I prefer (I basically want it to be melted meat haha), I thought the flavor was on point and it had a good amount of saltiness. I ended up finishing it all. Toppings: It came with 2 slices of pork and a soft boiled egg. The ramen was garnished with the typical bean sprouts and scallions. The extra meat upgrade added 3 more slices of the pork on a side dish. I was NOT a fan of the cha shu pork at all though. For the most part I thought it was pretty flavorless and lacked any sort of seasoning. Next, I thought the pieces of meat I got were extremely fatty, but not in a good way. I typically love fatty meat where it has a nice charred or crispy outside and the fat just melts in your mouth. But no, this meat's fatty texture was very tough to chew and more like muscular, connective tissue or something. I couldn't even just bite through it while holding it with chopsticks...I literally had to use my hand to tear the meat away from my mouth. I would've preferred just more soft boiled eggs than the pork that came with the tonkotsu. Overall, I liked everything about this ramen, except for the very disappointing pork. Luckily I focus on the broth more than anything, so I still found this bowl of ramen to be tasty and enjoyable. I do love the growing number of legit ramen places in the burbs, so Ramen Shinchan is a nice addition.
(3)Katie M.
Definitely a place you might pass by every day and not give a second thought. This awesome ramen spot is tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. Open until late at night, they're dishing up some of the best ramen in the burbs. They've also got plenty of daily specials on the chalkboards to try as well! I got the vegetarian ramen, and it was loaded with veggies. So much so it was towering over my bowl! Whether you like spicy or mild, loaded with veggies or meat, they've got a ramen for you! I highly suggest the chicken wings! They were delicious and seasoned great. Definitely going back for more!
(4)Victoria W.
Ramen house I have finally tried you and boy for a short period of time you have been open, you have already became a popular spot amongst us foodies at heart. I would have given this place 5 stars had it not been the fact that without being able to see all the ingredients that go into the making of my Tonkatsu and Chonpan, that they both have MSG in it. An hour after my meal my mouth felt like the Sahara Dessert. SOO DRY, I drank 3 bottles of water within 30 min. Did not even need to use the bathroom either, I was definitely dehydrated. Also, the fact that some ramens here have cabbage...ehhh I admit not that I claim to be an expert in Japanese food, but I don't know how cabbage pairs with ramen, at least not my preference. Also I was never given water during my meal here. With that said. The braised pork is VERY tender and juicy, I wanted more! It only came with 1 piece of pork on my tonkatsu, no braised pork on my chonpon. I personally liked the tonkatsu better than chonpon. The chonpon looked messed, but tasted good, minus the cabbage. The broth, SO VERY rich, in fact so rich I took out my Tonkatsu and the next day when I took it out of the fridge the broth turned from liquid to a solid form. The noodle, perfect ramen noodle, no non sense instant noodle type that some Japanese places would try to trick you into. For people who knows their Ramen we all know it needs to have a good amount of bite paired with curliness and just the right amount of thickness. Not too thick not too thin. I would have liked a type of ramen with shrimp tampura and a whole piece of fish cake...the chonpon had fish cake in it but all sliced up, you can't really even taste it. If you don't want to wait, come right on the dot when they open. They open at 6PM for dinner, if you come even 30 min later this place will be all seated and you will have to wait. Note that there is a gap in between lunch and dinner where they are not open. Like some reviewers have said, yes the price here is slightly higher, but honestly for the suburbs where ramen places are few and far beyond, they can justify that, as you can clearly see by people lining up the door waiting for it to open. Next time I am back I will have to try their fried rice and yakisoba. Definitely worth coming back. A true ramen place owned by Japanese.
(4)Chet M.
Good solid Tonkatsu Ramen with better than average milky type broth. Sinchan is off to a good start but def can improve the following: *Get rid of slight stink in corner booth by window. *Train Yao Ming dude to know menu better ("I guess" or "I think" is NFG) *Stop using shredded cabbage. It's the cheapest veggie you can buy. *Could serve more ramen noodles in order. U a ramen house, right? *Da heck is Taiwan Ramen? Taiwan is Chinese. Ramen is Japanese.
(3)Kohei S.
I had 3 kinds of their ramens, Tonkotsu, Taiwan, Best Condition. Everything good, but Tonkotsu is my best so far. Tonkotsu has strong flavor and very soft cha shu. Teba Saki and gyoza also good for appetizer. I definitely will come back!!
(5)Ka L.
Staffs are very nice and the food come really really quick. I ordered number 7 Miso Ramen and my sister ordered number 6 Tonkotsu Ramen. You can't go wrong with Miso Ramen!! And the Tonkotsu is just amazing. However, it only come with one piece of pork but you can always add extra meat. Price is average. Have beer.
(4)Sarah S.
I couldn't be happier that Ramen House has opened right across the street from home for me. It's a small shop in a strip mall but it gets packed to the brim at all hours. My friend and I got there about Noon on a Saturday and were met with a thirty minute wait. As we dined, business didn't slow at all and I imagine the wait only grew as more & more people waited. Service was very friendly and polite, not overly invasive, just the right attentiveness I like when dining. I went of course expecting to order ramen but ended up ordering the Sara Udon. I meannnnnn, my name is Sarah! How could I not order this dish!? Although not all ingredients were listed, this dish has pork, squid, octopus and shrimp in it. It's a huge portion with tons of vegetables over crispy noodles with a few udon noodles thrown in for $10.75. It's not udon in the traditional sense by any means but wow that flavor was great. It's a whole lot of tasty food for a decent price. My friend has their best condition ramen which again, is not traditional ramen at all but it was oh so delicious and it's their special recipe. My friend I dined with is Japanese and she was very happy that the Ramen House was owned and operated by Japanese, plus 90% of the clientele were Japanese. After we left, she was quite excited to take her mama to try it out. The food is excellent, service is perfect and it couldn't be more conveniently located for me! With so many other delicious options on the menu (donkatsu ramen, shoyo ramen, miso ramen, plus many non-ramen dishes), I see myself coming here quite often! An amazing addition to the neighborhood!
(5)Derek C.
There are lots of places to consider in the NW burbs when it comes to ramen now, and Shinchan makes a decent choice for satisfying your ramen craving. Having tried 4 different types of ramen here, Tonkatsu is the best. It's got a nice salty flavor for the broth and the noodles are nice and chewy. The pork chop that comes with it is tasty, but not as good as Ramen Misoya's (and they give you 3 pieces). I've also had the Miso Ramen, but I found it to be quite bland, which was a disappointment. They also have these salt and pepper chicken wings that are pretty good, and I forget the exact name of them, but it's definitely something to try. However, the wings are super tiny, more like quail wings or something and at $6 for 5 wings, it's kinda pricey. Also, we came with a group of 6, and it was quite difficult for them to find a place for us so we waited almost an hour at lunch time on a Sunday when it wasn't all that busy. Then they proceeded to seat us at a 4 top, so they squeezed us into a small table. So just something to be aware of if you are coming with a large party.
(3)Vicky C.
The best condition ramen is sooo good!!! Its a huge bowl of everything, ramen, veggies, roasted garlic, and hot soup. My husband usually orders taiwanese meat on the side and eats it w this ramen cuz it doesnt have meat inside. Tonkatsu ramen 's base is too greasy and thick for me. We usually order a non spicy ramen, shio ramen, for the kids.
(5)Billy O.
Looking for a new experience ? Cannot go wrong here. Good food great service.
(4)Alex R.
Ramen House Sinchan is a welcome addition to the ranks of ramen restaurants in the Northwest Suburbs. Hopefully ramen doesn't go in the way of sushi: ubiquitous and commercialized. (Maybe it already has?) At any rate, good ramen is good ramen, and you should come here if you're looking for good ramen. I ordered the Tonkotsu, which did not disappoint. The broth had a distinguishably strong pork flavor. The other components of the ramen were fresh and for the most part, well balanced. The pork, though delicious and tender, was a bit on the small side. Perhaps this is reflected in the lower price point. I also ordered Chahan (fried rice) and Gyoza as appetizers, both of which were good choices. The prices are very reasonable, and the service is good. For my money, I prefer Ramen Misoya, but if I'm in Palatine, I'm definitely coming here to satisfy my ramen craving.
(4)Sunny B.
The best Katsu Curry since Tokyo! Yes..I know the is a Ramen spot but their Katsu curry was the best I've had in Chicago..hands down!! The Masago Taiwan Ramen was spot on too. Outside of the Katsu curry, the wings and the Kara-Ge chicken were to to the Japanese taste. Overall taste, quality and service were 5*! Only improvement could come in presentation but with food this good...I can easily overlook that. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Mark B.
This isn't your 99¢ ramen by a long shot. Small place with not too many tables, but counter seating as well. We jumped right in with a traditional Miso Ramen and a spicy vegetarian Ramen. Both were excellent. The helpings are large, for nearly $10 a bowl, they should be. Both bowls came out incredibly hot, as they should, so be careful if it's your first time. The spicy vegetarian had a great mix of bean sprouts, cabbage and bok choy on top of the noodles and broth. The spiciness is a little deceptive. I noticed a bit of spice while eating, but not the kind that makes your taste buds useless for hours afterwards. Then I noticed that the top of my head was sweating. Awesome! The Miso had a slice of pork laid on top along with a hard boiled egg, sliced in half. The pork was tender and flavorful and the egg was well done but not overdone or rubbery as they can become when not watched. Overall, a nice addition to the culinary options in Palatine. We'll be back.
(4)Scott L.
This style of food is not really my cup of tea, but I went here with coworkers. The food was very good. I think this place is worth a go, but if you are a picky eater you may need to open your mind.
(3)Cindy W.
The classic miso ramen soup is my fav. the taste is authentic, which differentiate it from other places I have been to.
(5)Melissa L.
Ramen is always a perfect meal on a cold day. So, my parents and I had dinner here on a frigid Friday night. The restaurant opens its doors at exactly 6pm, even if there is a group of people huddled outside a few minutes earlier. So bundle up if you want to be first in line. My parents and I were among the first to be seated, which was lucky given the size of the restaurant - there's room for about ten tables, the bar, and the kitchen. There is a small waiting area near the doors, but by the time we were done eating (around 6:45), there was a large group of people that had to stand in the tiny entrance as they waited to be seated. I imagine that would be frustrating to deal with, especially if you were really hungry. Luckily, the food is worth the wait. We started with the karaage (fried chicken) and a small plate of fried rice. The chicken was wonderfully juicy, and the portions of both appetizers were perfect for the three of us to share. Then came the ramen. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, which has a rich, pork-based broth. The slices of pork belly were tender and the noodles had a nice, firm texture. The bowl had just the right amount of food too - I was full, but didn't feel ready to burst by the end of the meal. Overall, the ramen was delicious and the service was great. The only small issue I had was with the temperature of the food - everything was served straight from the kitchen, so naturally my entire mouth was burned by the end of the meal. Nonetheless, I'll be coming back for more soon!
(4)Howard L.
Kevin Pang lured us here with his ramen house article in the Tribune, and wow was it worth the trip. We had a wonderful, delectable lunch of their classic Tonkotsu ramen ($10.75), soft shell crab ($10.75), and Kara-age fried chicken ($4). The quality was top notch fresh and tasty. It's not the cheapest place as the ramen serving had but one large piece of braised pork shoulder, but the ramen noodle taste was the best we've had to date. The egg noodles were generous, smooth and plump, and ramen was not overly salty. The fried soft shell crab was juicy and tender and fell apart in your chopsticks. The Kara age chicken had a nice distinctive and subtle ginger flavor. They have a small space, and it was warm and crowded. All in all, however, a great quality ramen stop and we will be back. It looks to be one of those places where there's nothing on the menu that isn't simply fantastic. They are Japanese owned and this business is pretty new having opened in January 2015.
(5)Chad B.
My brother in law and I have been on a Ramen kick lately. Saturdays are spent scouring Chicago for a new Ramen location to check out. I was re-routed by my GPS one night and passed Ramen House Shinchan. it was approx 10pm on a Wednesday night and the lights were on, a quick check on yelp and the reviews had sold me, they also informed me that this Ramen house is open until 11pm! Service was friendly, food was fresh, prepared quickly and quite honestly was one of my favourite locations that I have tried. I liked it so much, the entire family joined me back at Ramen House Shinchan the following Saturday. The lineup on a Saturday was much smaller than other locations, our party of 6 was seated quickly (within 5 mins) and the best highlight of it all, Everyone loved it! Chicken, Potstickers and Asian Meatballs were devoured quickly, my 3 year old niece tossed down the chicken and potstickers like they were going out of style... Great location - Check it out!
(5)Brittney H.
We searched diligently for a decent ramen place because we are from out of town. Our search brought us to Ramen House Shinchan! I have never been to Japan, but this must be what it is like to eat in a real ramen house! I love the atmosphere. My only complaint is how tiny the place is- it was a bit uncomfortable. We came here close to closing time on a Sunday night. As soon as we entered, we were greeted enthusiastically by the staff in Japanese ('irrashaimase!'). Both the staff and a majority of the customers were all Japanese speakers, which was very awesome! We sat at a small table on the left side of the restaurant and were brought waters. The place was packed, but they took our order in a timely manner. I got the Miso Ramen and my boyfriend got the Best Condition Ramen. We also got gyoza! They gyoza was hot and fresh and the ramen was delicious! The Best Condition was packed with fresh veggies and had a kick to it. The Miso Ramen was savory and my favorite part about it was the egg! This place is a little bit expensive, but for two bowls of ramen, one beer, and an order of gyoza ran us around $30. Not bad!
(4)Abraham K.
Whether you're coming for lunch or dinner, they will be open! However be alert, this place is smaller then most ramen places. You might have to wait 10~15 mins before your seated. I would say its definitely worth the wait. First timers, try their Tonkotsu ramen and Miso ramen. Service on point. If you didn't try Wasabi Ramen in Chicago, that's another Japanese Ramen place you should definitely check out as well!
(4)K I.
It looked professional in appearance, but not professional in taste. Its atmosphere had all the elements including Black T-shirts, signs and Japanese speakers at the top Ramen shops in Japan. The quality was disappointing B class. The noodle was the worst. The soup was OK but lukewarm. The temperature was low as ramen standard. The rate has been high and my expectation was high. Seems overrated. They have Taiwanese menu and so they may not be Japanese. Their spicy raman may be OK for Taiwanese standard. Don't take Japanese guests here because my guests were disappointed. They use the pink colored fish cake which my son called the fake fish cake with bright food color. Some ingredients were Chinese products.
(3)Elana K.
My husband is more of the ramen fan between the two of us. He ordered the tonkotsu ramen and described it as the best ramen he'd had stateside. It seems like that comment alone should earn Ramen House Shinchan 5 stars. I ordered the tantan (also spelled dandan) from the specials board. It was delicious enough that I ate it all but it was SO spicy that it was a struggle til the end. I am someone who really loves spicy food but it was too much, even for me. They did warn me it was 'very spicy' when I ordered it, so I can't blame the restaurant. Please note that it is a noodle dish without broth or much visible sauce, so I would even call it deceptively spicy. The restaurant was extremely crowded and not very roomy. I would avoid coming here during peak hours if you can. However the service was fast and courteous despite it all. If you love ramen like my husband you should find the time and give this place a try.
(5)Connie L.
I came here on a Sunday for dinner and there was not a single empty seat available. Luckily the wait wasn't that long and the staff are friendly. It also helps that the food is prepared at lightning speed. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, which comes with 2 thin slices of pork, an egg, and bean sprouts. The broth was rich and creamy, which was a plus. The portion sizes are decent, but I would recommend ordering a side dish if you are famished.
(4)Igor C.
I had the tonkotsu and it was very good but I've never had it before so I have no comparison. Mu group also had the Tiwan and Best Condition Ramen. Everyone liked their dish. The Tiwan had tons of whole garlic cloves but they were pretty mild and while spicy the broth was not overwhelmingly so. Wish they had translations of the specials on the chalk boards. Overall very good, will be back.
(4)Linh L.
Eh. I don't get why it's so busy here. The ramen tastes like a quick broth. There's better options in the city. What I do like about this place though is how you can get your noodle soup fixings when needed. I know I need it I need a taste of home OR, I'm hungover.
(2)Allan P.
Ramen House Shinchan is among the most solid places for ramen in the northwest suburbs. If you're in the area with got that special itch that only pork broth & noodles will scratch, definitely stop on by here. The staff is efficient & friendly, always greeting you when you enter. They don't care if this is your first time trying it out, or if you're a long-time noodle veteran, all are welcome. This place is open very late into the night, which is also a plus when you've been out & don't want to settle for subpar burgers or burritos. It's a small area, which means if you hit them up during the prime dinner hours, expect to stand around a bit while they try to get you situated. The owner is working in the kitchen with his crew, the wife is most likely the lady that will seat you. This is a straight-up, no-frills, Japanese homestyle temple to the noodle. Do not call them up expecting to take-out, although if you're the type of person who would attempt to drive with a bowl of ramen in your car, you're most likely also the type of person that tries to wrestle grizzly bears. They don't do reservations, either. The food is quite delicious. Favorites of mine include the Best Condition, the Taiwan Ramen, & the Tonkotsu Ramen. Also on the menu are the traditional Japanese sakes as well as the quintessential Japanese beers, which are always a welcome companion with any bowl of ramen. If you're reading this in the car, you should definitely pull in & give them a try. You should also not look at your phone & drive, but you're also probably that person I referenced earlier with the grizzly bear.
(4)Mike M.
Plain amazing food, along with expert service is the ultimate restaurant experience. I can not wait to go back and eat again.
(5)Erin B.
Unfriendly service: We got there at 5:58 and they refused to let us in because the "kitchen wasn't ready". One would think that being a newer restaurant they would welcome new customers. Upon walking in, the place had a musty smell. Our waiter had the friendliness level of a doorknob. No sriracha? Wtf if you serve Asian noodle soups you should have effing sriracha We had to ask for a spoon for my son and worst of all the food lacked flavor. Slimy pork that had no flavor and the bamboo shoots tasted like they were cooked old oil. The broth was worse than condensed soup. Honestly one of the worst meals and restaurant experiences I have ever had. I'm sure this place won't last. God awful.
(1)Joanna W.
Love this place! When they say spicy, they mean it, which is great for me, but might not be for others. Every time I have come in there to pick up food its always busy, which is another great sign. Definitely worth a try and the prices are great.
(5)Penny L.
I agree with three and four star reviews. It's good. I'd go back here rather than Miso-ya. But still prefer to venture to Santouka. I like the Ramen Battles in Yusho. Food came out hot. Not too salty. Has flavor but searching for umami. Noodles al dente, one style. Good beer selection. Would go back if I'm in the neighborhood. Last call is fifteen minutes before closing. Plenty of parking. If busy, there is a wait list. Seating is around 35 people.
(4)Restaurant Vigilant E.
Always willing to give something new a try, I ducked into this hole in the wall place a few weeks back. While easy to get to being in a strip mall on the corner of Euclid and Plum Grove, the strip mall itself is sort of tucked away. As a rule, I am not a big soup fan...things like Pho and what not, don't do a ton for me. That said, I had never had Ramen before (not even the instant kind - even back in college)...the interior of the restaurant is fairly small, clean and inviting. This is a pretty new place, having just opened a few months ago. While certainly not an expert on Japan, the interior was very similar to what I would think a Ramen house in Japan would look like - cozy, with natural wood tones, and a long counter, as well as the occasional table to dine at. The menu is not huge - several different types of Ramen. I went with the Taiwan Ramen which boasted having some sort of spicy pork in it. I was pretty happy with it - it had the spicy pork as it claimed and a few other cuts. The broth was pretty decent and the noodles were good. In a word, I would describe the dish as being "Fresh." Clearly made to order and with a pronounced degree of care. Price-wise....mmmmm....I think it was upwards of around $12.00 or so. This seemed a little high to me for what it was (essentially soup with noodles). While not totally unreasonable, I felt as though the price point was a few bucks more than ideal. I thought the interior was great, the food was very fresh and well prepared. The staff was friendly and the food arrived promptly. A bit more expensive than I would have liked, but not beyond the pale. I think I like the idea of Ramen more than actual Ramen. I am just not a big soup person at all and have never considered it a meal....about 40 minutes later I was looking through my fridge for something else to eat....but that is my short coming, no reflection on this place. I hope they are around for a long time.
(3)Megan M.
Not your average 'cup-o-ramen' You see, up until this day, I hadn't but salivated over my fellow yelper's photos of ramen-excursions. My only encounter with ramen had to do with a Styrofoam cup, dehydrated noodles, an inordinate amount of sodium and boiling hot water. I had no idea what a colorful world of flavor, texture and actual food I was missing out on. Less than 1/2 a mile from my home, this tiny new restaurant opened. I drove past the first night, and made a promise to myself- I would get my hands on some ramen. Soon. Soon came January 16th, as I pulled into the lot at 5:50pm. I nabbed a good spot right up front, confused by the droves of vehicles still running, with people inside. I headed out of my car, a skip in my step, anxious to explore this uncharted territory. As I pulled the handle, I was abruptly shorted by the lock, still engaged. I peered down to see, they open at 6pm. (Womp womp) Determined, I headed back to my car, and became one of many patrons waiting. The moments I sat there seemed to stretch on endlessly. As 6:00pm, on the dot, the "O" of the open sign lit up, and one by one, cars began to empty and the restaurant began to fill. It's a very small space- one row of tables, and then a bar. I walked in and tucked into the right corner where I asked about takeout. The hostess was very nice and apologized, noting that, while they don't offer take out currently, they will in the future. This didn't stop me. I took a seat at the bar, facing the kitchen, where the chefs were, within minutes, frantically busy. My waitress helped me pick the Miso-Ramen with a side of Spicy Pork and an order of gyoza. I patiently awaited, fidgeting, nervous, like a girl on a first date. Gyoza- 5 pieces, for 5 dollars. I watched as the homemade dumplings were cooked up, plated and placed before me. I could feel my eyes grow wide, as I snapped my chopsticks apart, and dove into the piping hot fresh, flavorful, noodle wrapped yum. I dipped into the vinegary sauce, and enjoyed every last one of them-far more quickly than anyone should. Next came the Ramen. A giant bowl containing a flavorful broth that was rich, and thick in its own way. Coated in noodles, topped with veggies, sprouts and accentuated with a halved soft boiled egg, and two slivers of pork. It was quite beautiful- almost breathtaking. Aside it was a plate containing a large amount of spicy pork, complete with warm, melt in your mouth, garlic cloves and green onions. Can someone tell me how to properly eat this? I made a catastrophic mess of the two square feet I occupied while dining. Like, 1 year old in a highchair, eating spaghetti for the first time, mess. That aside, this was a remarkable first for me. The sweet hostess whom I asked about takeout from earlier, came by and asked how I was enjoying everything, and how I found out about it. It was a nice touch- not that I was lonely, dining alone, on a Friday night... but it was appreciated. Plus, I got to tell her about how Yelp loved them, even a week into business! So first Ramen, and first visit, this place is solid. I'm sure they'll grow into the world of takeout, and I have a feeling, they will need to expand their dining area, as more of the world discovers what I did. I will be back, and I'll report on other flavors of Ramen House Shinchan!! And if anyone can help me be less of a slobbering disaster at eating this delicious dish, please, for the sake of all other dining patrons, please do. They'll get 5 stars as soon as takeout is available, oh, and if the staff asked if I wanted a beverage, because the food was certainly deserving. -Meg
(4)Issac T.
We went there on a Saturday for lunch and had to wait around 20 minutes for a table as they were really packed. The service was generally good and fast, they could use a little more space inside as it seems a little congested when it is full. My son and I ordered the spicy Tiwan Ramen and my wife ordered the Best Condition Ramen. the food was good quality and a little bit on the spicy side, this was my first time trying out this kind of food and came with out as a positive experience.
(4)Jenny V.
This place is close to my house, clean and fast service. The waiting area is super small but both times i've been here, i waited 15 minutes max. I've tried the miso ramen and the miso udon. both good but i like the udon noodles more. be careful! its super hot!
(4)Amy L.
Best ramen place in Chicago area. I have tried several kinds of ramen here -- Best condition and Tamago Taiwan (Taiwanese TanTan noodle with egg) are my favorite!
(5)Sabrina B.
Looking for Japanese ramen in the suburbs considering our options are small, this place came up when I was yelping. We were so happy to come here. I had the miso ramen and my husband had the tonkatsu ramen. We were both satisfied. The one thing that we get to hesitant about Japanese ramen is always the saltiness but this place did not overdue with the salt. I'm actually considering taking my mom to try cause last time I took her for Japanese ramen it was a major fail. I can't wait to come back an try another ramen/udon flavor.
(5)George H.
Service is quick and attentive. I withheld my initial impressions of this kitchen because I wanted to see how consistent service was. In my opinion the mark of professionals is consistent service any time and every time. Im happy to say that what I found here did not disappoint. The soups are a little bit on the salty end but to be honest I've grown used to seeing that in many eastern asian soups across all spectrums. The helpings are generous and I recommend any dish featuring udon. I'm really happy to see this place not only open but also thriving because they add great cultural value to the area and I predict they will soon run out of space if they don't find a bigger location in which to operate. Soups are a little bit expensive in my opinion making it difficult to make this kitchen a daily stop. They're also closed on Mondays.
(5)M M.
You local suburbanites fail because this is amazing food and you don't understand. Thank You for giving me the Good Good.
(5)Alexander M.
This review is only on the ramen (tonkotsu and miso). Staff and service gets 5 stars. it comes to a place that decides to call themselves Ramen house, i immediately had to see what this place has to offer verus other ramen locations. At $10.75 a bowl, i would have expected more. Soup base lacks robust flavor(both miso and tonkatsu) in fact quite plain. 2 small leaf sized porklets (cha su) probably less than 1 ounce in total, one egg, plenty of beansprouts, noodles mildly firm and plentiful. I would think $8.00 would be an appropriate price, considering the ingredients and plain soup flavors. Santouka has awesome flavor in the soup base and noodle texture. Misoya has grilled chasu and plentiful, variety of choices, and good soup bases. Ramen house has good.... I dont know. I wont be going back for ramen. I honestly want to give this place 2 stars but since its a new business, it deserves a chance. But hey if you are looking for late-night ramen i guess this is worth going to.
(3)Mark B.
So I was bored and solo for lunch and feeling a bit blah.. What better way to remedy that than a trip to a new Ramen House! Walking in I noticed that I was the only white person there so in my eyes it was going to be a home run! I prefer to walk into any ethnic place and well find ethnic people there. As per my usual I immediately decided to order to much food. I ordered the Shoyu-Ramen, a side of the Taiwanese pork and the fried rice!. As I am a dainty eater I guess I should have brought some friends but well it was a spur of the moment thing. The ramen was super flavorful and I only wish that it came with more pork! The Taiwanese pork (think ground turkey with cloves of garlic) was spicy and garlicky goodness in a light broth that I liberally dumped into my ramen when the original pork was gone. The fried rice I really enjoyed and I can honestly say I was confused by a few ingredients in it. All in all I will be going back and soon. Nice to see some cool stuff going into Palatine as I normally have to travel for my Asian fixes.
(4)Duane L.
Its very clean inside and the ramen is awesome. Need I say more? Nope.
(5)Heddie D.
The best condition ramen is my favorite! You get a lot of ramen for a decent price. The service is fast and the foods awesome.
(5)Ryan H.
I was very excited to see that a Ramen shop opened up near work. I honestly had no idea it was there....it just showed up one day. I had no idea what to expect and was shocked to see such a nice place that was already full. I wasn't disappointed. I can't really speak to the finer points of Ramen but everything was great. I fully recommend this place and I hope we can visit at least once a week or two.
(5)Eugenia G.
The food was excellent. We had Tonkotsu Ramen and Miso Ramen. Tonkotsu is slightly salty and has an amazing creamy broth. Miso was also very good. Service was fast and friendly. Caveat: it opens exactly at 6 pm and there is a line by the door. At 6:15 you will have to wait, but it is worth it and they turn tables fast! All in all, great ramen experience. Wonderful suburbian gem!
(5)V P.
Tucked away into a strip mall and once inside you will certainly be surprised by the bright and modern decor. Japanese bottled soda, unfortunately no hot tea at the time I was there, but we went rather late at night before they closed. Service was very good. Ramen though, oh my. It was so delicious. The pork and green onion topping portion was huge! I ended up taking it home and using it for omelettes the next morning c: I definitely recommend this place. It was the perfect meal in cold weather.
(4)Jen S.
Love this ramen shop! Everything I've tried comes out quickly and is delicious. Excellent portion sizes as well. I've been bringing as many friends as I can, and no one has been disappointed.
(5)T S.
The best thing aside from Ramen itself is the interior decor. Very simple and Japanese looking. :) I feel like I can come here on a regular basis for a quick lunch or dinner on a snowy night. The boiled egg in the ramen is divine. I'm definitely coming back to try the rest of the menu.
(4)Allen D.
my brother took us here and finally found a place that I could call closed enough as a authentic japanese Ramen soup. highly recommended
(5)Ding A.
This place is 5 mins away from my college in they serve one of the best ramen in the area. Last time I tried the tebasaki chicken and I've was in heaven. The chicken carefully fried and tender it's easy to eat. We have to wait a little bit to be seated since it has limited sitting, but it was worth it.
(5)Brenda A.
I decided to try this place since is new and always packed (tried to be there twice before and waiting time was more than an hour). The place is very small but clean and beautifully decorated. The broth was amazing, very tasty!!!! The noodles were delicious and plenty, now the meat amount was a dissapoinment. They only give one tiny piece of meat. I would definitely go back but will order extra meat.
(4)Paul L.
Best most well balanced ramen I have had yet. This place is so good and I am alway the only person who is speaking English every time I visit. I highly suggest eating there. Miso egg best condition ramen and toroniku were all splendid!
(5)Aki T.
First time visit. And it definitely won't be the last. I had a shoyu ramen and a small fried rice. Shoyu ramen was pretty standard but a bit on sweet side. Not so greasy like most tonkatsu ramen that are so popular in states. Chashu pork was bit thin but tasty. A whole marinated egg comes standard. Oh and the volume of noodle was American sized. Side of fried rice was too much because of this. Fried rice was also good. Generous amount of pork was in it and rice wasn't soaked in soy sauce unlike most fried rice. Service was fine. There are several non-ramen menus up on the black board that I need to try as well as other ramens here. Price could be bit lower.
(4)JJ K.
Maybe it's different style of ramen I prefer ramen misoya or ramen San style more than this place. I would give 3 for food and 5 for service. The gyoza was burnt but they replaced it quickly. Chicken wings were salty and sweet. Love or hate. (My son hated it. I liked it. ) tonkatsu ramen was pretty decent, though. Wanna try something else next time. Taiwan spicy ramen was spicy and I'm a Korean so it could mean it WAS spicy. I would give 3 out of 5 for Taiwan ramen and 3.5 for tonkatsu. If I try something else next time, I will write more. For seating though, you could either wait 3 mins or 30 mins. Skip the appetizers. Just have ramen. Portion is big enough.
(4)Dan N.
The tonkotsu ramen is really good! Really recommend this ramen when you go to shinchan ramen! It tastes like actual tonkotsu broth
(5)Justin S.
Hands down best ramen spot I've ever had in the entire Chicagoland & greater area. Can't wait to make another visit!
(5)Sanae W.
Hostess and staff very friendly. Although it was relatively busy, the food came out very fast. I love their Tonkotsu Ramen!! Also the Kurobuta miso katsu was to die for!
(5)Christopher O.
Very pleasant atmosphere. Menu is simple but they have a variety of chef specials. Wife and I had the Tonkatsu ramen, and the broth is fantastic. I would have liked more pork in the bowl, but it was good quality pork. The service is fast too.
(5)Tim O.
Awesome! Much better than strings and misoya. Also a lot more affordable than both places.
(5)E L.
Having eaten my way through Japan for a few years, I think I can tell a thing or two about good ramen. This place is a welcomed addition to the Chicagoland area where we still trail NY and LA in the ramen scene. The ramen here is solid as I come to expect. The menu is simple and offers a list of the traditional ramens. As a food purist, I abhor the bastardized ramen that strays from traditional simplicity. Tonkotsu is my all time favorite and this place delivers an excellent bowl. The ramen was served perfect with the right body and the broth at the right temperature although it could used a bit more depth on the umami...the upside is that it was not greasy unlike other places. The ajitsuke tamago (soft boiled egg) was done right and the pork belly well seasoned. The only thing that I hope they would consider is kaedama. A good broth always deserves an encore. ;-). The price leans toward the high side but given the shortage of formidable ramen competition in the area, I'd charge just as much. As a true Japanese owned place, the service is consistent with the friendliness, welcoming and respectful treatment one can expect at any restaurant in Japan. I can foresee coming here for a long time to come.
(5)CK K.
I have been here a few times with co-workers and it is always great. The bowls of Ramen are huge (actually kind of too big). I have tried the Tiwan, Shio, and Special Condition. They are all good but the Special Condition is my favorite. I took my wife and kids here and they loved it as well. The only complaint is the place is always packed. They need to expand.
(5)Yi M.
Tonkotsu is the best one among miso and chanpon. Karrage and te ba saki are good also. Miso katsu was ok. Chanpon had too much vegetable taste in it. Miso's flavor is not deep. We drove here and it was overall worthy.
(4)Vince T.
Get there early lines are forming 15 minutes before they open, only seats 35. Excellent service, excellent food, excellent prices.
(5)Andrea P.
The best ramen ever. It is so amazing. The sauce and the noodles. The only problem is it smells like dogs since it is near biscuit and bows. It kind of feels like you are eating dog hair. The places very convenient and easy to find.
(4)Ross P.
We had gyoza which were great and some fried chicken (I can't recall what they were called) which were also excellent. My gf had ramen, forgot which one. I had one of the specials, curry udon. I loved it. The atmosphere was "authentic" and the staff were very polite and welcoming. I dug it and will definitely return.
(4)Gwen K.
Had the tonkatsu ramen with cha siu added, and fried rice. Very good broth, authentic ramen house. Unpretentious. Get your grind on and go! A little more than I'm used to paying but fairly priced. I'm also used to having some condiments available like dried garlic and oil but not on table (and I didn't ask.) Will come back regularly!
(5)Chris M.
Superb ramen. Great selection, delicious broths, authentic atmosphere. This place has been open less than a month and people are already lining up to wait for it to open.
(5)Steve A.
Pork Ramen....delicious! We also tried the chicken wings, and Gyoza which were all excellent! This place is great, especially on a cold winter day!!
(4)Samuel B.
Uncomplicated menu with a variety of flavor options. The noodles were firm and delicious. Restaurant was clean and the staff was plentiful, allowing for attention to each customer. A great place for Ramen noodles.
(4)Violet M.
Have been here at least 4 times. I like the tebasaki for $5(chicken wings and the kara age $4 small and $8 large(fried breaded chicken0. Husband likes the mitsu udon(fried breaded pork chop). We have tried the sara udon too(crispy noodles with chop suey veggies, pork and seafood). Ramen is just okay. Worth trying. Come at off hours so you dont have to wait too long.
(3)Bobbi S.
Super cute place. Small but turns over quickly. We ordered the shio, misi, and tokotsu ramens. The noodles were a little chewy and they are a little heavy on the salt. The portions were generous. Only open a week and packed during lunch. The service was great. I would like to go back in a while once they get a good groove going. Maybe try the udon. It looked really good.
(4)Glenn K.
Best ramen option outside of the city that I've found so far. Wasabi probably has better Tonkotsu ramen, but allowing for the variety of great choices, I'll take this ramen house over just about any other place.
(5)Rob G.
It would be difficult for me to know less about authentic Ramen. This is the 3rd time I've had it. So this review is coming from a novice. But I loved Ramen house. Stopped by in the afternoon on a sunday and they were slammed. Judging from the reviews, that's commonplace. I got the taiwan ramen and it was excellent. I thought 10.75 seemed a little steep for Ramen, but the portions were large so I don't have too much of an issue with it. I'm happy there is something like this local, so I can keep going back and trying new things.
(4)Richard W.
The most authentic Japanese ramen house in Chicagoland area. Ramen was very close to the one I had in Japan. Very flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
(5)J R.
Good ramen! Great lunch place, if you can find a seat. I will be back.
(4)Pachelbel C.
Chanpon was the BEST out of all restaurants that serve it!
(5)Jose Felix F.
it is very good small restaurant, the service is good, a lady was waiting with 2 glass of water as soon as we get to the table, a nice selection of soups, I will go back to taste some other soups,
(4)Melissa L.
Ramen is always a perfect meal on a cold day. So, my parents and I had dinner here on a frigid Friday night. The restaurant opens its doors at exactly 6pm, even if there is a group of people huddled outside a few minutes earlier. So bundle up if you want to be first in line. My parents and I were among the first to be seated, which was lucky given the size of the restaurant - there's room for about ten tables, the bar, and the kitchen. There is a small waiting area near the doors, but by the time we were done eating (around 6:45), there was a large group of people that had to stand in the tiny entrance as they waited to be seated. I imagine that would be frustrating to deal with, especially if you were really hungry. Luckily, the food is worth the wait. We started with the karaage (fried chicken) and a small plate of fried rice. The chicken was wonderfully juicy, and the portions of both appetizers were perfect for the three of us to share. Then came the ramen. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, which has a rich, pork-based broth. The slices of pork belly were tender and the noodles had a nice, firm texture. The bowl had just the right amount of food too - I was full, but didn't feel ready to burst by the end of the meal. Overall, the ramen was delicious and the service was great. The only small issue I had was with the temperature of the food - everything was served straight from the kitchen, so naturally my entire mouth was burned by the end of the meal. Nonetheless, I'll be coming back for more soon!
(4)Howard L.
Kevin Pang lured us here with his ramen house article in the Tribune, and wow was it worth the trip. We had a wonderful, delectable lunch of their classic Tonkotsu ramen ($10.75), soft shell crab ($10.75), and Kara-age fried chicken ($4). The quality was top notch fresh and tasty. It's not the cheapest place as the ramen serving had but one large piece of braised pork shoulder, but the ramen noodle taste was the best we've had to date. The egg noodles were generous, smooth and plump, and ramen was not overly salty. The fried soft shell crab was juicy and tender and fell apart in your chopsticks. The Kara age chicken had a nice distinctive and subtle ginger flavor. They have a small space, and it was warm and crowded. All in all, however, a great quality ramen stop and we will be back. It looks to be one of those places where there's nothing on the menu that isn't simply fantastic. They are Japanese owned and this business is pretty new having opened in January 2015.
(5)Igor C.
I had the tonkotsu and it was very good but I've never had it before so I have no comparison. Mu group also had the Tiwan and Best Condition Ramen. Everyone liked their dish. The Tiwan had tons of whole garlic cloves but they were pretty mild and while spicy the broth was not overwhelmingly so. Wish they had translations of the specials on the chalk boards. Overall very good, will be back.
(4)Issac T.
We went there on a Saturday for lunch and had to wait around 20 minutes for a table as they were really packed. The service was generally good and fast, they could use a little more space inside as it seems a little congested when it is full. My son and I ordered the spicy Tiwan Ramen and my wife ordered the Best Condition Ramen. the food was good quality and a little bit on the spicy side, this was my first time trying out this kind of food and came with out as a positive experience.
(4)Ag C.
It's our second try at this place since they open. The shio n shoyu might be ok, tried tonkotsu n miso, it was very average. As much as I don't care for misoya, I think we would go misoya instead of here the next time.
(3)Kenway N.
So my foodie friends decided to come here after reading David Pangs ramen review. We were all blown away by the ramen here. We all ordered the tonkotsu ramen and avoided the long waits by coming at 11pm on Saturday since they open later on the weekends. The broth was simply tasty without being too heavy like most ramen shops. The noodles were excellent. Had great consistency and cooked perfectly. The egg and pork belly was very good here. All my friends drank the soup after they inhaled the ramen. Balance is the key for the ramen at Shinchan and I will be coming back very often.
(5)Seleen T.
Great ramen. I got the Tonkotsu Ramen and it was amazing. The venue is really small though and gets packed fast for lunch. Price is reasonable for 11$. Fast service too. I would go back.
(4)Restaurant Vigilant E.
Always willing to give something new a try, I ducked into this hole in the wall place a few weeks back. While easy to get to being in a strip mall on the corner of Euclid and Plum Grove, the strip mall itself is sort of tucked away. As a rule, I am not a big soup fan...things like Pho and what not, don't do a ton for me. That said, I had never had Ramen before (not even the instant kind - even back in college)...the interior of the restaurant is fairly small, clean and inviting. This is a pretty new place, having just opened a few months ago. While certainly not an expert on Japan, the interior was very similar to what I would think a Ramen house in Japan would look like - cozy, with natural wood tones, and a long counter, as well as the occasional table to dine at. The menu is not huge - several different types of Ramen. I went with the Taiwan Ramen which boasted having some sort of spicy pork in it. I was pretty happy with it - it had the spicy pork as it claimed and a few other cuts. The broth was pretty decent and the noodles were good. In a word, I would describe the dish as being "Fresh." Clearly made to order and with a pronounced degree of care. Price-wise....mmmmm....I think it was upwards of around $12.00 or so. This seemed a little high to me for what it was (essentially soup with noodles). While not totally unreasonable, I felt as though the price point was a few bucks more than ideal. I thought the interior was great, the food was very fresh and well prepared. The staff was friendly and the food arrived promptly. A bit more expensive than I would have liked, but not beyond the pale. I think I like the idea of Ramen more than actual Ramen. I am just not a big soup person at all and have never considered it a meal....about 40 minutes later I was looking through my fridge for something else to eat....but that is my short coming, no reflection on this place. I hope they are around for a long time.
(3)Erin B.
Unfriendly service: We got there at 5:58 and they refused to let us in because the "kitchen wasn't ready". One would think that being a newer restaurant they would welcome new customers. Upon walking in, the place had a musty smell. Our waiter had the friendliness level of a doorknob. No sriracha? Wtf if you serve Asian noodle soups you should have effing sriracha We had to ask for a spoon for my son and worst of all the food lacked flavor. Slimy pork that had no flavor and the bamboo shoots tasted like they were cooked old oil. The broth was worse than condensed soup. Honestly one of the worst meals and restaurant experiences I have ever had. I'm sure this place won't last. God awful.
(1)Joanna W.
Love this place! When they say spicy, they mean it, which is great for me, but might not be for others. Every time I have come in there to pick up food its always busy, which is another great sign. Definitely worth a try and the prices are great.
(5)Penny L.
I agree with three and four star reviews. It's good. I'd go back here rather than Miso-ya. But still prefer to venture to Santouka. I like the Ramen Battles in Yusho. Food came out hot. Not too salty. Has flavor but searching for umami. Noodles al dente, one style. Good beer selection. Would go back if I'm in the neighborhood. Last call is fifteen minutes before closing. Plenty of parking. If busy, there is a wait list. Seating is around 35 people.
(4)Sabrina B.
Looking for Japanese ramen in the suburbs considering our options are small, this place came up when I was yelping. We were so happy to come here. I had the miso ramen and my husband had the tonkatsu ramen. We were both satisfied. The one thing that we get to hesitant about Japanese ramen is always the saltiness but this place did not overdue with the salt. I'm actually considering taking my mom to try cause last time I took her for Japanese ramen it was a major fail. I can't wait to come back an try another ramen/udon flavor.
(5)George H.
Service is quick and attentive. I withheld my initial impressions of this kitchen because I wanted to see how consistent service was. In my opinion the mark of professionals is consistent service any time and every time. Im happy to say that what I found here did not disappoint. The soups are a little bit on the salty end but to be honest I've grown used to seeing that in many eastern asian soups across all spectrums. The helpings are generous and I recommend any dish featuring udon. I'm really happy to see this place not only open but also thriving because they add great cultural value to the area and I predict they will soon run out of space if they don't find a bigger location in which to operate. Soups are a little bit expensive in my opinion making it difficult to make this kitchen a daily stop. They're also closed on Mondays.
(5)M M.
You local suburbanites fail because this is amazing food and you don't understand. Thank You for giving me the Good Good.
(5)Alexander M.
This review is only on the ramen (tonkotsu and miso). Staff and service gets 5 stars. it comes to a place that decides to call themselves Ramen house, i immediately had to see what this place has to offer verus other ramen locations. At $10.75 a bowl, i would have expected more. Soup base lacks robust flavor(both miso and tonkatsu) in fact quite plain. 2 small leaf sized porklets (cha su) probably less than 1 ounce in total, one egg, plenty of beansprouts, noodles mildly firm and plentiful. I would think $8.00 would be an appropriate price, considering the ingredients and plain soup flavors. Santouka has awesome flavor in the soup base and noodle texture. Misoya has grilled chasu and plentiful, variety of choices, and good soup bases. Ramen house has good.... I dont know. I wont be going back for ramen. I honestly want to give this place 2 stars but since its a new business, it deserves a chance. But hey if you are looking for late-night ramen i guess this is worth going to.
(3)Jen S.
Love this ramen shop! Everything I've tried comes out quickly and is delicious. Excellent portion sizes as well. I've been bringing as many friends as I can, and no one has been disappointed.
(5)T S.
The best thing aside from Ramen itself is the interior decor. Very simple and Japanese looking. :) I feel like I can come here on a regular basis for a quick lunch or dinner on a snowy night. The boiled egg in the ramen is divine. I'm definitely coming back to try the rest of the menu.
(4)Mark B.
So I was bored and solo for lunch and feeling a bit blah.. What better way to remedy that than a trip to a new Ramen House! Walking in I noticed that I was the only white person there so in my eyes it was going to be a home run! I prefer to walk into any ethnic place and well find ethnic people there. As per my usual I immediately decided to order to much food. I ordered the Shoyu-Ramen, a side of the Taiwanese pork and the fried rice!. As I am a dainty eater I guess I should have brought some friends but well it was a spur of the moment thing. The ramen was super flavorful and I only wish that it came with more pork! The Taiwanese pork (think ground turkey with cloves of garlic) was spicy and garlicky goodness in a light broth that I liberally dumped into my ramen when the original pork was gone. The fried rice I really enjoyed and I can honestly say I was confused by a few ingredients in it. All in all I will be going back and soon. Nice to see some cool stuff going into Palatine as I normally have to travel for my Asian fixes.
(4)Duane L.
Its very clean inside and the ramen is awesome. Need I say more? Nope.
(5)Heddie D.
The best condition ramen is my favorite! You get a lot of ramen for a decent price. The service is fast and the foods awesome.
(5)Ryan H.
I was very excited to see that a Ramen shop opened up near work. I honestly had no idea it was there....it just showed up one day. I had no idea what to expect and was shocked to see such a nice place that was already full. I wasn't disappointed. I can't really speak to the finer points of Ramen but everything was great. I fully recommend this place and I hope we can visit at least once a week or two.
(5)Eugenia G.
The food was excellent. We had Tonkotsu Ramen and Miso Ramen. Tonkotsu is slightly salty and has an amazing creamy broth. Miso was also very good. Service was fast and friendly. Caveat: it opens exactly at 6 pm and there is a line by the door. At 6:15 you will have to wait, but it is worth it and they turn tables fast! All in all, great ramen experience. Wonderful suburbian gem!
(5)Nick D.
Another great ramen place in the Schaumburg area. I feel like we are starting to get spoiled. They have an excellent variety overall, but my favorite is the tonkotsu here. They have the best tonkotsu broth I've had. Highly recommended!
(4)V P.
Tucked away into a strip mall and once inside you will certainly be surprised by the bright and modern decor. Japanese bottled soda, unfortunately no hot tea at the time I was there, but we went rather late at night before they closed. Service was very good. Ramen though, oh my. It was so delicious. The pork and green onion topping portion was huge! I ended up taking it home and using it for omelettes the next morning c: I definitely recommend this place. It was the perfect meal in cold weather.
(4)Allen D.
my brother took us here and finally found a place that I could call closed enough as a authentic japanese Ramen soup. highly recommended
(5)Ding A.
This place is 5 mins away from my college in they serve one of the best ramen in the area. Last time I tried the tebasaki chicken and I've was in heaven. The chicken carefully fried and tender it's easy to eat. We have to wait a little bit to be seated since it has limited sitting, but it was worth it.
(5)Brenda A.
I decided to try this place since is new and always packed (tried to be there twice before and waiting time was more than an hour). The place is very small but clean and beautifully decorated. The broth was amazing, very tasty!!!! The noodles were delicious and plenty, now the meat amount was a dissapoinment. They only give one tiny piece of meat. I would definitely go back but will order extra meat.
(4)Paul L.
Best most well balanced ramen I have had yet. This place is so good and I am alway the only person who is speaking English every time I visit. I highly suggest eating there. Miso egg best condition ramen and toroniku were all splendid!
(5)Aki T.
First time visit. And it definitely won't be the last. I had a shoyu ramen and a small fried rice. Shoyu ramen was pretty standard but a bit on sweet side. Not so greasy like most tonkatsu ramen that are so popular in states. Chashu pork was bit thin but tasty. A whole marinated egg comes standard. Oh and the volume of noodle was American sized. Side of fried rice was too much because of this. Fried rice was also good. Generous amount of pork was in it and rice wasn't soaked in soy sauce unlike most fried rice. Service was fine. There are several non-ramen menus up on the black board that I need to try as well as other ramens here. Price could be bit lower.
(4)JJ K.
Maybe it's different style of ramen I prefer ramen misoya or ramen San style more than this place. I would give 3 for food and 5 for service. The gyoza was burnt but they replaced it quickly. Chicken wings were salty and sweet. Love or hate. (My son hated it. I liked it. ) tonkatsu ramen was pretty decent, though. Wanna try something else next time. Taiwan spicy ramen was spicy and I'm a Korean so it could mean it WAS spicy. I would give 3 out of 5 for Taiwan ramen and 3.5 for tonkatsu. If I try something else next time, I will write more. For seating though, you could either wait 3 mins or 30 mins. Skip the appetizers. Just have ramen. Portion is big enough.
(4)Dan N.
The tonkotsu ramen is really good! Really recommend this ramen when you go to shinchan ramen! It tastes like actual tonkotsu broth
(5)Justin S.
Hands down best ramen spot I've ever had in the entire Chicagoland & greater area. Can't wait to make another visit!
(5)E L.
Having eaten my way through Japan for a few years, I think I can tell a thing or two about good ramen. This place is a welcomed addition to the Chicagoland area where we still trail NY and LA in the ramen scene. The ramen here is solid as I come to expect. The menu is simple and offers a list of the traditional ramens. As a food purist, I abhor the bastardized ramen that strays from traditional simplicity. Tonkotsu is my all time favorite and this place delivers an excellent bowl. The ramen was served perfect with the right body and the broth at the right temperature although it could used a bit more depth on the umami...the upside is that it was not greasy unlike other places. The ajitsuke tamago (soft boiled egg) was done right and the pork belly well seasoned. The only thing that I hope they would consider is kaedama. A good broth always deserves an encore. ;-). The price leans toward the high side but given the shortage of formidable ramen competition in the area, I'd charge just as much. As a true Japanese owned place, the service is consistent with the friendliness, welcoming and respectful treatment one can expect at any restaurant in Japan. I can foresee coming here for a long time to come.
(5)CK K.
I have been here a few times with co-workers and it is always great. The bowls of Ramen are huge (actually kind of too big). I have tried the Tiwan, Shio, and Special Condition. They are all good but the Special Condition is my favorite. I took my wife and kids here and they loved it as well. The only complaint is the place is always packed. They need to expand.
(5)Yi M.
Tonkotsu is the best one among miso and chanpon. Karrage and te ba saki are good also. Miso katsu was ok. Chanpon had too much vegetable taste in it. Miso's flavor is not deep. We drove here and it was overall worthy.
(4)Vince T.
Get there early lines are forming 15 minutes before they open, only seats 35. Excellent service, excellent food, excellent prices.
(5)Andrea P.
The best ramen ever. It is so amazing. The sauce and the noodles. The only problem is it smells like dogs since it is near biscuit and bows. It kind of feels like you are eating dog hair. The places very convenient and easy to find.
(4)Ross P.
We had gyoza which were great and some fried chicken (I can't recall what they were called) which were also excellent. My gf had ramen, forgot which one. I had one of the specials, curry udon. I loved it. The atmosphere was "authentic" and the staff were very polite and welcoming. I dug it and will definitely return.
(4)Gwen K.
Had the tonkatsu ramen with cha siu added, and fried rice. Very good broth, authentic ramen house. Unpretentious. Get your grind on and go! A little more than I'm used to paying but fairly priced. I'm also used to having some condiments available like dried garlic and oil but not on table (and I didn't ask.) Will come back regularly!
(5)Sanae W.
Hostess and staff very friendly. Although it was relatively busy, the food came out very fast. I love their Tonkotsu Ramen!! Also the Kurobuta miso katsu was to die for!
(5)Christopher O.
Very pleasant atmosphere. Menu is simple but they have a variety of chef specials. Wife and I had the Tonkatsu ramen, and the broth is fantastic. I would have liked more pork in the bowl, but it was good quality pork. The service is fast too.
(5)Tim O.
Awesome! Much better than strings and misoya. Also a lot more affordable than both places.
(5)Chris M.
Superb ramen. Great selection, delicious broths, authentic atmosphere. This place has been open less than a month and people are already lining up to wait for it to open.
(5)Steve A.
Pork Ramen....delicious! We also tried the chicken wings, and Gyoza which were all excellent! This place is great, especially on a cold winter day!!
(4)Samuel B.
Uncomplicated menu with a variety of flavor options. The noodles were firm and delicious. Restaurant was clean and the staff was plentiful, allowing for attention to each customer. A great place for Ramen noodles.
(4)Violet M.
Have been here at least 4 times. I like the tebasaki for $5(chicken wings and the kara age $4 small and $8 large(fried breaded chicken0. Husband likes the mitsu udon(fried breaded pork chop). We have tried the sara udon too(crispy noodles with chop suey veggies, pork and seafood). Ramen is just okay. Worth trying. Come at off hours so you dont have to wait too long.
(3)Bobbi S.
Super cute place. Small but turns over quickly. We ordered the shio, misi, and tokotsu ramens. The noodles were a little chewy and they are a little heavy on the salt. The portions were generous. Only open a week and packed during lunch. The service was great. I would like to go back in a while once they get a good groove going. Maybe try the udon. It looked really good.
(4)Glenn K.
Best ramen option outside of the city that I've found so far. Wasabi probably has better Tonkotsu ramen, but allowing for the variety of great choices, I'll take this ramen house over just about any other place.
(5)Rob G.
It would be difficult for me to know less about authentic Ramen. This is the 3rd time I've had it. So this review is coming from a novice. But I loved Ramen house. Stopped by in the afternoon on a sunday and they were slammed. Judging from the reviews, that's commonplace. I got the taiwan ramen and it was excellent. I thought 10.75 seemed a little steep for Ramen, but the portions were large so I don't have too much of an issue with it. I'm happy there is something like this local, so I can keep going back and trying new things.
(4)Richard W.
The most authentic Japanese ramen house in Chicagoland area. Ramen was very close to the one I had in Japan. Very flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
(5)J R.
Good ramen! Great lunch place, if you can find a seat. I will be back.
(4)Pachelbel C.
Chanpon was the BEST out of all restaurants that serve it!
(5)Jose Felix F.
it is very good small restaurant, the service is good, a lady was waiting with 2 glass of water as soon as we get to the table, a nice selection of soups, I will go back to taste some other soups,
(4)Alex R.
Ramen House Sinchan is a welcome addition to the ranks of ramen restaurants in the Northwest Suburbs. Hopefully ramen doesn't go in the way of sushi: ubiquitous and commercialized. (Maybe it already has?) At any rate, good ramen is good ramen, and you should come here if you're looking for good ramen. I ordered the Tonkotsu, which did not disappoint. The broth had a distinguishably strong pork flavor. The other components of the ramen were fresh and for the most part, well balanced. The pork, though delicious and tender, was a bit on the small side. Perhaps this is reflected in the lower price point. I also ordered Chahan (fried rice) and Gyoza as appetizers, both of which were good choices. The prices are very reasonable, and the service is good. For my money, I prefer Ramen Misoya, but if I'm in Palatine, I'm definitely coming here to satisfy my ramen craving.
(4)Sunny B.
The best Katsu Curry since Tokyo! Yes..I know the is a Ramen spot but their Katsu curry was the best I've had in Chicago..hands down!! The Masago Taiwan Ramen was spot on too. Outside of the Katsu curry, the wings and the Kara-Ge chicken were to to the Japanese taste. Overall taste, quality and service were 5*! Only improvement could come in presentation but with food this good...I can easily overlook that. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Chet M.
Good solid Tonkatsu Ramen with better than average milky type broth. Sinchan is off to a good start but def can improve the following: *Get rid of slight stink in corner booth by window. *Train Yao Ming dude to know menu better ("I guess" or "I think" is NFG) *Stop using shredded cabbage. It's the cheapest veggie you can buy. *Could serve more ramen noodles in order. U a ramen house, right? *Da heck is Taiwan Ramen? Taiwan is Chinese. Ramen is Japanese.
(3)Mark B.
This isn't your 99¢ ramen by a long shot. Small place with not too many tables, but counter seating as well. We jumped right in with a traditional Miso Ramen and a spicy vegetarian Ramen. Both were excellent. The helpings are large, for nearly $10 a bowl, they should be. Both bowls came out incredibly hot, as they should, so be careful if it's your first time. The spicy vegetarian had a great mix of bean sprouts, cabbage and bok choy on top of the noodles and broth. The spiciness is a little deceptive. I noticed a bit of spice while eating, but not the kind that makes your taste buds useless for hours afterwards. Then I noticed that the top of my head was sweating. Awesome! The Miso had a slice of pork laid on top along with a hard boiled egg, sliced in half. The pork was tender and flavorful and the egg was well done but not overdone or rubbery as they can become when not watched. Overall, a nice addition to the culinary options in Palatine. We'll be back.
(4)Scott L.
This style of food is not really my cup of tea, but I went here with coworkers. The food was very good. I think this place is worth a go, but if you are a picky eater you may need to open your mind.
(3)Cindy W.
The classic miso ramen soup is my fav. the taste is authentic, which differentiate it from other places I have been to.
(5)Robert G.
I don't often sit back and think to myself, you know what sounds good for dinner? Ramen. But I did this weeknight, and it was awesome. There were a lot of options, but having seafood in a pork broth piqued my interest enough for me to pick it over the others. Since it's also the most expensive item on the menu, it's the only thing I ate here. This bowl of ramen is absolutely enormous. And the broth is as good as I hoped it would be - an almost-creamy, flavorful, very hot pork broth. Great depth to build a bowl of ramen on. The egg noodles tasted, surprisingly, like eggs, and not like generic slimy starch. The meat and fish were tender, and the vegetables crunchy. A little dusting of chili spice made it complete. The dining area is very quiet, and most of the other people dining in were Japanese, which is always a good indicator of quality. I'm ready to try a Miso bowl for the next time.
(5)Ka L.
Staffs are very nice and the food come really really quick. I ordered number 7 Miso Ramen and my sister ordered number 6 Tonkotsu Ramen. You can't go wrong with Miso Ramen!! And the Tonkotsu is just amazing. However, it only come with one piece of pork but you can always add extra meat. Price is average. Have beer.
(4)Kohei S.
I had 3 kinds of their ramens, Tonkotsu, Taiwan, Best Condition. Everything good, but Tonkotsu is my best so far. Tonkotsu has strong flavor and very soft cha shu. Teba Saki and gyoza also good for appetizer. I definitely will come back!!
(5)John S.
So I might be jumping the gun to give Shinchan 5 stars especially since I've only been here once BUT it really has a lot going for it! Start with Fried Calamari. It's a lighter batter, clean tasting, & not overcooked. A small dip in the condiment & spices makes the flavor complete. Tebasaki. Chicken Wings. When served they smell very peppery. Once you bite into them there is a nice sweet honey flavor, a bit of salt, & mild pepper finish. Really good. Gyoza. Some of the best I've had. The wrapper is thin, pan fried on one side, filled with juicy pork & vegetables. It is a very tender filling with great flavor. Minimal dipping sauce needed. Maybe just drop these into your ramen broth!! Tonkotsu Ramen. Mild to medium rich by american standards. It has a subtle richness to it. I liked it a lot Miso Ramen. Light broth flavor, also good. Compared to almost any other udon or ramen house the broths here are mild and not salty. They have a light subtle flavor that is very good. I personally do not think you should add a ton of soy or salt to these. I would relate this broth to a filet mignon, enjoy it for what it is. Ask for the 7 pepper blend to add... Wait times can be long. They will stop seating 30min before they close if they are full. We got there when they opened, 15 min later they were full with a 30-45min wait. Carry out might be the best option!! Will be back often.
(5)Nikita W.
very tinny place for Ramen. the Noodle is good, soup basic is good, enough selection as a Ramen Shop. going there only for Ramen, do not expect other food. I will go more often, if i live closeby. only one thing, waiting time for seat.
(4)Sara L.
Finding a place to eat in the burbs at 11p at night that isn't fast food or drunk food is nearly impossible. Lo and behold Ramen House was to the rescue!! The owner greeted us immediately as we walked in and was very friendly. The place is very clean, brightly lit and modern. The menu has other items for non-ramen eaters. Keep an eye out on their chalkboard for specials. We ordered the chicken wings, Tiwan ramen and Shio ramen. The food came out quickly, which is something I like. We've been to other ramen places where you're waiting an eternity for your food. Don't mess with a girl who is hangry!! The Tiwan ramen was spicy, meaty, filing and down right delicious. It had a enough heat to give it a kick but without burning your mouth. The Shio was smooth, light and complemented the other ingredients very well. As for those wings, we made the right choice ordering them. The wings had a nice crispy finish without being over cooked or oily. Needless to say we were happily in a food coma and fell right asleep when we got home. Now I've a reason to come out to the burbs more often!!
(5)Jenny V.
This place is close to my house, clean and fast service. The waiting area is super small but both times i've been here, i waited 15 minutes max. I've tried the miso ramen and the miso udon. both good but i like the udon noodles more. be careful! its super hot!
(4)Amy L.
Best ramen place in Chicago area. I have tried several kinds of ramen here -- Best condition and Tamago Taiwan (Taiwanese TanTan noodle with egg) are my favorite!
(5)Neal P.
Located in a strip mall that houses AJ's Pizza and Biscuit & Bows, This place is as good as it gets! There's so much to offer in this cozy shop in suburban Palatine IL. Walking inside, you're instantly greeted with the traditional Japanese nicety "itadakimasu" !!! Right there, you should already know... You're about to experience something truly wonderful. If you're looking at a Ramen place review, you've probably heard about how yummy Ramen dishes are. In fact, if you aren't already on a Ramen kick, this place will get you started. The other known fact is that they are often busy at all times of the day. However, for my first visit there today, we were happily surprised to see only 2 people waiting for a seat. They have their signature ramen dishes on a walled menu in the waiting area. I think there's like 9 of them. Then they have a slew of other delicious yummies that I'm going to check off one by one in the near future. Some of those include: Gyoza (Japanese pot stickers), Katsu Kare (pork cutlet with curry sauce), and Yakisoba ... any service member stationed in Japan or Okinawa will know what this is ;) After hearing reports from others about the spice factor of a certain dish they had, I didn't hesitate to order the Taiwan Ramen -- be aware that this one packs a heckuva kick, so much that even Mr Miyagi would bow down to its awesomeness. But it's not just about the spice factor. My first sip of this immensely flavorful broth transported me to another world. I was slurping and chewing, and didn't have a care about who was watching or hearing my hot mess. At one point during my heavenly trip, tears were dripping past my eyes -- either the sweat from my brow or a deep appreciation that I have a job right down the street from this place... YES! Anyways, the Taiwan Ramen is not for the average eater that thinks black pepper is "spicy". It's for that muncher that appreciates the exotic combination of spicy hot and crazy good, such as you find in Thai food ;) But not everything is spicy at Ramen Shinchan. In fact, I'd say there are only a few dishes in their inventory that hit this level of hot. But it was soooooo good. Don't wait any longer. Get there. Get a menu. Start checking off items, get on a Ramen kick, and become a repeat customer. My one dish was so filling (and I'm an eater by trade) and cost about $10.82 after tax. Money well spent, IMO. -- And if you haven't lived by this well known tip before... {There are a lot of Japanese people seen eating in this Japanese restaurant which means that this is a Japanese approved dining establishment -- and this goes for almost all ethnic restaurants}. Enjoy! ... and ... itadakimasu!!!
(5)Mick B.
This review is for take-out only. Given the other reviews and the line of people waiting to be seated, I thought that it would be some time before my take-out order was ready- I was somewhat shocked at how quickly it was in my hands and I was on my way. A couple of notes about the experience: The day that I visited, they were out of the take out menus. I chose my order from a laminated menu card, but the menu is also on their wall and on their website. It did not appear that all items on the in-store menus were listed on the website however. I had some difficulty flagging down someone to give my take-out order to, its also a bit confusing figuring out what the waitstaff roles are, and indeed, even if a particular person is a customer or an employee. A different person brought me my food than took my order and payment- the second person acted somewhat suspicious that I hadn't paid, and unfortunately I had told the person that took my payment that I didn't need a receipt. I felt a bit uncomfortable as I didn't want them to think that I was cheating them. Notes about the food: You do get a large portion but as previously mentioned, it is a bit pricey with all things considered. I ordered the Best Condition Ramen and it had a distinctly pepper finish, but overall was very tasty. The Miso Ramen that we ordered was a bit bland but it came to life after adding a bit of soy sauce. I certainly would suggest doing take out if you can because of the other reviewers comments and my experience that getting seated can be somewhat of a challenge.
(4)D S.
Love this out of the way place.. good food..great hole in the wall. Awesome noodles, I would highly recommend the Ramen house for noodle dishes!
(4)Sarah S.
I couldn't be happier that Ramen House has opened right across the street from home for me. It's a small shop in a strip mall but it gets packed to the brim at all hours. My friend and I got there about Noon on a Saturday and were met with a thirty minute wait. As we dined, business didn't slow at all and I imagine the wait only grew as more & more people waited. Service was very friendly and polite, not overly invasive, just the right attentiveness I like when dining. I went of course expecting to order ramen but ended up ordering the Sara Udon. I meannnnnn, my name is Sarah! How could I not order this dish!? Although not all ingredients were listed, this dish has pork, squid, octopus and shrimp in it. It's a huge portion with tons of vegetables over crispy noodles with a few udon noodles thrown in for $10.75. It's not udon in the traditional sense by any means but wow that flavor was great. It's a whole lot of tasty food for a decent price. My friend has their best condition ramen which again, is not traditional ramen at all but it was oh so delicious and it's their special recipe. My friend I dined with is Japanese and she was very happy that the Ramen House was owned and operated by Japanese, plus 90% of the clientele were Japanese. After we left, she was quite excited to take her mama to try it out. The food is excellent, service is perfect and it couldn't be more conveniently located for me! With so many other delicious options on the menu (donkatsu ramen, shoyo ramen, miso ramen, plus many non-ramen dishes), I see myself coming here quite often! An amazing addition to the neighborhood!
(5)Mike M.
Back to the burbs for the next chapter of my ramen adventures...I've been on a quest to try all the ramen I can get my hands on and I've had my eye on Ramen House Shinchan since it's new and not too far from my office. I decided to come here on a Saturday for lunch since I happened to be in the area. I figured this would be a popular lunch spot, so I waited until 2:30 PM to stop by. I was shocked to discover that there was still a good amount of people just waiting to be seated, and it's never a good sign when you see people holding those restaurant pagers they give for long waits. Luckily a spot opened up at the bar and I strolled right in. The inside had a very similar layout as Ramen Misoya: a handful of tables on one side and then bunch of seats along a counter on the outside of the kitchen. I ordered the Tonkotsu ramen and added extra cha shu pork to it. Noodles: The noodles were thinner and firmer than a lot of the other bowls of ramen I've tried. I liked em. Broth: I really enjoyed the broth. It was one of the milkier, creamier broths I've tasted in a while. While it still wasn't as heavy as I prefer (I basically want it to be melted meat haha), I thought the flavor was on point and it had a good amount of saltiness. I ended up finishing it all. Toppings: It came with 2 slices of pork and a soft boiled egg. The ramen was garnished with the typical bean sprouts and scallions. The extra meat upgrade added 3 more slices of the pork on a side dish. I was NOT a fan of the cha shu pork at all though. For the most part I thought it was pretty flavorless and lacked any sort of seasoning. Next, I thought the pieces of meat I got were extremely fatty, but not in a good way. I typically love fatty meat where it has a nice charred or crispy outside and the fat just melts in your mouth. But no, this meat's fatty texture was very tough to chew and more like muscular, connective tissue or something. I couldn't even just bite through it while holding it with chopsticks...I literally had to use my hand to tear the meat away from my mouth. I would've preferred just more soft boiled eggs than the pork that came with the tonkotsu. Overall, I liked everything about this ramen, except for the very disappointing pork. Luckily I focus on the broth more than anything, so I still found this bowl of ramen to be tasty and enjoyable. I do love the growing number of legit ramen places in the burbs, so Ramen Shinchan is a nice addition.
(3)Katie M.
Definitely a place you might pass by every day and not give a second thought. This awesome ramen spot is tucked away in an unassuming strip mall. Open until late at night, they're dishing up some of the best ramen in the burbs. They've also got plenty of daily specials on the chalkboards to try as well! I got the vegetarian ramen, and it was loaded with veggies. So much so it was towering over my bowl! Whether you like spicy or mild, loaded with veggies or meat, they've got a ramen for you! I highly suggest the chicken wings! They were delicious and seasoned great. Definitely going back for more!
(4)Victoria W.
Ramen house I have finally tried you and boy for a short period of time you have been open, you have already became a popular spot amongst us foodies at heart. I would have given this place 5 stars had it not been the fact that without being able to see all the ingredients that go into the making of my Tonkatsu and Chonpan, that they both have MSG in it. An hour after my meal my mouth felt like the Sahara Dessert. SOO DRY, I drank 3 bottles of water within 30 min. Did not even need to use the bathroom either, I was definitely dehydrated. Also, the fact that some ramens here have cabbage...ehhh I admit not that I claim to be an expert in Japanese food, but I don't know how cabbage pairs with ramen, at least not my preference. Also I was never given water during my meal here. With that said. The braised pork is VERY tender and juicy, I wanted more! It only came with 1 piece of pork on my tonkatsu, no braised pork on my chonpon. I personally liked the tonkatsu better than chonpon. The chonpon looked messed, but tasted good, minus the cabbage. The broth, SO VERY rich, in fact so rich I took out my Tonkatsu and the next day when I took it out of the fridge the broth turned from liquid to a solid form. The noodle, perfect ramen noodle, no non sense instant noodle type that some Japanese places would try to trick you into. For people who knows their Ramen we all know it needs to have a good amount of bite paired with curliness and just the right amount of thickness. Not too thick not too thin. I would have liked a type of ramen with shrimp tampura and a whole piece of fish cake...the chonpon had fish cake in it but all sliced up, you can't really even taste it. If you don't want to wait, come right on the dot when they open. They open at 6PM for dinner, if you come even 30 min later this place will be all seated and you will have to wait. Note that there is a gap in between lunch and dinner where they are not open. Like some reviewers have said, yes the price here is slightly higher, but honestly for the suburbs where ramen places are few and far beyond, they can justify that, as you can clearly see by people lining up the door waiting for it to open. Next time I am back I will have to try their fried rice and yakisoba. Definitely worth coming back. A true ramen place owned by Japanese.
(4)Linh L.
Eh. I don't get why it's so busy here. The ramen tastes like a quick broth. There's better options in the city. What I do like about this place though is how you can get your noodle soup fixings when needed. I know I need it I need a taste of home OR, I'm hungover.
(2)K I.
It looked professional in appearance, but not professional in taste. Its atmosphere had all the elements including Black T-shirts, signs and Japanese speakers at the top Ramen shops in Japan. The quality was disappointing B class. The noodle was the worst. The soup was OK but lukewarm. The temperature was low as ramen standard. The rate has been high and my expectation was high. Seems overrated. They have Taiwanese menu and so they may not be Japanese. Their spicy raman may be OK for Taiwanese standard. Don't take Japanese guests here because my guests were disappointed. They use the pink colored fish cake which my son called the fake fish cake with bright food color. Some ingredients were Chinese products.
(3)Brooke C.
My family is always looking for a good ramen place. Why didn't I come here sooner? Convenient location and authentic! It's a small place and we came on a Sunday evening and it was busy. In addition to ramen, they also have more items on chalk board, so we will have to come back again. The ramen soup has great flavor and not overly salty like most other places. Noodle portion is good with perfect al dente texture but there is only one thin slice of Cha-Shu in the the bowl. If one needs more, will have to order extra. My kids are already asking to go back again. We definitely will become regular...
(4)Derek C.
There are lots of places to consider in the NW burbs when it comes to ramen now, and Shinchan makes a decent choice for satisfying your ramen craving. Having tried 4 different types of ramen here, Tonkatsu is the best. It's got a nice salty flavor for the broth and the noodles are nice and chewy. The pork chop that comes with it is tasty, but not as good as Ramen Misoya's (and they give you 3 pieces). I've also had the Miso Ramen, but I found it to be quite bland, which was a disappointment. They also have these salt and pepper chicken wings that are pretty good, and I forget the exact name of them, but it's definitely something to try. However, the wings are super tiny, more like quail wings or something and at $6 for 5 wings, it's kinda pricey. Also, we came with a group of 6, and it was quite difficult for them to find a place for us so we waited almost an hour at lunch time on a Sunday when it wasn't all that busy. Then they proceeded to seat us at a 4 top, so they squeezed us into a small table. So just something to be aware of if you are coming with a large party.
(3)Vicky C.
The best condition ramen is sooo good!!! Its a huge bowl of everything, ramen, veggies, roasted garlic, and hot soup. My husband usually orders taiwanese meat on the side and eats it w this ramen cuz it doesnt have meat inside. Tonkatsu ramen 's base is too greasy and thick for me. We usually order a non spicy ramen, shio ramen, for the kids.
(5)Billy O.
Looking for a new experience ? Cannot go wrong here. Good food great service.
(4)Louise M.
Usually, when I'm with my Chicago friends, I have never felt hungry. This Saturday, I was starving for some reasons between way too much activities that did not involve me opening my mouth and swallowing delicious chewable items. Further, it took awhile to decide where to go for lunch. Though we were all hangry, no one could suggest of where to eat. Thank goodness that all of a sudden one of us yelled Eureka! Not in the tub, but in the backyard and really...what our Archimedes was saying was..Ramen. Before we knew it, we were in front of Ramen House Sinchan. I have never tried it before and frankly skeptical with suburban ramen houses. Ramen is tricky you know. It's hard to find a good bowl. However, I also did not have a taste for it that day. I wanted soup but ramen broth usually is so rich and thick while I just wanted something light. At that point though, I would slurp just about anything even Archimedes' bath water. Luckily, we got seated right away thanks to my friend calling ahead. The place was pretty cool inside though small and people were waiting for a table. It was absolutely packed! I started to salivate looking at what other people were eating at nearby tables. I was jumping for joy when finding out they had Shio ramen, which was ramen with clear chicken broth. That was exactly what I wanted! Chicken broth for my hoarse throat recovering from a cold. Perfect!! Our table also ordered the Tonkotsu ramen and Miso ramen as well as Kara age or fried chicken and some Japanese fried rice. The fried chicken came first and oh it really was tasty! It's crispy, hot, and had a very good flavor though it could stand a bit more salt. However, once you dipped it in the mayo sauce, all is well. My ramen was delicious and from not really wanting one, I ended up really enjoying and appreciating my bowl. The broth was light, clear, and it felt so good going down my throat. I think I drank the whole bowl of broth and left half the noodle behind completely dried. The tea egg was tasty and they gave you both halves! The noodle part was okay and I wasn't sure if the noodles were homemade. I tried my friend's Tonkotsu, and that was great! Next time when I wasn't recovering from a cold, I would go for that rich, thick, pork broth and slurp away. The Miso was pretty good but I have never would go for Miso ramen so my opinion did not matter here. The fried rice was really nice. I don't know..it just tasted good. Was it because I was hungry? Could be, but it was still good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great find for me! I would never thought of going here looking at it from the outside. It was in a strip mall and it didn't stood out at all. It's cool that we don't have to go fighting traffic next time and go to the city just for ramen. That's a great discovery as great as hydrotastic or pi. The displacement of my watery broth from the bowl to my tummy was enough to make me follow suit to Archie and took the street naked jumping for joy of my discovery. On second thought, naaaahhhhhh. I don't want to get arrested for ramen.
(4)Abraham K.
Whether you're coming for lunch or dinner, they will be open! However be alert, this place is smaller then most ramen places. You might have to wait 10~15 mins before your seated. I would say its definitely worth the wait. First timers, try their Tonkotsu ramen and Miso ramen. Service on point. If you didn't try Wasabi Ramen in Chicago, that's another Japanese Ramen place you should definitely check out as well!
(4)Megan M.
Not your average 'cup-o-ramen' You see, up until this day, I hadn't but salivated over my fellow yelper's photos of ramen-excursions. My only encounter with ramen had to do with a Styrofoam cup, dehydrated noodles, an inordinate amount of sodium and boiling hot water. I had no idea what a colorful world of flavor, texture and actual food I was missing out on. Less than 1/2 a mile from my home, this tiny new restaurant opened. I drove past the first night, and made a promise to myself- I would get my hands on some ramen. Soon. Soon came January 16th, as I pulled into the lot at 5:50pm. I nabbed a good spot right up front, confused by the droves of vehicles still running, with people inside. I headed out of my car, a skip in my step, anxious to explore this uncharted territory. As I pulled the handle, I was abruptly shorted by the lock, still engaged. I peered down to see, they open at 6pm. (Womp womp) Determined, I headed back to my car, and became one of many patrons waiting. The moments I sat there seemed to stretch on endlessly. As 6:00pm, on the dot, the "O" of the open sign lit up, and one by one, cars began to empty and the restaurant began to fill. It's a very small space- one row of tables, and then a bar. I walked in and tucked into the right corner where I asked about takeout. The hostess was very nice and apologized, noting that, while they don't offer take out currently, they will in the future. This didn't stop me. I took a seat at the bar, facing the kitchen, where the chefs were, within minutes, frantically busy. My waitress helped me pick the Miso-Ramen with a side of Spicy Pork and an order of gyoza. I patiently awaited, fidgeting, nervous, like a girl on a first date. Gyoza- 5 pieces, for 5 dollars. I watched as the homemade dumplings were cooked up, plated and placed before me. I could feel my eyes grow wide, as I snapped my chopsticks apart, and dove into the piping hot fresh, flavorful, noodle wrapped yum. I dipped into the vinegary sauce, and enjoyed every last one of them-far more quickly than anyone should. Next came the Ramen. A giant bowl containing a flavorful broth that was rich, and thick in its own way. Coated in noodles, topped with veggies, sprouts and accentuated with a halved soft boiled egg, and two slivers of pork. It was quite beautiful- almost breathtaking. Aside it was a plate containing a large amount of spicy pork, complete with warm, melt in your mouth, garlic cloves and green onions. Can someone tell me how to properly eat this? I made a catastrophic mess of the two square feet I occupied while dining. Like, 1 year old in a highchair, eating spaghetti for the first time, mess. That aside, this was a remarkable first for me. The sweet hostess whom I asked about takeout from earlier, came by and asked how I was enjoying everything, and how I found out about it. It was a nice touch- not that I was lonely, dining alone, on a Friday night... but it was appreciated. Plus, I got to tell her about how Yelp loved them, even a week into business! So first Ramen, and first visit, this place is solid. I'm sure they'll grow into the world of takeout, and I have a feeling, they will need to expand their dining area, as more of the world discovers what I did. I will be back, and I'll report on other flavors of Ramen House Shinchan!! And if anyone can help me be less of a slobbering disaster at eating this delicious dish, please, for the sake of all other dining patrons, please do. They'll get 5 stars as soon as takeout is available, oh, and if the staff asked if I wanted a beverage, because the food was certainly deserving. -Meg
(4)Chad B.
My brother in law and I have been on a Ramen kick lately. Saturdays are spent scouring Chicago for a new Ramen location to check out. I was re-routed by my GPS one night and passed Ramen House Shinchan. it was approx 10pm on a Wednesday night and the lights were on, a quick check on yelp and the reviews had sold me, they also informed me that this Ramen house is open until 11pm! Service was friendly, food was fresh, prepared quickly and quite honestly was one of my favourite locations that I have tried. I liked it so much, the entire family joined me back at Ramen House Shinchan the following Saturday. The lineup on a Saturday was much smaller than other locations, our party of 6 was seated quickly (within 5 mins) and the best highlight of it all, Everyone loved it! Chicken, Potstickers and Asian Meatballs were devoured quickly, my 3 year old niece tossed down the chicken and potstickers like they were going out of style... Great location - Check it out!
(5)Brittney H.
We searched diligently for a decent ramen place because we are from out of town. Our search brought us to Ramen House Shinchan! I have never been to Japan, but this must be what it is like to eat in a real ramen house! I love the atmosphere. My only complaint is how tiny the place is- it was a bit uncomfortable. We came here close to closing time on a Sunday night. As soon as we entered, we were greeted enthusiastically by the staff in Japanese ('irrashaimase!'). Both the staff and a majority of the customers were all Japanese speakers, which was very awesome! We sat at a small table on the left side of the restaurant and were brought waters. The place was packed, but they took our order in a timely manner. I got the Miso Ramen and my boyfriend got the Best Condition Ramen. We also got gyoza! They gyoza was hot and fresh and the ramen was delicious! The Best Condition was packed with fresh veggies and had a kick to it. The Miso Ramen was savory and my favorite part about it was the egg! This place is a little bit expensive, but for two bowls of ramen, one beer, and an order of gyoza ran us around $30. Not bad!
(4)Elana K.
My husband is more of the ramen fan between the two of us. He ordered the tonkotsu ramen and described it as the best ramen he'd had stateside. It seems like that comment alone should earn Ramen House Shinchan 5 stars. I ordered the tantan (also spelled dandan) from the specials board. It was delicious enough that I ate it all but it was SO spicy that it was a struggle til the end. I am someone who really loves spicy food but it was too much, even for me. They did warn me it was 'very spicy' when I ordered it, so I can't blame the restaurant. Please note that it is a noodle dish without broth or much visible sauce, so I would even call it deceptively spicy. The restaurant was extremely crowded and not very roomy. I would avoid coming here during peak hours if you can. However the service was fast and courteous despite it all. If you love ramen like my husband you should find the time and give this place a try.
(5)Connie L.
I came here on a Sunday for dinner and there was not a single empty seat available. Luckily the wait wasn't that long and the staff are friendly. It also helps that the food is prepared at lightning speed. I ordered the tonkotsu ramen, which comes with 2 thin slices of pork, an egg, and bean sprouts. The broth was rich and creamy, which was a plus. The portion sizes are decent, but I would recommend ordering a side dish if you are famished.
(4)