Santouka Ramen

100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA

Address:	100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA
Site:	santouka.co.jp
Rating:	4.6
Working:	11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM 11AM–7:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 40

Pat L

First of all, we have been to Japan few time this past year and went to few popular ramen places so we feel we can judge what good ramen is… and I like Santouka. The soup is flavorful and I can taste the bones they use to make the soup its a little sticky from the bone marrow. The ramen is firm and chewy. The char sue could be a little thinner with more fat. I also like the fact that the people work in the kitchen are Japanese instead of hipster like in the city ramen places that charge more and give you less. Shame most yuppies near downtown dont know any better and eating at those second rated "hipster" restaurants. FYI, cash only!

Jen Mui

Located in the Mitsuwa food court is literally the longest line there is. Their line on the weekend is about 30 - 40 mins wait and it may be hard to find a table, but its well worth it! The broth today was slightly on the saltier side, but the "Pork Cheeks" (highly recommended) just melts in your mouth! All their combinations they have are also very good! It gives you an option to not only have ramen, but to also try their rice bowls such as, their salmon & salmon roe rice bowl. The ramen comes with choices of broth, meats, different sizes and combinations. Love all their options for such reasonable price!

Fong Angela

Ive lived in Japan for a year & Ive had ramen all over Tokyo, so... Lets say Santouka is overrated. Not saying you can find better somewhere else in the area, but compared to ramen-ya in Tokyo, its nothing special. Its not horrible, but meh. As always, ramen is horribly expensive in the States compared to Jpn, but I guess thats not a fair comparison. Id just rather eat something else/something tastier if Im going to pay $10+ for a meal, have to wait in line & have to eat in a dingy food court. For example, Id rather wait 30 min at Wasabi in Chicago for much better decor, atmosphere & the same price.

Ray Wu

Santouka has been proudly serving authentic (albeit, traditionally fast-food) ramen long before the current ramen hype thats swept across the country. Personally, they continue to be the benchmark to judge all other bowls. Give it a try, and youll see what I mean. There are better bowls out there, but none are as indicative of what a bowl of ramen is all about.

Irvin Loza

Ive been here a few times, always good ramen. The reason I am rating so low is the terrible wait times (30 - 45 min), the high prices and the fact that they neither do to-go orders nor do they take debit/credit cards. Santouka is a large ramen shop chain and they should be able to absorb the credit/debit fees instead of pushing the atm fees onto the customer.

Margaret Larkin

I dont even bother to eat ramen in the city--I drive the several miles to enjoy it here because its delicious. The rice is also authentic (because sometimes places offer cheaper quality, assuming we wont know the difference). Ive even been here with Asian people and they agree that its good. Thats why theres often a long line. Worth the trip.

Justin Ordoveza

Cash only. I ordered the spicy miso Ramen with slices of pork cheek. The Ramen broth was very rich and fatty and just spicy enough. The best part was probably the port cheeks, did the right combination meaty and fatty. It can get packed at lunchtime so plan accordingly.

Theresa Geiger

Great ramen (my favorite is the spicy ramen with extra pork), but be prepared to wait a long time if it is anywhere near lunch. I cant understand how they havent opened a freestanding restaurant by now, with how many customers they have and how trendy ramen is.

Cheng-Wei Wu

Id like molded, ramen. Its in the food court in the mall. I think the food in the food court improved comparing to the ones they had a few years ago. Attack more eaters now. Be warned, the close early. About after 7:30 to 40 pm,they stop taking orders.

Jeff A

Comfort food! Definitely one of the best ramen places in the northwest suburbs. The fact that its located in a Japanese marketplace (Mitsuwa) is a plus if youre looking for Japanese Consumables in the form of food or literature (great bookstore).

Brian BriGuy

My bro got the salt ramen there and he said it was great!!! Plus it looks exactly like the one from Naruto!!! (Letting those anime lovers know!!!) But they should put a little less salt, it almost ruined flavour, but still tasty!!!

yimei XU

行きたいなぁって思ってます。まだ行かないけどね。いい所だと思います。日本での生活が思い出した。懐かしいです

Michael Blasingame

Absolutely hands down the best ramen in the Chicago area! I love coming here for a special meal! Lots of variety and set combinations depending on what you like and how hungry you are!

Sam Reyes

This place is amazing. I love ramen shops and this by far is one of the best ones Ive been to. It also has a pretty large menus of what you can order and it decently priced.

Sara Ashlock

The service is amazing. There was a long wait but we were able to order to go. The food was excellent and well worth the cost.

Qayum Khan

Decent spicy miso ramen, within the USA. However, the best can be found in the Dotonburi District of Osaka JAPAN.

Andy Cheng

One of the best Ramen place in Chicago because the soup was delicious. Highly recommend the set dinner/lunch.

Stevered Dragon

Love the homemade ramen. The rice and pork was ok. And the egg was delicious. Real authentic Asian food.

Kim Spaid

Ordered the spicy miso with pork cheek. Savory broth with tender delicious pork. Mid/Moderate spicy

William Miller

Simply the best ramen Ive had. The broth is amazing, the pasta is perfect, the additions are great.