Rai Rai Ramen: Noodles and more in Chinatown
The bright interior contains tables, high-tops and wall-counter seating. It is rooted in North Brunswick, N.J., where the original location is being rebuilt after a 2014 fire.
The options for ramen have expanded with April 12's opening of Rai Rai Ramen at 915 Race St. (215-309-3609), a BYOB across from the new hot pot/Korean BBQ spot Nine Ting.
Rai Rai - whose bright interior contains tables, high-tops and wall-counter seating - is rooted in North Brunswick, N.J., where the original location is being rebuilt after a 2014 fire. Staff said a Rai Rai is destined a ways off for the former Beijing Inn at 812 W. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr.
Menu fuses Chinese and Japanese. The takeout menu (here) is not as complete as the dine-in menu, which includes buns. The two pork buns shown in the accompanying photo are a terrific value for $4.95.
Figure on $9.75 to $13.50 for ramen. First-timers should immerse themselves in a bowl of the hakata ($11.95), which includes char siu pork, fish cake, egg, bamboo and pickled cabbage.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.