Full transparency, this was my first true ramen experience. So, while I can tell you this is the best ramen I’ve ever had, just know that the only other ramen I’ve had came in a packet and sat on my shelf for an undisclosed amount of time. That all said, this was a fantastic experience and an even better meal. Let’s get down to the details of how Jerry and I entered Futo Buta as two people unsure why a bowl of broth is so popular and left as two fully converted ramen fans.

The Atmosphere

Futo Buta is an authentically small, intimate space. About 40% of the inside seating is a hightop 10′ inch shelf facing a wall. Now, you may be thinking Zanzibar, why would I want to have an intimate dining experience with a few 4x4s? Trust me, I thought the same thing. Especially as an abnormally large fella, I looked at that seating set up and thought “ain’t no way”. But, you, like me, will soon understand that this is the best case scenario for all parties involved. If the people walking down the rail trail were able to see me attempting to eat ramen, the cops would have been called on Futo Buta. If Jerry was sitting across from me instead of this lovely wall, this website would undergo a name change to just “Zanzibar’s”. It was a strangely comfortable seating arrangement, that removes any self-consciousness that comes from trying to eat something as tricky as ramen.

In the spirit of transparency, I should mention that in 3rd grade I had to go to the special needs classroom to work on my dexterity problems. Trying to eat liquid and slippery noodles with a ladle and two skinny wooden sticks, was like a specifically cruel and unusual challenge. If I were in Saw, Jigsaw would skip the gore and make me try to eat a bowl of ramen in 15 minutes. So, maybe this whole “ramen is extremely difficult to eat” experience is not relatable to people who didn’t need to be taught how to grip a pencil. If you can’t relate to this at all, don’t worry; there are plenty of normal seats inside the restaurant, as well as a nice patio area to enjoy the fresh air and people watch some of the late night creatures making their way to or from the bars.

I also had no idea that there is a grunge/alternative rock culture in Japan, until last night. Pretty sick. So, if you like 90s and early 2000s rock, you’ll love the tunes playing in the background. They are good, but subtle. Definitely not too loud for you to enjoy a conversation with your dinner party.

What To Order

I’m like a cat when I eat. I want to keep as clean as possible. (Jerry’s editorial note- This is a crazy statement coming from a guy who’s favorite food is the chicken wing) So, I almost opted for some bao buns and Japanese fried chicken. By all accounts, both of these appetizers are fantastic. I’ve heard some people even like them more than the ramen itself, but Jerry and I were on a mission to try ramen and we did not stray. The Buta Bowl is all I got, and honestly I’m glad because ramen is way more filling than imagined. As a spice lover, the Buta Bowl was fantastic. The chicken and dashi broth was so rich in flavor and spice. I mean, this stuff has to cure a cold better than DayQuil. It was interesting; it wasn’t an overwhelming spice, I wasn’t in pain, or even discomfort for that matter, but the toxins were escaping from my body faster than a Black Friday crowd when Wal Mart finally opens up those golden gates.

As a ramen noob, I had no idea how much could be packed into these little bowls. With each scoop I unearthed some new delicious flavor. I felt as if I were on the archeological team that uncovered the first Egyptian tomb. I came across treasures beneath the surface, beyond my wildest dreams. I mean this thing was seriously packed to the brim. The Buta Bowl is made up of double noodles, a hearty slab of pecan smoked pork belly, spicy ground pork, onsen egg, sweet corn, roasted leek, and scallions. A true growing boy’s bowl of ramen.

Wrap Up

You know those dog bowls with a maze of barriers in the middle designed to make your dog eat slower? That is what ramen is for adults who can’t regulate how quickly they eat. Now that you’ve learned I’m a slob who can’t use a pencil and has never had ramen, I’m worried I may have lost my creditability with you, distinguished reader. To prevent this quick divorce, go down to Futo Buta and suck down a Buta Bowl ASAP. You’ll see that Zanzibar still has his fastball.