Just Around the Corner: Kamisama Ramen

Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University

Sans woolen mittens or insulated coat pockets, my hands have fallen still, turning them into blossoms of crimson and patches of dry skin cracking in between my fingers. Winter is a rough time for students, especially in New York City, when most of us walk between stations and are without the comforts of automatic heated car seats. I escaped the cold and my naked hands were able to find a warm safe haven, taking hiatus from the wintry weather. One beautiful and quaint restaurant welcomed me for an evening to enjoy the warmth of a flavorful broth and my personal comfort food, ramen. 

Kamisama Ramen, located in the East Village of Manhattan, seats its hungry guests at their dark, wooden tables, just a few feet away from their inviting bar stocked with drinks from various cultures. The lighting is dim and intimate, setting the mood for dinner with your close friends, loved ones, or a partner. The bustling of puffer jackets and windbreakers eventually subside and my friend Emmely sits with me at a table for two. We are greeted by a cheerful waiter, while we are slightly distressed with pale faces and flushed cheeks. Ramen was just what we needed and the environment perfectly set the mood.

“The restaurant had a warm, cozy atmosphere with a small, intimate setting,” Emmely reviewed. “Everything felt understated in the best way. Nothing over the top, just simple and inviting.”

Crispy, deep-fried kaarage paired with a spicy mayo dipping sauce.

The appetizer section ran wide, from tako wasabi to agedashi tofu, catering to customers with varying pallets. We selected the green ocean seaweed salad with sesame oil. This was followed by one of my favorites, takoyaki, which are deep fried pancake balls stuffed with octopus. They were buttery and heavy with batter, topped with salty bonito flakes. We chose gyoza, their juicy pan-fried homemade pork dumplings with its flavors heightened by hints of ginger and a green garnishing. These were toasted golden brown at the bottoms, while remaining tender and chewy throughout. To finish off, we ordered karaage perfected with spicy mayo sauce. These deep fried fatty chicken thighs were piping hot, fairly crispy, and easy to scarf down.

Half of our appetizer spread: takoyaki and seaweed salad.

The appetizer portions filled the both of us, leaving just enough space for some ramen. The portions of spicy jiro ramen and shoyu jiro ramen were heavy and hearty. Emmely devoured the heaping serving of shoyu before I could have a sip of her soup. I ordered the spicy jiro, a rewarding bowl of tangy flavor and liquid gold after walking in the brisk metropolis. The noodles were soft, light, and oily. I had no complaints. Unable to finish the entire meal, I asked the waiter for take-home packaging and devoured it the next day for lunch. It was just as good as the day before.

Emmely’s order of shoyu ramen (left) and my spicy jiro bowl (right).

Emmely and I were far from hungry by the end of our evening together. We lingered after the check was given, sitting in trepidation of the food coma that would come if we were to stand too quickly and walk on bursting stomachs. The staff were kind and attentive during the entirety of our meal. I truly appreciated the sizes of their appetizers and Emmely favored their shoyu ramen. Once ready to bear the cold again, we grabbed our jackets from the coat hanger, standing just next to a large space heater.

”I feel like this is the perfect place for those busy weekdays when you need a quick, casual hangout with friends,” Emmely concluded.

My friends and I will be returning to Kamisama Ramen. It’s not a far commute from school and has a wide variety for those who love Japanese cuisine. During the late January nights, when students are in dire need of a warm pick-me-up, it is an easy recommendation to stop by Kamisama for dinner. They are offering students a 10% discount when students show their valid college ID and the coupon attached below!

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