Santouka Ramen
Ramen · Harvard Square
Hokkaido-style ramen chain from Japan. Rich tonkotsu broth, perfectly cooked noodles, tender pork slices. Counter seating, quick service.
Authentic Asian cuisine from across the continent
Cambridge's diverse Asian dining scene spans the continent, from delicate Japanese omakase to fiery Sichuan specialties. The city's academic community has attracted chefs from across Asia, bringing authentic flavors to every neighborhood.
Ramen · Harvard Square
Hokkaido-style ramen chain from Japan. Rich tonkotsu broth, perfectly cooked noodles, tender pork slices. Counter seating, quick service.
Chinese/Hunan · East Cambridge
Contemporary Chinese restaurant & bar introducing authentic Hunan Cuisine. Creative melding of tradition with modernity, stunning design draped in sentimental works of art. Features seasonal weekend authentic specials for adventurous appetites.
Thai · North Cambridge
Authentic Thai cuisine with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients. Family-run restaurant serving Cambridge for over 20 years with consistent quality and generous portions.
Chinese · Central Square
Authentic Shanghai cuisine with hand-pulled noodles made to order. Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) are signature dish. Modern casual setting.
Ramen · The Port
Best ramen in town. Authentic Japanese ramen with rich broths and fresh noodles made daily. Cozy space in Central Square with excellent tonkotsu and miso options.
Japanese · Harvard Square
Traditional Japanese sushi and izakaya. Omakase available, fresh fish selection, extensive sake list. Intimate counter seating, authentic preparations.
Chinese · Central Square
Taiwanese-style dumplings and noodles. Hand-wrapped dumplings made fresh daily, extensive noodle soup menu. No-frills, cash-only, lines out the door.
Sushi · Central Square
Jazz dinner club with live music and Asian fusion cuisine. Creative sushi, Southeast Asian dishes, and craft cocktails in intimate setting. Jazz Room hosts live performances Fri-Sun.
Chinese · Central Square
Family-run Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese and Szechuan classics since 1989. Generous portions, reliable quality, and neighborhood favorite. Full bar.
Santouka in the Harvard Square Garage is widely considered Cambridge's best ramen destination, famous for their signature shio (salt-based) tonkotsu broth that simmers for over 20 hours. The cheek meat (toroniku) is particularly outstanding. For a more contemporary take, Yume Wo Katare in nearby Porter Square offers a unique tsukemen experience with a cult following—be prepared to wait in line and share a communal table. Muku Ramen in Central Square provides excellent vegetarian options alongside traditional pork-based broths. Most ramen shops in Cambridge are busiest during lunch (12-1pm) and dinner (6-8pm); visit at off-peak times for shorter waits.
“The only thing better than eating is eating in Cambridge.”
This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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