PHLReview
photo credit: Cody Aldrich Photography
Chika Ramen Bar
It’s shiny, it's bright, and it feels like the set of Blade Runner—if only the sci-fi movie was about disappointing Japanese food. Bartenders at the basement spot top drinks named Syrup Nexus-Six with a too-nutty pumpkin togarashi foam, while couples complain that their miso broth tastes like hot water. Except for the seven sake options, (almost) everything at the Center City restaurant misses the mark. Pieces of rubbery pork float in a tonkotsu broth reminiscent of Top Ramen, while tori karaage tastes like fast food nuggets covered in teriyaki sauce. If you’re absolutely set on eating here, stick to the tuna or salmon hand rolls, but even those you’ll forget about as soon as you get home. For ramen worth telling anyone about, head to Hiro or Terakawa. You can always bring a glow stick if you require the neon aesthetic.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Cody Aldrich
Cocktails
Tuna Tataki
Tori Karaage
photo credit: Cody Aldrich
Tonkotsu Chashumen