Ramen, ramen, ramen. Everyone in NYC, and around the world loves ramen. As do I. But no one really talks about ramen's thicker cousin: Udon. In NYC, there are not many restaurants specializing in this noodle. I like Udon West. But now, in the East Village you have Raku on East 6th Street. It's a restaurant specializing in Udon, and it's one of the Best restaurants in NYC.

I stopped in recently and was blown away with how awesome this place is. There is no place like it in NY. The chef is also the chef of the amazing omakase sushi restaurant Kura, two blocks away. I started with some awesome gyoza and then tried their Niku Udon, beef short-ribs, and honeycomb tripe. This rich broth and perfect noodles, had me in Udon heaven.

This is restaurant is just terrific. Udon is the new Ramen. I fell in love. And love is all you need.

Raku

342 E. 6th St. (bet. 1st and 2nd)

New York, NY 10003

212-228-1324

www.rakunyc.com