You should know my love for ramen runs deep. So when I got the invite to attend the influencer invite to give the restaurant a try I didn’t hesitate. Before I went I took the time to check out the menu. I can be picky about ramen and I was pleasantly surprised at the options. Ramen season is here and so here’s the review. It is also inspired by the popular sci-fi cult classic starring Harrison Ford called Blade Runner. The soft opening will take place today from 4pm to midnight with the grand opening Thursday from 4pm-12 midnight as well.
Vegetable Ramen and ordered a Kae-Dama;
Before you Go to Chika Ramen
The restaurant is located at 1526 Sansom street. This means that street parking is going to be your friend. It took us a minute to find parking so if you’re taking an Uber or Lyft you will have better luck. However for those who don’t mind paying a heavier price than parking on the street there is a garage close by. This location is almost below street level. We almost missed it. There is a ramen bowl sign that you should focus on.
Seating is spacious. There are many 2 seat accommodations and a few tables that can sit about 6 people comfortably. I sat at the table with my husband and 2 friends. We had plenty of space to sit and definitely a lot of space to share small plate appetizers.
Tuna Rice Crisps
Ambiance in Chika Ramen Bar
The colors inside of Chika Ramen Bar are beautiful. Again it’s inspired by the movie Blade Runner. The warm pinks, purple, and blue hues is extremely inviting. Due to the ambiance the sense of comfortability is there. Also it still had a sense of darkness to it. So for taking pictures for Instagram and other social media you may need lighting. I suggest using both light and take the light out to see which photos work best.
Cocktails
I had two of the same cocktails because I really loved it and it’s called The Electric Sheep. Hands down enjoyed it from the first to last sip. Word of warning, these drinks are strong but not overbearing with alcohol. With two drinks in my opinion is plenty for your outing. It was made with Japanese gin, cherry blossom Cal-pico, elderberry tonic, and boba. I really will get it the next time I go. It doesn’t photograph well but it tastes amazing!
The Electric Sheep
My husband had the Hannibal Chew. He definitely liked it but there was an aftertaste he wasn’t fond of. So next time he’s going to try something different. One of my friends who sat with us really enjoyed it. I say order it and see what you think. It was made with roasted sesame infused vodka, Mirin, and garnished with a cucumber. They also have Sake, beer, wine, and mock-tails.
Seaweed salad
Dessert Menu
They have two desserts on their menu. One is mochi Ice-cream or fried Ice-cream. They didn’t have the mochi available but expect to have it for their grand opening on Thursday. The fried Icecream I did taste it and I liked it. Fyi this is a shareable dessert. The portion is big. Then have vanilla and green tea available. My husband loves vanilla it’s the only Icecream flavor he likes and he had great things to say about the fried Ice-cream.
Rating of Ramen and Other Items
I saved the ramen for last. I definitely was full off of the appetizers. The ramen was fulfilling and I really enjoyed their broth. I had the vegetable ramen and vegan broth. The only thing I would change differently for my ramen was to add a little heat to it. The spice level wasn’t there but that was my fault. It is an add on and I didn’t initially order it and should have. For a vegetable ramen it was better tasting broth which I definitely appreciated.
Chicken Miso added shrimp Ramen
The extra items to add to your ramen is a must. So if you like your ramen to have more of a earthy taste definitely add the minced garlic. I think by starting with a more bland flavor you can work your ramen to your specifics. My husband ate his in one sitting. I on the other hand have leftovers.
Overall Rating of Chika
The only thing I would do better on here at Chika is the sushi rolls. I had the veggie one and I wasn’t a fan of it. It wasn’t what I expected. However the customer service from our entrance to leaving was on point. I hope that extends to all of their customers as it opens and beyond. Also fyi if you get bar seating, it really is a lot of fun.
Yakitori
Our bartender and waitress definitely made our experience great as well. I would give Chika Ramen Bar a B for an overall rating. I definitely will come back and switch things up. Fyi the Yakitori (chicken) is a must have. Thank you to Chika Ramen Bar and Aversa PR for having me!
