Spring is around the corner and there is no better way to spend one of the many warm and bright weekends by eating a warm bowl of shoyu, shio ramen.

Most ramen bowls use Chintan stock which contains chicken, beef, and pork. Shio ramen is mostly Chintan stock, while shoyu is Chintan-stock based cooked with soy sauce flavor. There are also places that used pork broth or known as Tonkotsu.

The DC ramen field has evolved. Back in 2015, Daikaya, Toki Underground, and Sakuramen were the top players.  But thanks to Daikaya’s addition of Bantam King and Haikan in 2016, we have a variety of ramen to choose for.

Here is our guide of ramen eating in The District, so you’ll know what to expect

1. Bantam King

This joint is by far our favorite ramen to go for.  Broth-wise, Bantam King has the richest flavor. You can choose either shoyu, miso, shoyu-chintan, and vegie ramen here. This all-chicken joint is also suitable for bigger group since it has more space compared to its sibling spot, Daikaya. Since Bantam King is all chicken-based, this place also claimed itself as Halal ramen joint – and the only one in the District. A few downsidesl for this place are limited options of alcoholic drinks and no appetizer dishes. But if you just want to devour ramen, this is the place! Rating 5/5

Photo by: @bantamkingdc

2. Toki Underground

Toki Underground’s flavor and innovation has been consistent throughout the year. They’ve added more appetizers menu. Back then, it was exclusively ramen.  For newbie, do try their Red Miso.  There is nothing bad you can say about this place, but the line! If you don’t mind waiting in line, do go to this place. RSVP is highly recommended! Rating 5/5

3. Sakuramen

Sakuramen is one of the oldest ramen-player in DC since 2012. Every year, their broth is only getting better. The great thing about Sakuramen, they have variety of customized-ramen cater to your likings. For example, their Shoki Bowl is meant for “meat-loving customers”. Our personal favorite is Tonkotsu. The line at Sakuramen is also relatively moderate. If you have lived in DC long enough, you know there were times Daikaya and Toki Underground made you wait for more than one hour. That’s not the case with Sakuramen. Try also their bulgogi and chasu buns, which are very delicious! Rating: 4.7/5

Photo by @Snugglekittens.ramen‘s Instagram

• 4. Haikan

This relatively new place is exceeding the expectation for our favorite new ramen place. Not only they serve great appetizers, they also have variety options for alcoholic beverages. Their ramen brought the nostalgic flavor of Daikaya, sans the line. Its spice-bomb tastes similar to Bantam King’s but better. Another good thing about this place is their option for small-portioned ramen. This ramen place is great for ramen-eater who likes to watch their carb intake. It is also located around the U-st area, a very vibrant place to eat ramen. Our personal favorite was the spicy shoyu – you get the best of both world: Chintan Stock, Shoyu and Spiciness! Rating: 4.6/5

5. Daikaya

Daikaya ramen is equivalent to Haikan but its more mature and serious version. Daikaya was the best ramen place in Chinatown before its brother, Bantam King, took over. For all-time favourite, go with Shio Ramen! Rating: 4.5/5

There are other unrated ramen places in DC you can go such as Jinya and Oki Bowl. Rakuya, which specializes in all-kind Japanese food, also has pretty good ramen. Happy Spring and enjoy your bowl of ramen!