Ramen noodles sounds like no big deal, but this place is simply the best. If you like noodles than you have to try it out.
(5)
Cindy H.
Worth the wait. Service is awesome for such a chaotic crowd. While the pork in the pork buns are a bit on the fatty side, the ramen (and that's what you should be there for) is awesome. The miso soup is too salty for my liking, but my go to is the tantanmen. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are bomb. Note: cash only.
(4)
Andrew P.
I come here on a semi regular basis. It's right off of the red line and they have parking readily available just in case you wanna drive in. There is almost always a wait and there will usually be a 15 minute wait. They'll take your order while your in line so make sure you get a menu and go through their menu whole you're waiting. I've gotten the curry ramen and the soy sauce ramen. Both are really good. Good amount of noodles that have a nice consistency to them. The broth has a good flavor to it and comes out piping hot. The toppings are pretty on point so nothing I can complain overall. My girlfriend got the Pork Katsu curry. Once again it was pretty good. However if I were to get a rice dish I'd rather go to cafe mami which is directly it's neighbor. Overall if you want to get your ramen fix then this is a solid place to go. I wouldn't say it warrants the constant long wait they always have. For Boston ramen however, it's one of the better places.
(4)
Ron P.
After seeing numerous cooking shows where chefs venture to Japan and sit down in these awesome little Ramen bars for what looks like the most satisfying lunch they've ever had, I made a conscious decision to find a Ramen noodle spot in the area. This place did not let me down, in fact since ordering here for the first time a few months ago, my coworker and I have been back on average twice a week - I like it that much. I haven't had much experience with Ramen, so if you've been to Tokyo, you may have a more informed opinion, but if you're not picky, and looking for an awesome lunch, do yourself a favor, stop in here, and try the Miso Ramen. Cash only, though...
(4)
Melissa M.
My first foray into all things Ramen. Came here for a quick lunch on Christmas Eve. The place was friggin packed! We waited in line and the waitress gave us our menu in line while we waited. I ordered the hot and sour ramen at her request since I had no clue what to get. It was very good! I liked to add the chili paste they have on the table. Got a canned diet coke (LOVE). Quick, efficient, tasty, cheap, and just really good. Excellent food on a cold day or if you are feeling under the weather! I shall return!
(4)
Anna Q.
Big portion... But the soup base is what I really care about.. It is really random some days it will be okay some days it will be really salty.. Going will be a huge risk... Which is why I would rather prefer cafe mami right next door better.. The ramen is just alright.
(3)
Mary H.
This place was pretty busy when we got there. Customer service is not bad. They could be a little more attentive for an 18 seating place. The roasted pork buns were yummy. One had mayo with a slice of tomato slice and the other one had a black beanish sauce in it. I was very surprised it came in two different styles. Both had big pieces of pork in it. The spicy miso ramen was soooo spicy! It was great. It was spicy ground pork that made the dish even better. The house ramen was good. It wasn't too salty or too bland. It had nice slices of pork, corn, and bean sprouts. Both broths were on the thick side. There was plenty of al dente noodles.
(4)
Jasmine B.
I really don't know what the hype is all about here. Sure, the ramen is a reasonable price. But it's not all that good. The noodles seem to be out of a package, and while the chicken broth is thick, it's not especially flavorful. The veggie broth is really, really thin and tasteless. The add-ins are a bit meager and the egg was completely hard boiled. I also took half of mine to go (I have a tiny stomach), and the broth/meat/noodle mixture turned into this thoroughly solid gelatinous chunk overnight. It was so icky that I just threw it out. The add-ins are really basic, the tables aren't especially clean, and you're under a lot of pressure to eat quickly and get out. Also - a big pet peeve is that it's cash only, but it's not posted ANYWHERE. Not on the website, not on the menu, not on the walls; really, I scoured the place. It seemed almost like a cash only when I walked in, but I didn't ask when I sat down, partly because there's one server and they were rushing around but also because usually, it's posted somewhere! I really think that Boston could use a top notch ramen place that really takes the time to make their noodles right (or at least source them better). In the meantime, I'll stick with Totto. fwiw - I am spoiled by Momi Ramen in Miami and various ramen places in NY.
(2)
Corey L.
3 of us visited on a Saturday night, waiting in the line in the hallway, as one does. After about 20 minutes (3rd party in line, it got MUCH longer after we sat down), we sat down and enjoyed our food (they took our order while we waited - set up for efficiency). My friend who's been here a LOT, loves their Ramen (grew up in CA) and always orders the house ramen dish. Which I tried and found quite tasty. I started w a seaweed salad (a little seaweed on top of lettuce w a dressing), which I (and my girlfriend) both found disappointing. Next, I had a yasai ramen dish w extra veggies and extra spicy ground pork. I added spicy sauce to it. I'm not a huge fan of noodles (one reason ramen isn't my go-to dish) and there were a lot of them - typical for ramen - but the dish itself was very flavorful. Even w extra veggies, they were difficult to find, which was disappointing. The broth was quite good. My girlfriend got the egg drop ramen, which quite salty, as is typical, and had a bunch of eggs. Cans of soda were $1, which was nice as they weren't crazily overcharging us. Doubt I'll go back. If you really like ramen, definitely give it a try.
(3)
Judy H.
Spicy Miso Ramen was just okay for me. It was lacking flavor but my boyfriend enjoyed the Tan Tan-Man Ramen! It reminded him of Japan and he was missing it very much! I don't see us coming back anytime soon, I have found a better Ramen Shop.
(4)
Yun-Young L.
Really not worth going there at all... It always beats me why theres always a line-up at this cramped, dirty, and overhyped place ( I dont mind the size of the place if the food was good, but it wasnt unfortunately). The waitress was really unfriendly when she sat us, and then while we were waiting for our orders, we saw a mouse running around... but that didnt seem to bother the cook and owner much. Apparently, we Bostonians are supposed to just accept the fact that there are mice in Boston and learn to live, eat and sleep with them... Since it was our first try, we ended up staying and eating their "famous" ramen for the first time, and likely for the last time as well. It was so plain and mediocre... doesnt live up to the hype at all. There are better ramen places in Boston without the sight of rodents so unless you are a hardcore fan of mickey mouse, i suggest you avoid this place.
(1)
Tong W.
x'D love this place! My friends and I come here every time after badminton at MIT - the portions are great and it is definitely my favorite ramen in boston! So authentic and the broth so richhhh~ the house ramen and spicy miso and tan tan mein are all incredible!! No one does it like Sapporo!
(5)
Moses P.
If you are AzN you will probably enjoy this place, especially compared to other ramen shops in Boston. If you are not AzN then PREPARE TO BE AMAZED, WESTERNER!!! To be honest with you I enjoyed this place a lot but my wife has higher standards than I do and said it deserves a 3-star review so I'm giving it a 3. The pork buns are fantastic. Very delicious. The ramen is great as well- I highly recommend spicy miso! The service is funny. There is one AzN lady who runs the show. She will seat you and feed you and take your money and kick you out. And she does it all by herself. TIGER MOM FTW! It's the AzN...
(3)
Jonathan N.
There alway a long line waiting at this place. The restaurant was small with a few tables and chairs but the reman noodle are super good! I love their ramen noodle so much!!! Especially the hot and sour and kim chi one. Their noodles are so chewy and their soup are so sweet and tender. I like mine with extra vegetable and egg.
(4)
Elly F.
A big disappointment for me. The egg was overcooked, broth was too starchy and meat was thick and chunky. Thankfully the meat was flavourful and tender but you would not have thought so by looking at it!
(1)
Tim Y.
Our favorite ramen stop in Boston hands down. Our go to dishes are the miso and the spicy miso ramen; we highly recommend getting extra noodles and extra pork; even if you can't finish it in one sitting, this is one of the best "day after" work lunches I can imagine. Go early on weekends or you'll be standing in line for a long time. On second thought, we don't need any more competition... avoid Sapporo Ramen like the plague.
(5)
Tiffany L.
BEST RAMEN IN BOSTON! Cant compare to anything in LA but I've been here twice and will gladly go back anytime. It's located right by Leslie college in that shopping center with all the Japanese nomz - makes me miss Little Tokyo in LA :( also CASH ONLY ! People are always in line...I've been here twice at 2 pm and they're always been some line of people. They close at 3 pm but if you're in line by 3, you'll get a table for sure. They take your order while you wait so food comes as soon as you're seated. Efficiency! Same waiter each time I go. She's a bit pushy and eager to get you to eat and leave. Decor is simple, which I think is a good sign. From my eating adventures in Asian restaurants - less fancy decor = more legit nomz. I always order the spicy miso ramen - it's reallyy good. Despite it being super red, I don't think it's that spicy. It tastes even better with the shichimi (Japanese spicy 7 spice powder- you know it's legit Japanese food when they have a jar of this stuff) The broth is so rich, I love it. I never drink noodle soup but I can easily chug down a bowl of this stuff- downside: I food coma pretty hard afterwards cause the broth is so heavy. The noodles are good and chewy. When my friends came with me last time, they shared a miso ramen, which tasted pretty bland to me, but they liked it. They could barely finish it but to me, the serving size seemed...not big haha. I was satisfied eating one bowl but could probably finish a second one if I was super hungry. Toppings are simple - egg, seaweed, beansprouts, green onion. Def would go back for ramen on a cold day (which seems like everyday in Boston ...)
(4)
Katie Y.
We decided to try traditional ramen out but it was kind of disappointing. The lines were very long but the owner seemed very nice. We totally get why the lines are long but really, the wait might be around 30 minutes since there are only like 6 tables. Also the set up really brings back memories of authentic ramen shops when we were in Japan. We ordered the spicy miso ramen, house ramen and the Yasai ramen. The noodles were a bit chewy and there is definitely not enough pork nor vegetables to go along with the extremely bland soup base. For the spicy miso ramen, the pork bits were amazing but it was more of a garnish. For both the house and Yasai ramen, we thought the soup base was kind of glutinous when it went down the throat. After eating the ramen, we all felt extremely thirsty. Also the pricing of the dishes weren't that satisfying. We might come back but probably not since we have to drive 30 minutes to get there.
(2)
Danielle W. L.
I come here with a big appetite and order extra noodles + extra meat. I love the spicy miso ramen, although I always add extra spice, available at the table. This to me is comfort food. Thick broth, packed with robust flavor. If I go too long without this ramen, I really, REALLY miss it. Don't expect great service, although who comes here to schmooze with the staff anyway? You come here with only one purpose in mind: to stick your face deep into a bowl and fall in love with noodles. That's it. End of story. You will have to resist the urge to slurp it directly from the bowl. Wear a shirt that can handle a few splatters. Expect to be seated at the same table with random strangers since real estate is clearly at a premium. It's not fancy. Ambiance is crap. Decent prices. Fast. Small selection of sodas. Cash only (ATM in the same building.) No line when I got there at 5:30pm on a Monday. Shut up and get some.
(5)
Sidi L.
Place is small, and always need to wait a line. A good place to have lunch nearby, but it doesn't worth coming all the way. Better than the one in hmart
(3)
Nina N.
Tip #1 CASH ONLY!!! This is my favorite restaurant in Porter Square. My only complaint is the not so great selection of appetizers. Of the selections, my favorite is the roast pork bun. If cooked right, this is a great starter, soft sweet bun, refreshing slice of tomato with juicy roasted pork and mayo....delicious. Yum yum. Next appetizer I would recommend you try is the sausages. Nice and crispy casting and juicy inside. The other appetizers are just expensive for what they are, gyoza and edamame. Maybe I am just cheap when it comes to appetizers that I can easily make in huge portion for the price that they sell at restaurants. After trying four different flavored broths, I think my favorite has to be the curry ramen although I am now leaning toward the Tantan Men after many years of not liking it. Initially, I wasn't too excited about the sesame flavored broth. But then 10 years later after trying it again one day, wow, could be my favorite broth now. I just might not go back to curry ramen for several years. In fact, this was the first broth I tried which made me not want to give this place a second try. Mediocre at best was my initial review of Sapporo Ramen. But somehow, for some reason, my husband convinced me to give this place another try. Moral of the story, give a place a second try. We've tried the spicy miso ramen which is okay and so is the miso ramen. The spicy miso ramen is my husband's favorite broth. There is spicy ground pork topping for this bowl of ramen choice. Tried the hot and sour soup ramen and kimchi ramen. Something about those flavors made me uneasy. And rightfully so. For what hot and sour soup is and kimchi also, you would expect sour and spicy for both broths. But both broths were neither. They were bland. I'll give them a try again one day, maybe I will be a fan the second time around. But I would try the other broths if this is your first time. As with all of the ramen, I recommend ordering extra roasted prok as it doesn't come with it. The other toppings are way too pricey for what they are. For example, $2.00 for corn or even extra cabbage/veggies is really too expensive. When it comes to adding toppings, the roast pork was really dry the first time I tried this place. Which was why I was so hesitant to come back for many years. But in the past few years, it has grown consistently good. It has a strange wine-like flavor to it, and is soft and juicy. The spicy pork ground pork is another topping that I would recommend if you want to add a little bit of saltiness and minced meat to your bowl. Extra noodle wouldn't hurt if you are extra hungry. See my pictures.
(4)
Claire H.
I can only speak for the vegetarian ramen here but I can tell you that I love everything about this place except for the line. It usually moves pretty quickly though, so it is almost always worth waiting. Really good ramen, casual environment, and quick (once you finally sit down). I've only ever gone with one other person at a time. They can accommodate groups but it is a tight squeeze and you should expect to be able to hear your neighbors' conversations.
(4)
Rebecca Y.
The spicy miso ramen here hits the spot when you're craving ramen on a cold winter's day. It's definitely not the best I've ever had, but it's one of the better places in Boston. The restaurant is very small so you'll most likely have to wait in line for a bit before you can sit down and eat.
(3)
Henry P.
Recently stopped by Sapporo Ramen the other day with the lady and some friends after hearing so many rave reviews. A small 15 - 20 seater restaurant located within the little food court area of the Porter Exchange, We went in around 1pm for lunch saw a line stretching down to the end of the food court. We stood and waited for our turn and munch of some sweet snacks from a local Japanese bakery nearby to curb our appetite. As we were waiting in line a kind waitress came by and gave us the menu to decide on what we'd like before sitting down to our table. For such a small space I thought that this was a pretty efficient way of taking down orders and turning over customers. I had the Spicy Miso Ramen with whole egg and extra noodles while the misses had the House Ramen. The noodles were fantastically springy and chewy with lots of delicious toppings but sadly, both myself as well as my girlfriend found our broth to be a little bit on the bland side, perhaps because they were so close to being closed for lunch and were low on ramen stock but we found ourselves reaching for the vinegar and shichimi seasoning to give it that extra flavor. Thought quick service and perfectly made noodles, I was sad that Sapporo, for myself personally, did not live up to its hype. Perhaps I just came on a bad day? I'll be looking to stop by again on a different date to try it's ramen once again
(3)
T N.
The waitress was really pushy when it comes to ordering food. I just dont understand the praise for the soup here, everything we ordered was either really bland or salty--i would suggest going to Pikaichi in Brighton. Their ramen soup is sooo much better! ALSO BE CAREFUL when you get the receipt. They include the tip in it and doesn't state it in there at all! Overall it was a sad experience :(
(2)
Lorena O.
Because I'm obsessed with ramen these days, I was dead-set on trying it out in another city. So, I hit Yelp and Google search to point me to THE place for ramen in Beantown. Several articles I read via Google pointed to this place as a standout for Ramen, and so we went. I got the house ramen, with pork, egg, scallions and corn. It was just okay. I had to add soy sauce and chili paste and oil to give this bowl some kick. And the egg that came with it was nothing like the scrumptious eggs that adorn my bowls at Michi or Tatsu-Ya. This egg was hard-boiled and the white of the egg had zero flavor. Boo! My sister went for the Tan-Tan ramen. It had spicy ground pork in it, not the pork belly. This bowl was the clear winner. Lots of flavor from the spicy pork helped out the broth. If I were to go again, I'd order this. We also tried the curry ramen. Pretty much like the name says, it was like the house ramen with a serving of curry sauce added. Nothing inventive or knock your socks off here. But, the crowds lined up for this place anyway. We got there about 6pm and had to wait for a table as the small establishment (located within a shopping mall) had maybe 8 tables. As we ate, a large line formed. I wept for the Bostonians and their subpar ramen. 3 people ate three bowls of ramen and three waters for $29 and some change. Not too bad for the price.
(3)
Ben K.
Yay ramen! I like this place, kind of a small hole in the wall restaurant whose goal is to cook good food rather than create a nice atmosphere. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen with extra noodles. The broth was thick and not too salty or spicy. The flavor was good and made me want to just drink the soup. The noodles had a smooth texture and firm consistency. I was a little disappointed that there didn't seem to be any "extra" noodles in my dish, but I was still satisfied after finishing. Overall, I would come back if in the area and recommend it to others interested in ramen.
(4)
Ruslan K.
Best ramen in Boston. I tried most of the ramen places in the Bay Area around Mountain View, Cupertino and San Jose, and tried most of the ramen places around Boston. This one is the best. Very rich flavor, especially House Ramen, noodles cooked to perfection, soy marinated pork - yummy. 20 minute wait lines, cash-only and table-sharing with other parties are also included but it just makes it more authentic.
(5)
Traci K.
Yum. Sapporo Ramen is inside the little food court area of Porter Exchange. It's a max of like 10 tables or so - but the wait wasn't too long on a Saturday night. My dining companion and I both ordered the house ramen with extra noodles and an order of the pork buns. The pork buns were tasty, but a little odd. The bun was good...but it was also slathered in mayo with cucumber and tomato along with the pork. I guess I just wasn't expecting a bun sandwich. The ramen. Broth was very tasty and not too salty. The egg, nori, pork and sprouts were tasty. I wish the egg was less hardboiled - I would have liked a runny yolk, but that's just personal preference. The noodles were perfectly cooked and so easily slurpable. Extra noodles was a great idea - and it was only a buck or 2 extra. Cash only - but it's not expensive, so boo yah. Service was fast and friendly. Definitely making it into my cold-weather-food rotation.
(4)
Less H.
I met up with a friend and we decided to go here. I'm making my way through all the Asian food stalls in University Hall. Service was decent enough. We managed to get in during a slow period and get seated fast. Score! We looked over the menus and had our food quickly. I got myself a Miso Ramen. It was delicious. The noodles were just right, the broth tasty, and the pork tender. Happiness. The portion was large, large enough I could barely finish it. I did, every last noodle and drop of broth. I had to be rolled to the train. Yeah. It's loud in here, it's loud in all of the University Hall food stalls. It just is. Quarters are cramped and you may sit next to someone quickly and loudly slurping their noodles. Customer service isn't their specialty. What they do well is quickly serve up delicious noodles pretty fast. This ain't the North End.Once you get past the fast that you aren't going to get your ass kissed here the happier you will be when eating. I'll be back, probably more often than I should. cash only!
(4)
Sugar F.
I have probably directly and indirectly brought Sapporo a hundred new customers in the past two years. Big salty delicious bowls of chewy noodles. Yes please. I love it. The curry ramen. Miso ramen. Vegetarian ramen even. DON'T DELAY TRY SAPPORO RAMEN TODAY! During popular times there is always a huge line - don't even worry about it. Chat with your buddies until you enjoy your delicious ramen.
(5)
Cristina R.
On a bone-chilling, rain-filled day, I used the ever-trusty Yelp as my guide while on the hunt for foods to warm me up. What do I want? My fingers start typing my desires. "Soup." No. "Noodles." Not quite. Something that combines them both. "Ramen." Amen. Following the address listed, I find myself at Porter and am so very confused. It looks like I'm at the right place, but where is this mysterious Ramen den? After sketchily walking up and down the block a few times, I figure out the hidden entrance: you go in through the Shops at Porter door. I had no idea this place was essentially in a Japenese food court! And what a food court it is. I went a bit after the lunch rush (around 2:30 PM) so was surprised to see a line of about 5 people all waiting for a seat at the tiny, packed Sapporo. With the other Asian restaurants in the hallway completely deserted. I felt a bit bad for them, but that means that Sapporo is the place to be. And I'm already here, so shivering and hungry, I wait. After about 20 minutes, I'm seated and order a Spicy Miso Ramen. Luckily it comes out in a jiffy, steaming and spicy and savory. And so, so perfect. There are noodles and pork and veggies in a delectable broth. If it weren't freezing outside, I probably would have broken a sweat as I slurped. Honestly, I can think of nothing better on a rainy day than this bowl of Japanese love. I scarfed down as much as possible, my mouth and belly thanking me again and again, but still wasn't able to finish it. Even better! I get it packed up and have a scrumptious lunch the next day. Ramen. Amen.
(4)
Yixuan C.
I came there at 5/16/2014 because my friend recommended me their ramen is good. BUT, my experience was terrible, I will not suggest anyone go there. Pro: fast, pork dumplings were good Con: Bad service, the waitress was rude and impatient. Ramen was way too salty.
(2)
Diana L.
Met up with my yelpy pal Less H. here to get some lunch. I have to say, I thought it was fantastic!! The thought of my hot and sour ramen still makes me salivate - it was absolutely delicious and the noodles were at perfect consistency! I think it's far better than the Ittyo ramen down at the end of this aisle (Tampopo is still my favorite overall). If you're looking for a delicious ramen meal for ~12$ with tip, check this place out for sure. I thought the ramen was fantastic, spicy enough (I've come to accept the fact that food at restaurants will almost never be as spicy as I want), the pork was tender and the ingredients were delish. Right on, Sapporo Ramen!!!! I'll be back to drag my boyfriend here to try it out.
(4)
Susan J.
Absolutely love this place. The House Ramen and gyoza are both fantastic and worth waiting in line for. I live down the street and have to resist going every week for my noodle fix.
(4)
Carrie L.
I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for Sapporo Ramen. The ramen itself warrants a 2. The service was good overall and could potentially bump it up to a 3 (friendly lady took our order but the server boy was clumsy). But I just remembered the pork belly bun I had, and it was flavorless.. almost. The only thing that stood out was the broth. The thick and delicious broth I had with the Spicy Miso Ramen. Not spicy enough though.. I had to add spices and hot sauce on the side. Again, the texture of the ramen is too stiff for my taste.
(2)
Erica R.
This is pretty much an obligatory stop whenever I visit Boston now. It's a small little restaurant tucked away inside the shopping center, yes, and there's been a wait to get seated every time I've visited. That said? The line moves quickly...and, as long as you're either alone or with a small group, getting seated won't be an issue. Someone usually comes through the line early enough and gets orders anyway, so it's a short time from when you're seated to when you ultimately get your ramen. It's a simple place, but efficient - and the food is delicious. I've had both the miso ramen and the house ramen, and both are delicious. The broth is flavorful and smooth...and definitely filling, the pork is delicious and the noodles are tasty. An especially awesome meal for those cold, winter nights when you need something to warm you up. :) Bring on the food coma!
(4)
Fancypants X.
3.5 stars upgraded to 4 stars The upside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious that I'd want to eat there weekly. The downside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious. Period. I ordered miso ramen no sprouts, no pork. Add a pat of butter, add bamboo shoots. Got that?! Luckily, my waitress did. Perfectly. Portion is gigantic. I can usually always finish my ramen, but I surrendered long before I could see the bottom of my bowl here. Broth is strangely thick-ish & creamy. Not sure how I feel about that; I'm thinking not good. And the pat of butter (apparently cut by a giant because what normal person considers *that* a pat?!) once melted, added to the viscosity. Noodles were plentiful & not too al dente. Bamboo shoots were tender--yay! Loved the corn, scallions, & seaweed that automatically comes with this bowl. Everything was wonderful, aside from the broth, which was a minor offense. Cash only, but for once, it was o-tay by me; I had the $11.55 + tip in my wallet (a miracle!)
(4)
Lisa L.
I have been jonesing for some good ramen, so on a cold night I went to Sapporo at Porter Square. I got the spicy miso ramen to go on the recommendation of the Yelp reviews, and added extra roast pork. It smelled great in the car on the way home, but once I started eating it I was very unimpressed. The broth was not as flavorful as it was fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and the pork was also bland. There was corn in it, which seemed utterly bizarre to me. I would honestly prefer to eat ramen from a packet than from here. The plus sides are that the staff are friendly and the ramen is affordable, but I will not be coming back.
(2)
Christina C.
They will take your order when you're still waiting for a seat! Amazing, right? Not only is the ramen fast but it is tasty. The broth is flavorful and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The space is small and cozy tight like if you invited 30 friends to your studio apartment for dinner. The staff and chefs are welcoming and I certainly will welcome their ramen in my tummy any day.
(4)
Tom L.
This place USED to be great. However, since it's grown in popularity, the prices have gone up while service and quality have gone down. It's busy but they herd you like cattle. The main hostess snaps at people and audibly bemoans those who are anything but absolutely ready and prepared to eat and leave immediately. The ramen is ok. You need to pay a dollar for the extra noodles to be full and it's already expensive. My main complaint is that nearly everything is reheated and isn't very hot. The noodles are barely hot, the egg is hard boiled and cold, the broth is lukewarm. In the quest to meet demand they've started cutting corners and it's disappointing to say the least. They used to do really nice pork buns but they're now smaller and lower quality. Is it worth trying? Yes. Is it very good. Sadly not.
(2)
Carolyn L.
Ramen was fine (although noted the large bag of MSG on the counter next to our table), 40 min wait on a Friday night was expected, but the waitress running after us as we were leaving requesting a larger tip was tacky and extremely unprofessional.
(1)
Yvonne C.
I would give their food for 3 stars but I take one star off because their service. When we got there, there was no line waiting but only us (three people). The waitress squeezed us into a table of four which already had two people sitting there. So we asked if we could wait till a table of four. She was unfriendly saying something like they're saving the table for more customers. So we still sat at the table with two other people. And after a while, she gave a table of four to ONE customer. Well... I have nothing to said about that. Just really unhappy about that. As for the food there. We had spicy miso ramen and house ramen. The spicy miso ramen was not spicy at all but the soup was still pretty good. As for the house ramen, my friend said it was ok. Not bad but not special and she thought the soup was a little salty. .
(2)
Karin Y.
This is my go-to Ramen place in Boston/Cambridge. I come here pretty regularly LOL, maybe about 2-3 times a month. I've tried the House, Miso, and Tan-Tan. The House Ramen was okay, but the broth was a little too bland for my taste. The Miso is my favorite! I love the thicker broth. I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, so I don't get the Spicy Miso, although I heard that it's very good. But I add some of the spices onto my Miso Ramen to make it more flavorful. I also love that it comes with cha-siu pork ^_^ I recently tried the Tan-tan for the first time, and will definitely be adding that into my rotation. The only thing I wish was different, are the noodles - it's a little bit too soft for me (I like my ramen noodles to be really chewy!). They're closed from 3-5pm everyday, so avoid those times to save yourself from disappointment. Try to come during weekday lunch or 2:30pm or something like that so you don't have to stand in line for a long time. During winters, you might have to wait over an hour. But the staff there is pretty good about taking your orders while you are in line so that your food comes out shortly after sitting down :) If you're really hungry, you can order the Green Tea smoothie from next door (lol) and order gyoza on the side at Sapporo while waiting for your ramen. CASH ONLY!
(4)
Theodore T.
This is my favorite ramen place in the area, though mostly because of a lack of alternatives. The broth and noodles are pretty good. We usually get the regular ramen and the spicy miso. I've added the extra meat and butter before but didn't really notice a difference. I would give four stars but for the staff -- I always order takeout, and almost every time upon picking up, the guy or the girl on staff treats me like a criminal or prison inmate. They yell "go stand over there" if the food's not ready, and more than once I got a combination almost-body-block and dirty look because they thought I was trying to cut the line, when all I wanted was to pick up my food.
(3)
Hank C.
The worst ramen ever! Actually, I won't even call thing they serve here ramen! I even wonder if those cooks here know what ramen really taste like? And I cannot believe those who gave good review on this..... Could you just go to Harvard sq. and try santouka once? I am not promoting anything here but I really cannot believe this I have lived in AZ where Japanese or Asian population are considerably fewer than Boston but ramen there even taste better than this! Don't be lied by the long waiting line. The reason it is long is because they are SLOW. There were only three people in the store: two cooks and one waiter. However, the service and others are not what I really complain about. It is the FOOD! That's just terrible. My wife and I even wanted to leave before we could finish (after a long waiting...) If you are hungry and just want to eat, then whatever. But if you really want to have some decent ramen, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!!!!
(1)
Aynsley C.
3.0-3.5 My first time I was here was 10 years ago when I was 11, and the ramen was so good but it's so different now. I'm pretty sure the owner/main management works at the other Sapporo inside HMart, but I've heard about/experienced their poor ramen there as well (there was a fly once in my miso ramen). Anyways, the portions have definitely gotten smaller and the prices have raised by a few dollars, making it not as appealing anymore. I still really love their type of noodles. The texture and taste is how I like the noodles to be cooked, and I think it soaks up the flavor of the broth. However, the broth isn't as flavorful as it used to be and their pork slices aren't as big as they used to be. They also used to bamboo shoots in the ramen too but they stopped doing it years ago (that's just my own personal liking for them). My parents and I still love coming here once in a while, but I've grown to like other ramen places elsewhere (Pikaichi). Other than that, the service is usually friendly, but one hostess once yelled at my parents because they weren't directly behind the wait sign even though we were the only ones waiting at the time. It wasn't the best welcoming, but other than the staff have been fine.
(3)
Desiree G.
This place is supposed to be an authentic noodle place and personally, I could have just opened a packet of ramen and it would have tasted soo much better. Everything was so salty, way to salty to even enjoy! The only reason why I am giving this place two stars is because of how clean the tables were, and how excellent the meat was inside of the dish, it was the only part I liked. Quick tip: If you refrigerate your left overs, they turn sludgy and look gross.
(2)
Billie W.
Service here is quick and friendly. We had the House Ramen and Gyoza today. The ramen was made fresh and came in a gigantic bowl for $9.95. It included: - fresh yellow noodles (I liked that they were chewy, but was partial to the plain flavor) - half a boiled egg (I think it was a soy sauce egg - yum) - lots of chives (tasty) - sweet corn (yum) - bean sprouts (which I thought was odd to put in ramen) - beef (which unfortunately was dry and tough) The ramen soup base was rather milky and thick, so look out for a heavier meal, though the flavor was not too strong or salty. The Gyoza (pork) was slightly pricier for the size at $5.95, but still very delicious. I enjoyed both, but gave 3 stars because the flavor of the ramen wasn't exactly suited to my own particular tastes.
(3)
Tony J.
Look, there are only so many ramen options in Boston. Given that fact, this place is not so bad compared to the other places in the city. However, Boston is not a ramen city. On average, the ramen here is very poor. Sapporo ramen is meh. The wait is usually really long, and the broth and noodles aren't even that good. It doesn't give you that nice feeling after knocking down a bowl of ramen with extra noodles.
(2)
Peter K.
This is the worst ramen I ever ate for its price range (I paid $16 pre-tax). Ippudo in NYC has same price range, but both food and quality are significantly better. I would say $1.50 shin ramen is infinitely better than $14 ramen they sell here. However, they do give a lot of ramen so if you are looking for quantity not quality, this place might suit you.
(1)
Helen L.
Expect and prepare for a wait....but it is completely worth it. They give you some menus to look over while you wait and as you get closer to the front they take down your order. Once you're seated the food arrives pretty quickly. I always get the pork buns and the spicy miso ramen. Your body will thank you for this delicious bowl of ramen goodness.
(4)
Molly H.
Best ramen in Boston, worth the wait. Get the Miso Ramen.
(5)
An L.
Great place for comfort ramen food. Good to see why there is always a line here! The house ramen was very nicely flavored. The ramen noodles are delicious. Miso ramen had an odd wine taste. Next time, I'll probably go with the house ramen and request lower salt. Nice service.
(4)
Sandra P.
So sad, either my favorite place is getting worse or Boston Ramen scene is improving my taste buds for the better. I use to eat here a few times a week, then less and less. Now after a three month "break" I gave my old favorite another try. Sorry to say that everything has changed. Slower service, thinner broth, cold tough pork slices, cold eggs with eggs shells on them! Oh yuk! I was nauseous after my ramen tonight. It bothers me to say, but I think the lack of Japanese people making the ramen is having an effect on the quality. The dish washer is now making ramen. Hmmmm maybe that's why it tasted like dish water! Sorry Sapporo, get your act together because those lines won't last much longer if food geeks like myself are turned off. The competition is creeping into Boston and your old customers are creeping out on you!
(1)
Nora L.
Checked this place out for lunch today. It was a little bit of a wait but they took our order in line. We got the house ramen, spicy miso ramen and pork goyza. The house ramen had a strong corn flavored broth reminiscent of corn chowder, the pork also was a little on the dry side. The spicy miso ramen had the same corn based soup broth but it was spicy and had ground spicy pork. The noodles were good. The goyza had a tasty filling and a wonderful char on the bottom. Honestly I am not sure if I would come back.
(3)
Kelsey E.
Love love love this place! My boyfriend and I travel about 40 minutes by train to get here and enjoy the food. The broth is thick and creamy and the noodles are nice and buttery. Everything in the bowl compliments each other. I always get the house ramen, it's my absolute favorite. My boyfriend orders the spiciest ramen available. We are always super full and super satisfied. There's almost always a line but it's certainly worth it. Most people giving this place such poor reviews sound like a bunch of ramen snobs. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking to spend the day in porter!
(5)
Thu T.
From hearing some good reviews of Sapporo, I went and was able to quickly decide for myself that it's really not good, at all. I went with my boyfriend and he even said 'no' to finishing my share, which is UNHEARD OF. The soup base is thick and mucky, so it's hard to get a few swallows out of it. I would much rather go to Yume Wo Katare (only if you're up for this extravanganza of all sorts!!), the new Santouka in Harvard Square, or even Pikaichi in Allston. :( Sad...
(1)
Jun G.
My favorite ramen place in boston, highly recommend miso ramen. Always have a line, but worth to wait.
(5)
Jay K.
Delicious ramen, just like I used to eat in Japan. I always get the house ramen which is closest to the style I used to eat most. The bowl is huge, I've never been able to empty the whole bowl in one sitting, try as I may. There is almost always a line for tables here. Sometimes I'll get my order to go when the line is too long. Customer service here isn't great but it isn't bad either. I've been coming here for years and will continue to visit when the ramen cravings appear.
(4)
Vasken B.
I've been here multiple times and I will say I really enjoy coming here. When I go here with friends I will specifically go just to eat, pay and leave. But eating here proves I don't have to skimp on quality or taste. I've only ordered the House Ramen, (always extra noodle and extra pork) and the Hot & Sour Ramen (same deal, extra for noodle & pork). And they've never disappointed me. I recommend ordering a drink, as the drinking water doesn't seem to be all that good, but honestly, I'd rather have something with flavor to go with my soup in the first place. If you go here at peak times, expect to wait for a minimum of 20 minutes, because it is extremely popular... with good reason
(5)
Jessica L.
This place is not a customer friendly establishment. Their hours stated that they close at 9PM. Unlucky for us, the red line was down at the T station so we didn't arrive until roughly 8:30P.M. We would have made it earlier but in the end we still made it 30 minutes before closing time. When we got there, there was still a line waiting to get into the restaurant. My boyfriend and I joined everyone that was waiting and slowly waited as well. About twenty minutes later after the line was still moving and building.......a waitress promptly informed us that they were no longer taking in anymore customers. It wasn't even 9P.M. yet. I feel like an idiot waiting for no reason and I wasted time. They should have at least had the decency to inform us earlier if they were going to stop taking patrons. Instead, they wasted our time and were rude to us for no reason. After examining the menu, I can't say this place is even Japanese. Look at some of their offerings - Shumai (cantonese/chinese dish), kimchi (korean side dish), mabo tofu (chinese again). Maybe I should be thankful that they were so rude and impolite, because they don't look like an authentic ramen shop. Either way, don't bother going out of your way to come here, you might just be turned away without a good reason.
(1)
Ali S.
I ordered the House Ramen. The broth is incredible, but everything else is whatever. The noodles were too hard for my tastes. The egg was horribly disappointing; tasted just like a hard boiled egg with the yolk completely solid. The pork was very dry and very sweet. I've never had this type of pork in ramen before. It wasn't good. But that broth was so so good.
(3)
Andrea B.
Sapporo does ramen, and it does ramen damn well! I've walked by this place a million and one times at all hours of the day and night, and there's always a line. It's always busy, and for good reason. Finally, I decided I simply had to try them, so I hopped in line and waited. And about 15 minutes later, I was seated. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen. As I was looking around, I saw a cash-only sign, so I skipped on over to the ATM. And by the time I had returned, my steaming bowl of oh-so-delicious ramen was waiting. It was spicy but not overly so. The noodles were delicious enough on their own, but if you add in the pork, various veggies, a fantastic savory broth, and a whole bunch of scallions (my favorite!), you've got something pretty epic. I slurped down every last drop. The only reason I deduct a star is because of the seating arrangements. I was dining solo, so I was seated with another solo diner at a two-top. A complete stranger. I tried to make the best of it, and said hello and attempted to chat with her briefly, but she wasn't into it. I would've gladly waited a little longer to be seated separately, because noisily slurping ramen in complete silence? AWKWARD. But regardless, I think I've definitely found the perfect (and cheap!) pre- or post-class meal.
(4)
SR M.
Small place so get here early. There arent many seats and we got lucky we showed up right at 5pm when they opened for dinner on Saturdays. The guy that seated us wasn't the most pleasant but whatever, I'm there to eat ramen not make friends. As for ramem, we ordered the house ramen, bro got the hot and sour, gyoza and pork buns for apps. Well I loved my ramen. I've been to Ippudo a few times so I was able to compare. Although Ippudo wins hands down, this place was as been as good as it gets for me in Boston. Other reviewers have said that it's a little bland and not nearly as salty as it should be. Well I am glad. I liked that it wasn't too salty and that I didn't have to gulp down 3 glasses of water with my ramen. The broth was full and thick which I appreciate. I even like the noodles. I thought it was a perfect mix of the two. You can tell that they simmer the broth for hours. I only wish they the eggs they give you were a little more yolky? Also, more pork couldn't hurt either. Gyoza and pork buns were also good. Not sure what they used for sauce/spread but it helped with the dry pork that was in the buns. My brother enjoyed his hot and sour but it was not hot enough for him Overall I am a fan and will definitely be back.
(4)
Tess C.
I read a lot of reviews about long lines, but I guess I got lucky. No line at all!! I had the House Ramen and I LOVED i.! The broth was on point and the noodles were a nice texture. Portion size was good also! A little pricey, but probably as good as it's gonna get around here. I went in not expecting much, but I definitely enjoyed the ramen! I will be coming back again!
(4)
Katie C.
It's been about a year since my last review, and I've tried a few more ramen joints in the area. Conclusion? Sapporo is THE place. There really is no other (in Boston at least). And Spicy Miso is still THE dish. Get it. I recently heard about the new location opening up in Central (Hmart! Yesss). Will any of the new menu offerings compare to the Spicy Miso? I'm skeptical, but excited to find out.
(5)
Peter K.
A decent ramen place. Only chicken broth, though. Located inside the Porter Square mall.
(3)
Gezinha D.
I ordered a house ramen and I loved the broth, it was, for the lack of a better word... succulent. I thought the noodles were just a little bit hard and I wish that the bean sprouts had been cooked, I've never had bean sprouts like that before, every time I had them it was in a stir fry so I was surprised that they were uncooked. I wish they had options such as shrimp or chicken it would really be great. Overall the ramen was really, really good I am going to go back again for sure, and i will order double noodles. I can't wait to try the spicy miso ramen, it was my first time so I was a little bit cautious and I tried the house ramen. The group that was sitting by my table had the tan tan ramen ( I think that's what it's called) and it looked really good and it had shaved pork, which, i think looked more appetizing to me than the slices i got because you could mix up the broth with the shaved pork in the bowl, but the pork i had was really good too. The broth was really filling so I didn't even finish the whole thing. Can't wait to go back with my husband!
(4)
Kristina N.
This ramen shop was the only restaurant with a line in the Porter Shops mall. As a ramen lover, I'm making it my goal to try all the ramen places in Cambridge. This store has a good bowl, though, the house special broth tasted surprisingly like creamy chicken soup and my pork slices were cold. Still a satisfying meal to eat on a cold night.
(4)
Paul B.
I watch a lot of Japanese movies and anime, yet I had never had authentic ramen. I intended to rectify this on my recent trip to Boston for a Red Sox game. We decided on Sapporo Ramen and overall we were very satisfied. The only real problem we had is that there isn't much seating so it gets crowded very quickly. Unless you are going during an off time, expect a long wait. We were after the lunch rush so we only had a short wait and they do try to save time by taking your order in line. They were seating singles with strangers and couples with other couples at tables for four, so if you aren't comfortable with that this wouldn't be the place for you. We had our own table but we would have been fine sharing with others. Also you will need cash to eat here. Now as I said I've never had authentic ramen before so I don't have anything to compare this to. We both opted for the house ramen and were very satisfied. It was pretty much what we expected, although maybe a little saltier than we imagined. We ordered bottled water and the server said if we wanted we could have tap water for free. We happily accepted that offer. I can't really know how this compares to other ramen restaurants as this was our first, but we would definitely recommend it and plan to return next time we are in the area.
(4)
J K.
Really exceptional ramen. I got something with delicious pork and fried Veggies. My partner got miso broth and it was perfect for him but a little too strong for me. I love the bone broth they use. Noms.
(4)
Simon L.
Sapporo Ramen does not disappoint. Spicy miso ramen ($8.95) is thick and luscious, ground pork mixed with soft noodles. Tan tan mein ($8.95) is my favorite. Thick, buttery sesame broth with spicy ground pork. Long simmered broth in both cases with plenty of noodles. If you must, add extra meat and a pat of butter to be decadent. Extra pork, ground pork, noodles or double noodles are also available to add. Always busy but worth the wait as the line moves quickly. Pork buns ($6.96) were quite delicious last visit, tender pork, sweet buns, nice spice to the sauce. Shumai and gyoza have all been sampled and prove worth trying on at least one occasion but be warned that an order plus a bowl of soup will be too much for one person.
(5)
Jeff K.
I dig this place. It's comfortable, quick and mostly delicious. Especially like having flavor options... curry ramen and tan-tan-men are my favorites, boss lady likes the spicy miso. If you're hungry get double noodles, you don't get a ton here and they're far from the thick, chewy homemade noodles that I not-so-secretly wish they'd switch to. Don't bother with the egg, they end up hard boiled 98% of the time. The plain house ramen leaves something to be desired, especially compared to Yume Wo Katare, but we'll keep coming back to Sapporo for fat bowls of double noodle curry ramen. DO try the gyoza... so good. Try to get there early or late, regular dinner time = line for miles.
(4)
Jason M.
Before Sapporo, my knowledge of ramen was limited to two things: 1. Being a poor college kid 2. The short story "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto (no really, look it up) In Kitchen, our protagonist lovingly describes the sensation of slurping the broth, the collagen filling her mouth with a warmth that passes into her body. She describes the lovingly cooked pork, floating above the chewy noodles. The nori adding a special unique flavor to the overall bowl. I didn't understand it until I visited Sapporo. Sapporo Ramen is tucked away in Porter Exchange and seats less than 20. It's intimate, yet comfortable. You may find yourself slurping on a savory broth next to strangers. Most will tell you to try the House Ramen, but that's not my jam. I move to the Tan Tan Men, a sesame and chili ramen. The broth quickly transforms into a nutty and spicy concoction, leaving plenty of spice in your mouth but not enough to make it unbearable. In the story Kitchen, the narrator says she is most comfortable in the presence of people cooking. While sitting at Sapporo, I agree.
(4)
Catherine W.
Finally had the time to wait in a 30 minute line to see what the hype is about. They do have a system where you put your order in before you get seated so that by the time you do get one of the tables, your food will be ready. We ordered the house ramen with spicy pork and miso ramen. The homemade ramen noodles are fantastic and chewy. We both found the broth a little salty though, and definitely the miso broth was a little much for me (just my personal taste). Still a fun experience and I'm interested in trying other items in the future.
(3)
Daniel K.
I have been a customer here for years because the ramen here are so tasty and delicious. I really cannot understand some of these bad reviews. Anyways, I always get Miso ramen with butter. If I am hungry, I would ask for extra noodle for an additional $2. I really have no room to complain or be critical about this place. The food is really good and addictive. I never experienced bad customer service here. I hope Sapporo Ramen never goes away.
(5)
Susan W.
Ramen is okay. Bit salty.
(4)
Allison C.
Gotta love the Porter Exchange for their casual eats! Sapporo is a bit pricey for a ramen food stall (house ramen at $8.40), but still cheaper than other ramen options in the greater Boston area and definitely an attractive option for Harvard students just down the street. For the house ramen, be sure to add the table chili sauce to give it a much needed kick. Broth is unfortunately chicken-based, as opposed to typical pork-based, so you'll need some flavor. Noodles are fine. The pork itself is a bit chewy and bland, so beware. Still, it's a heaping bowl of hot ramen. It's really hard to go super wrong with this dish. There can be about a 15 minute wait on Saturday evenings, so try not to come with a group larger than 5 people. They do try to close up shop pretty promptly at 9pm. I'd come back for a quick ramen run sometime, no problem.
(3)
Bela S.
I've written a more in depth review, but I wanted to mention that these guys either don't care about their hours or they have changed them and they are outdated here. Once we arrived at 4:00 on a weekday with nobody manning the restaurant. A couple of the cooks were eating at a nearby place and didn't seem bothered that we were looking around aimlessly. A couple days ago we arrive around 4:30 and were told they open at 5:00. We took a short walk, came back at 5:02, and there were already five people seared, two of them eating. Strange... Ramen is the best around, which is why we keep coming back despite the lacking service. It's good enough that I'm still willing to give it four stars despite these annoyances!
(4)
Devin F.
I've been here twice. One day and then the next. The first day I had the House Ramen and added butter. Very yummy. The next day I had the Tan Tan Ramen. Wow! It was freaking amazing. Not too spicy. Damn good sesame broth. The line moves fast and the service is pretty quick as well. Not sure how this place could be improved? A whole egg instead of just a half egg? Beer or sake options? I'm not even sure if they have alcohol or not. Maybe a website with hours and menu would be cool. Anyway, the quality, service, speed and prices are all pretty damn perfect. Oh it might be kinda hard to find. I'm an out of towner and my stupidphone's (actually it's me who is too stupid to operate it) gps settings were not as accurate as they could be so I walked past the place. It's inside the little shopping mall.
(5)
MooMoo H.
Here is a candid review from a native Japanese ramen lover: The establishment is inside a mall with very few seats. I was lucky to come during off-peak hours, but I can imagine this place being packed. I would definitely stick to off-peak hours, but the flip side is that there are a bunch of other Japanese restaurants close by with similar price points. The service was kind, but it was kind of hot. I had the house ramen since it was my first time. It wasn't for me (what a snob right?), but most people would enjoy it. The noodles were spot on. The egg was OK. The pork was... cold and oddly sweet. The portion size was fairly generous. By itself it would be a solid 3 stars, but considering it's MA I have to bump it up to 4 stars. If they fix their pork and offered some kind of add-on menu (garlic, onions, etc) it would be an additional star for me.
(4)
M L.
Solid ramen at decent prices. Expect a long wait if you go during lunch, especially on the weekends.
(3)
Anthony B.
This was my first time ever having ramon. It was so good I can't wait to go again. The only thing is there is a long wait. When I go this time I'm going early. Also wish there was a ramon restaurant in the Worcester area.
(5)
Stella S.
I don't get the rave. It's decent ramen but not as great at people make it out to be. The miso base is a joke. The miso ramen came out bland and to be honest, it tasted like they mixed the miso base with the water they cooked the ramen in.
(3)
Alice L.
The line was really long and the restaurant itself is extremely small. I had high hopes for this place because of how many good reviews it got and how it was the most popular place in the complex. We got the original/house, the miso, and the vegetarian one. First bite into each was delicious, but after about the 5th bite, the soup was too overwhelming. Granted, I've never had "creamy" ramen, but it was just too much for me. I honestly would've preferred staying at home and cooking up some 25 cent ramen from Wal-Mart. In order from best to worst, I would say vegetarian, original, then miso. For a meat lover like me, to say vegetarian was the best means something.
(2)
Sushmita M.
Despite my LA ramen adventure, I'll always come back to Sapporo. Case in point, in a one-week visit, I have been here three times to get my fix, and even that's not enough. The tan-tan men sesame pork ramen ALWAYS delights, so creamy, spicy, porky, noodly it is. This is my favorite place to eat in Boston until you convince me otherwise. Get here early with a small group, bring cash & top it off with Miyazaki afterwards. Kawaii!
(5)
Ivy F.
Prepare to wait in line if you plan to come here for dinner. Soup is great and creamy.
(3)
Ottavio S.
I've been coming to this Ramen shop since I was a teenager. Its never disappointed. The staff is amazing but most of all its a no nonsense spot to get an amazing bowl of ramen. Get the miso ramen. You won't regret it.
(5)
Guy R.
It feels like a cheesy, small diner with several wooden benches and tables - the minimal decoration you can think of for a restaurant. But it's perhaps THE ramen place in the Boston / Cambridge area. If you come to this place at dinner time, you will be amazed at how popular it is - people start to form anticipatory line half an hour before it's open. The style feels authentically Japanese - with a little "Sapporo" flag hanging in the corner, and small bottles of Japanese condiments on the tables. Ramen is extremely delicious. What makes it so enticing is the soup - chicken soup stewed for well over 10 hours with a mixture of unique sauce, seasonings, and peppers. It gives out a mild, savory smell. And perhaps because of it, if you are someone who doesn't like salty food, the soup can taste a bit too salty. If so, just eat the noodles and don't drink the soup. Another good point of the diner is that all dishes are made fresh - they do not pre-make any food to facilitate customer flow - it's why there is usually a long line outside. But the wait is totally worth it because when you sit down to start devouring the noodles, you will feel the legendary "ramen experience. " Also, service is good, waiters and waitresses are generally friendly, but at times they can be a bit blunt especially when there's lots of waiting customers. But the strange thing is that the longer you wait, the better the ramen taste. Once my friend and I waited in line for well over 40 minutes, by the time we got our spots, it's already 8:30pm... I swallowed the whole thing like I'd never eaten before; or it could've been our hunger - we could've savored anything in that state.
(5)
Carolyn T.
I don't even want to give 1 star because this is how bad this place is. This place has been decent over the years but the food and service have just gone down hill. The waitress is extremely rude. I ordered a spicy miso ramen and came out with miso ramen. I told her this and she said no you ordered miso even though my friend heard me said spicy miso. She didn't not apologize nor bother to give me a new bowl. She bumped into my friend's chair and ordered my friend to move her chair in as if it was her fault. There was plenty of room in the back. Rude rude rude! I only went here because yume was closed and will never come back here again
(1)
Jennifer P.
Sapporo is hands down my favorite restaurant in the Cambridge/Boston area. I am almost convinced that this place may sprinkle crack into their food - it's so incredibly addicting. I crave the ramen at Sapporo at least several times per week. The prices are decent, the ambience is gritty, the service is fair - all things that I like about good old asian home-cooking restaurants. I had a friend come into town who lived in Flushing, Queens and I was a bit reluctant to bring him to this restaurant thinking that he would not enjoy this restaurant since he was coming from the Northeast Mecca of Asian food - but he loved it as well! In fact, he requested that we come again the next day (which of course we did). Come rain, sunshine, snow, blizzard, sleet, wintry mix...you can be sure that you will find me at Sapporo. My favorites, in no particular order: Tan Tan Men House Ramen Spicy Miso Ramen P.s. the appetizers all suck. I've already tried all of them and they're terrible. Just stick with the ramen and you can't go wrong!
(5)
Zhibo P.
Worth try!
(4)
Eunice E.
When the mood hits for a big bowl of hot ramen, this is a nice place to go... but remember to bring your cash, because that's the only currency they'll take. The broth is great, especially when you're feeling under the weather, and you need a warm pick-me-up that will fill you up and calm you down. If you add some chili sauce to your soup, well, I mean, that's just awesome. Especially if you're sick and you need to clear your sinuses. The meat is tender and fatty, but it goes well with the soft, thick ramen noodles. I tried the kimchi ramen, and it was not exactly the Nong Shim ramen I was picturing in my head, but it was nice to have something warm in my belly while recovering from a particularly nasty virus. Overall, solid ramen joint. May come back for more.
(3)
Qi G.
I've decided to give this place another try after the unpleasant experience a couple years ago. I ordered the house ramen and shared the roast pork buns with friends. While the ramen was better than the last time I had it, it left something to be desired. I was also disappointed to find out that the egg that came with the ramen was not the marinated soft boiled eggs that typically serve with Japanese ramen but a plain cooked egg. The broth was very average and didn't taste like it had been boiled for hours. Roast pork buns were not bad. Don't think I am coming back here anytime soon. There are better ramen places in Boston area.
(3)
Kelsey C.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." But what if we need to cross a bridge just to get there? I'd cross a mountain to get to Sapporo. Momofuku and Baohaus have ruined Pork Buns for me, and I never thought I'd find decent ones in Boston. But at $5.50 for two, Sapporo's are a steal. And better than decent. Done deal. Miso has never been my favorite, but the Spicy Miso Ramen gives me a run for my money. Soft, dense grains of the white stuff glide down your throat, and if you add a red-hot kick of chili, you really start to taste the spicy ground pork. Yum. I've had no broth more perfect than the Kimchee Ramen with its chewy al dente noodles. The kimchee packs some punch, and an addition of spicy ground pork is just perfect. I never want to go to Porter Square, but it takes about the same amount of time to get to as Allston's Super 88, the only food court that rival the Shops so if you say Sapporo I'll come running. So keep up the good work Sapporo, I think you also put Lesley University on the map.
(4)
Alex M.
In hindsight, the ramen was good but perhaps not as good as I led myself to believe. Nevertheless it's probably one of the better ramen bowls I've had in the Boston area.
(3)
Harri S.
It appears that either something went horribly wrong last time, or amazingly well this time. I got the tantanmen and it was quite satisfying. The Biff got a spicy miso with extra noodles and didn't finish because his eyes are larger than his stomach. The collagenous broth was at the right temperature (Sean-a Paul-a!!!!), and the noodles held up well and did not get soggy. As always this place is cash only. My biggest gripe about this place is that it is deceivingly inexpensive. Sure your bowl starts out at $8.95, but add a hard-boiled egg (I never seem to find me soft boiled ones), and a drink and the bill with tip comes out to about $30 for 2 people. CASH ONLY.
(4)
Catherine D.
They know they have us where they want us (as there are so few ramen places around), so they can put in MINIMAL effort and still have good business. First, the quality of the food is not very good. This is probably the worst ramen I have ever had. Second, the service SUCKS. I came in during the week around 2:00pm. There were maybe three other customers. I tell the waitress it was just for one. She glared at me as if my request was completely absurd--how dare I ask for a seat in such an empty restaurant. I walked toward a corner table. She handed me a menu and I took it. However, she did not let go. With me still holding onto the menu, she maneuvered me to different table. Before I was able to take off my coat and sit down she gruffly asked me what I wanted. The food is not good, but the location is convenient. I could have seen myself returning to eat bad ramen, but with this kind of service--NEVER AGAIN.
(1)
Bram B.
I'm missing Sapporo Ramen! I only visit the Boston area now during summers. Their house ramen, thick and collagen-y, is ideal for a rainy or cold day (though lines and waits can be very long and it's best to be contrarian and go when others aren't likely to!) You might be shoe-horned into sitting with a stranger in order to keep the soup flowing, but don't be a hermit, it's ok to interact with a stranger, especially when comfort food this comfortable is on the table. The broth makes the soup, but the combination of the pork, seaweed, egg, corn (seemed kind of unusual in ramen to me but now it seems so natural) adds up to more than the sum of its parts and becomes something I miss now living in the South. The other soups are good too, spicy, miso, etc., but the house ramen is my staple.
(5)
Emily C.
Was coming down with a cold, the kimchi ramen here was just the right cure. Broth is delicious and thick with collagen, the pork is fork-tender and the veg balance in the soup is just right (corn, nori, half a boiled egg, scallions and more). Had the chicken katsu on the side and it was also delicious. The place is crazy busy and seating's a bit cramped but service is super polite and efficient. The kitchen is open so you can watch everyone work. If you're picking side dishes, have a second choice in mind as some appetizers on the menu aren't available anymore (like the onigiri).
(4)
CS L.
They actually close between 3 - 5pm. I arrived around 4:45pm on Sunday and they said it's not open until 5pm so I shop around the Tokai Japanese Gifts shop around the corner and return right at 5pm, and I noticed Sapporo is already half filled so I placed my order of House Ramen as soon as I got a seat to avoid others line up their orders in front of my single bowl ramen order. By 5:10pm, the place is already filled with a couple waiting outside. I ordered the House Ramen with extra ramen (add $1 for extra ramen, add $2 for double ramen, pretty good option for ramen lovers like me). The ramen itself seem a little too hard to make it a good chewy level (I'm not sure if it is because this place is already filled with customers so the chef wanted to cook faster to quickly serve more customers or not). The House ramen come with 2 slices of pork, some bean sprouts, corns, scallion, a piece of nori and egg. Overall the quality is not bad (if they can cook a little longer so the ramen is a little more soft inside so I can get a good chew of ramen).
(3)
tammy l.
The soup was good, ramen is also good for its price. There is always a long line cuz the place is very small. Because so many good reviews have set up really high expectations, I still find the ramen a bit greasy and not really sth taste originally from Japan.
(4)
Lillybeth B.
Love love love the soup here. There has always been a line but it's worth the wait. Yummmm. I've had the curry and the tantammen. They've both been delicious. I will be going back this weekend. I wish there were other locations nearby. There is parking in the back and it's really cheap.
(5)
T T.
Got the spicy miso ramen. It's quite a thick broth and I was imagining an explosion of flavor from the looks of it. Disappointed that the flavor was lackluster. You're really paying for the noodles and bean sprouts--ground pork, really? Your competitors are serving up slabs of it! P.S. If you're gonna eat here, bring your own bottled water. The tap water tastes salty. Not sure if it's the tap or the cleanliness of the glasses. Or even the attitude of the waitress....the way she tells customers off is unbelievably laughable. Eating here was an experience.
(2)
Ken S.
House ramen is great! Yasai ramen is okay :\ Seating can be difficult at peak hours and you may have to wait in a long line.
(4)
Shuang C.
No matter how many times I eat here, no matter how many different dishes I try, I just can't get myself to like this place. Let me start off with the broth. Their broth is unfortunately thick yet unflavorful. It taste like coagulating water compared to the broth at Ippudo. Everytime I finish a bowl of ramen here I will feel sick, without fail. Mind you, it's not as extreme as the crappy feeling one gets from a bowl of Yume wo katare, but it's still pretty bad. Not to mention Yume is actually worth the pain afterwards, whereas this isn't. Noodles are pretty standard, nothing to say here. The pork, man oh man I thought the pork was meh when I first visited them three years ago, but it has progressively gone downhill. Now they are just cold chewy pieces of lameness that I reluctantly put in my mouth because I just want to eat meat. The egg also has gone downhill. Nowadays the yolk is solid powdery yellow, none of that gooey yolk from a well executed ni-tamago. The outside is tinted brown, not solid brown. Sad. If this restaurant was three stars before, now it's only worth 2 stars. Still, I'm giving it three for nostalgia's sake. I really need to accept the fact that I will never like this place, and just stop coming here.
(3)
David W.
It isn't a typical Japanese Ramen, the only special is their soup is extreme thick, Obviously they uses chicken bonds to cook for hours or days. However, the taste is too strong, after I finished my bowl, my tongue was palsied for a while.
(3)
Ami M.
Love it. I get my ramen fix going here. The steamed bun was super good too. Totally worth waiting in line.
(5)
Eunmi L.
Best Ramen soup ever!!
(5)
Mahina K.
There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS a line. I love them though. I had the spicy miso ramen and my sister had the tan tan ramen. Both pleased us immensely. I loved their karaage chicken. It's a very small place like most of the other restaurants in this area. It probably seats around 20, IF that many people. It was kind of weird that there's corn in the ramen, haven't really seen it before, but it was yummy. They use bits of ground pork or beef in the ramen which is very yummy. It's kind of hard to eat all the small pieces if you're not so good at chopsticks. Occasionally I do to go because of the lines and just head home. But it's worth the wait if you're in the mood. Everything is decently priced and so delicious. Like most things in Porter, THIS IS CASH ONLY! Bank of America machine around the corner by City Sports.
(4)
Sean D.
I have been here twice while working in Boston this summer. My family and I frequent two Ajisen restaurants in LA fairly frequently, we are big fans of fresh ramen. This place is clearly more popular than it's neighbors in this office bldg/mall setting. There was a long line both times I went. A server comes out and takes your order while you wait so that your food comes quickly after being seated. I found this to be a great idea, for customers as well as the restaurant. The ramen was fantastic! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Admiral A.
The OG of Boston area ramen. This 18 seat noodle stall in the food court of Porter Exchange (now owned by Lesley University) has been around over 20 years. Noodles are medium-thin wavy. Very basic in taste and texture, soft most of the time. There is a wide variety of choices here. Their mother broth is a chicken/vegetable boiled high and long. Nice golden color, just a hint of bubbly sheen, more rich and flavorful than one would expect. On some days a hint of bitterness comes through. Tantan Men arrives looking like a fiery sunset. It is rich with toasted sesame, nuts, and chili powder. Miso is a miss; creamy but lacking in flavor. Spicy Miso has decent heat. Hot & Sour tries hard but needs more vinegar to go with the chili oil. Curry Ramen is blah. Thinly sliced lean pork loin is decent. Fairly tender, you can taste the soy marinade. Skimpy amount of ground pork for bowls that have it. Some stomachs might not be satisfied with the portions here. You can order extra or double noodles if that is the case. Passable ramen for the region. Sapporo has name recognition since they have been in business so long. Expect a bit of a wait most of the time. Also note they close for their traditional break between 3-5pm. Cash only.
(3)
Cindy K.
MmMm salty goodness. I like this place a lot. Its located right inside the Porter Exchange food court. If you go here in the winter time, expect a line around the corner hall for this place. I always get the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and salty. The noodles have a nice chew to them. I also add the house pepper and hot oil to make things even spicier. My husband always gets the house ramen. That brother is a chicken base broth that is also very thick in a good way. It comes with 3 slices of roast pork and an egg. Very delicious as well.
(5)
Mike B.
I thought this place would satisfy my hunger, but all it did was give me a stomach ache for hours. The broth was very murky and Ramen wasn't cooked right for my taste. The service wasn't that great either, The waitress just asked us what we wanted and that's it. Took about 15mins to actually come around and give me my change back. Never coming here again, I wouldn't recommend this place for anyone.
(1)
Matt L.
Overall, the food is decent. I would probably give it four stars. Nothing here is bad, and as long as you come often enough, you'll find something you like. The biggest problem here is the service. The people who run the shop aren't that friendly, and are pretty bad about seating. There's always a line, and they don't really do their best to make food quickly. Also, this place still doesn't take cards- cash only.
(3)
Pe V.
Don't read any review that doesn't give Sapporo Ramen 5 stars. * FORGIVABLY Small Yes, the restaurant has limited seating (and ever since being featured on NPR and the book "Where Chefs Eat" there has been massive line every time), limited drink options (no hot tea, only cold canned tea, but at least they have oolong), they only have one server, they only take cash, and they might not have a menu option that perfectly satisfies your food aversion/allergy/proclivities. * The REAL Reason To Go: Authentic House ramen. I crave it the way others crave chicken noodle soup. The chicken broth is thick and full of flavor. The pork is marinated well (albeit fatty at times), the noodles have a wonderful chewiness (al dente), and an egg on top. 1) Bring cash. Your Hamilton and stomach will high five -- twice. 2) Don't look at the menu. Order the house ramen and never look back. 3) Become a regular. ** PROTIP ** Expect a long wait! Buuuuut, if you abhor waiting like I do, cut the line and order "to go" at the register. You likely receive your order before the first person in line gets seated. Then, you can then buy a ceramic Japanese bowl at a shop on the same floor and eat at a free table downstairs. And if you're on a date, your date will think, "What a clever, and whimsical person I have just met. When we get back to my place I will [verb] him/her vigorously with my [noun]". You're welcome :)
(5)
Julia L.
First time at Porter Square - what a cute little treasure! I'm a ramen lover, and I'm so glad I found this so I'm not stuck with only Wagamama. Pork buns - loved the pork, fatty and flavorful just the way it's supposed to be. Disappointed at the buns - too chewy, like it's been made since morning and sitting out for a few hours. If I came earlier at opening time, it might have been different. House ramen - broth was excellent, very rich and savory. Noodles were kind of skimpy, hidden by the large amounts of broth. I think extra noodles are $2 so definitely doing that next time (**I'm a 5' Asian girl so anyone bigger than me, hence everyone, should probably get the extra noodles). One other thing, the half egg is fully cooked, not the semi-cooked kind that I like but that's all due to preference. Overall, best ramen so far in Boston, but still on the hunt!
(4)
Sara M.
I have had a change of heart. Ken broke mine by moving back to Japan so I decided to give Sapporo another try. I was pleasantly surprised! I recently had Mentei and it confirmed my earlier sentiments of blaaah. We came around 1pm on a Sunday and waited for about 15 minutes but the server was just so friendly. I ordered the pork gyoza and the house ramen with spicy ground pork. The gyoza was not fried properly - the pan was too hot so the outside burned and without crisping all around. The broth was...sticky. You could definitely tell it was chicken and not pork but it was still pretty tasty. They could have given me a bit more ground pork (as well as not just one sad little piece of nori) and it could have been spicier but that's what the chili is for I guess. The noodles were not as springy and chewy as I would have liked but they had a good mouth feel. The ramen was much better than what I remembered and a decent substitute for Ken's. I enjoyed it quite a bit and was happy that this place has come along nicely! The bowl was decently sized and I did not need to order extra noodles. The spicy miso ramen was deemed good as well. I will definitely be back for the kimchi ramen and more house ramen as often as I can!
(4)
Phil C.
I tried the miso ramen and it was okay. The broth is, admittedly, rich and flavorful. It might be a little too rich for some, with the high amount of collagen in the soup. The noodles are decent, as it wasn't too soft. While I know the noodles and broth are the centerpieces of the meal, there sliced pork (the very few that was there) and vegetables lacked quantity and quality. Had I been hungry that meal, the miso ramen would've been insufficient to satisfy me. But it was fine for me that day. If you're in the mood for ramen, this place will sufficiently address that need. n.b. - very few seats and cash only
(3)
Bailey Z.
How can you not try a ramen place that advertises that their broth is supplemented with NATURAL collagen. Boy, I sure do prefer that natural collagen in my ramen as opposed to the artificial stuff. I do love a good ramen place though and Sapporo has the good stuff. The wait is insanely long because their dining area is insanely small and limited. Don't come here with a large group because it's a bad idea. In fact, they are so limited in space that many times you might have to end up sharing your meal with a complete stranger, which can lead to some major awkwardness. But, I guess once you have that huge bowl of ramen in front of you, nothing else matters. I got the tantanmen (sesame oil flavored) ramen with ground pork with extra noodles because I love the texture of ramen noodles. The broth was thick, warm, rich, but comforting. Mmm, gotta love that natural collagen. The noodles were cooked perfectly (slightly al dente, just the way I like it). I also tasted some of the spicy miso ramen, which wasn't spicy at all, but you could definitely taste the strong miso flavor. I wish they had more ground pork and added some other things to my ramen like seaweed or an egg. Both broths are quite salty so I recommend having some water in hand. Unfortunately the water they give to you is from the tap and they don't even make it discrete. It's disgusting that you can see particulates floating in your tap water. The only other issue I have with this place is that their service is extremely slow. They take orders while you're in line so one would think that everything would be ready by the time you sit down. Wrong. Apparently you still have to wait even longer because their 10 hour boiled broth is not yet ready for you. Doesn't make much sense to me, but whatever, they make good ramen.
(4)
Jeremy K.
Hi my name is Jeremy and I am a ramen addict. Wow, that felt good; I had to say it and get it out. It's been a recent problem of mine and, well... it's been a long road to get here. Leighann recommended I try this place and I made my way there the very next day, hustling like a crack head to get my fix. I've since made quite a few trips there and have enjoyed every single one of them greatly. Even took my parents there. While I started off by ordering their house ramen which features noodles, a clear chicken broth, a half an egg, scallions, corn and soy sprouts, I've lately switched over to the Kim-Chi ramen because kim-chi is delicious and adds a bit more depth to the ramen. At $8-$9 bucks for a big bowl that most can't finish easily the place is affordable and the service is quick. Cash only though, so be warned. The ramen here will open your eyes and will make you realize that there's more to ramen then that packaged crap you see on the supermarket shelves that is loaded with sodium. The place is modest, but yeah, I am a a big fan, so much so that I'll give it a generous four stars because it's clean, quick and the prices are good and also because I've had many quiet, enjoyable lunches there both with and without company!
(4)
Thien N.
I'm not really sure what authentic Japanese ramen is really supposed to taste like since this was my first time. After waiting for about 10-15 minutes, we finally sat down and ramen was served up 5 minutes later. It's great that they take your order while you're in line to avoid the extra wait time. I opted for the hot and sour ramen and my friend opted for their house ramen. The house ramen was really good. The broth was flavorful and noodles were cooked just right! However, once you get half way through, it starts to become too thick with the gelatinous. It slows you down. My hot and sour soup did the same. I couldn't finish the broth but did finish my noodles. The noodles were delicious! I'd definitely go for the house ramen next time. What to try: House Ramen Warning: this is CASH only. Luckily there is a BOA ATM nearby.
(4)
Henry Z.
One of the best ramen in Boston area!
(5)
Han F.
I love their ramens, the house ramen, the miso ramen and the hot & sour ramen. I never get anything else here because the soups are SO FILLING. If I know that I'm going to Sapporo, I try to eat a very light meal before, just so that I can make sure to slurp down every last sip! Staff are always courteous and if you want extras of anything, there always willing to accommodate. On top of that, they're next to Cafe Mami, my other all time favorite at Porter Exchange. =) YUM!
(5)
Allison B.
Wow. Just wow. Rich, creamy broth that is made by some special bone-soaking process. Homemade noodles. So full. So delicious. Go here and order the Kim Chi Ramen. Oh my gosh.
(5)
Michael S.
Been doing the Ramen rounds around the boston area and this IS the best.
(5)
Peter P.
At times there are long lines, only because its so darn good! Not five star as in fine dining, but man is this place a gem. Great size portions - I usually go with the hot and sour or tan tan men but the spicy miso ramen is also another go-to great. Small little joint in the Porter Square food court/Lesley University building...PRO TIP: cash only.
(5)
Julie V.
A consistent winner. I've been going here for lunch every so often for the past three years, and it never fails to satisfy. The wait can seem intimidating, but it is more than worth it for the delicious bowl of rich broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and tender pork. I always go for the kimchi version, but I've gone with friends who take the house or miso and love them just as much.
(5)
Ivy G.
Back Sep. 2011, I had my first taste of this Ramen with pork noodle. I did not think very special or worth recommending. So my second taste was last Tuesday , I ordered spicy miso ramen. It came with little spicy actually. To be honest, I almost added all the spicy pepper on the table to my noodle. Still not satisfied with the spice. Yes, it would be a good choice to try once. since it is so hard to find any right Ramen in Boston. Moreover, the soup is too oily for me~
(3)
Skye R.
I was craving Ramen and so Yelp helped me find the best place within walking distance. Unfortunately this was a let-down. I found that the broth was way too heavy, too much fat and umami and missing that crucial "zing" as a counterpoint. A splash of ponzu or even the fermented taste of bonito would have mde a world of difference. Instead, I felt like I was drowning in a pool of collagen. I tried adding a side of spicy pork, but that was also just fat, and then dousing my bowl with sriracha (just made it taste like spicy fat). I was also disappointed with the included bits-- two slices of pork, some corn and bean sprouts. Where were other interesting add-ins, like fish cake or seaweed? Overall, if you want a good bowl of hot fatty soup, this is the place. If you are looking for a "real" authentic ramen, don't come here.
(3)
Kari C.
This is a small restaurant inside of Porter Exchange. I come here often for other restaurants as well and I always see a line for this place! Boyfriend ordered a spicy miso ramen and I ordered the house ramen. He says that it is not great but it IS the best ramen he has ever had. However, for someone like me who prefers lighter foods and has a small appetite, I would personally not come back. The soup base was much too thick for me and did not taste very good. I felt a little bit sick after and could not finish half of it. The service was average but of course, it is to be expected from a small and busy place so I don't blame them. We were also in line before these two guys and even though I wasn't ready to order when she came to us in line, she ended up taking their order first and it came about 5-7min before ours even though she brought the orders in at the same time.
(3)
Lauren S.
I have not had ramen in Japan. But in my sample size of various packages and other Asian restaurants, I have not had ramen better than this. Holy crap, it's cheap, AND it's delicious. Some folks have told me they don't like the noodle consistency, but if we're going for personal preference: if I've been prepping for a visit, I can clean out a bowl in 15 minutes (the size of a small trough) if I have to handle conversation while eating. [ambiance: a little weird. the venue is like, 3-4 long tables. You get tap water in a cup-- it's okay since your mission is to shovel ramen-- and there can be a line. Bring cash-- there's an ATM in the building, and they don't accept credit cards here] My favorite is the kimchi ramen, but I've enjoyed miso with butter (unabashedly, I love butter and I love fat.). I pour a bunch of chili oil (from the ridonkulously adorable little cat condiment bowls), and go to town. Th kimchi ramen comes with sliced roasted pork, sprouts, corn, seaweed, hard boiled tea egg (and kimchi, naturally)-- I noticed some folks have had cold pork and egg. I haven't had that happen to me, but I somehow doubt that it would phase me if it did. The reality is, the broth is what keeps me coming back. Finding delicious broth is freaking hard around here, and I would drink this broth through a straw if I didn't think I would possibly pop my stomach from over consumption. I do really like runny eggs in my udon, but I've got no complaints about the tea egg here. Also, make sure you check out the cat cartoons stenciled on the wall. Under each overly expressive cat (one is bursting into tears of joy), there's a phrase. "Growl. mmm. that! try. OH! my god." While you're deep in ramen consumption, it almost makes sense. Yes, my God. Try the ramen. If you don't like it, it's only about $8.50, so you won't be out much for your adventure.
(4)
Lisa W.
Not bad.. but I think we'll try all the other food stalls in the building before coming back. We had: - house ramen (would get extra pork next time) - tantanmen - kimchi - 2 pork buns = $25 after tax before tip (CASH ONLY) The broth is rich and tasty, but the noodles are just OK compared to my favorite ramen place in LA. The pork buns though.. wow! The bun was soft and fresh, and the pork slice was large and juicy. It comes with two different variations. Mine had a cucumber slice and some soy-based sauce which I loved. The other had lettuce, tomato, and some sort of mayo-based sauce. It was pretty busy, but it seems like the tables turn over fast. I did hear the waitress allow some people to sit at the empty cafe across the hall, so it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's super crowded.
(3)
Prem A.
Didn't think the ramen here was anything special. Had much better ramen in New York. I had the soy sauce ramen. The broth was good, but didn't enjoy the noodles. I chose to go here because it was one of the few ramen spots open on Sundays.
(3)
Michelle J.
I am not a soup person and the first 2 times I came here it was in-between it's closed for lunch phase. So unfortunately I didn't get to try them my first few trips here. But it was cold and I am nothing if not determined. I figured I would stop here for an early dinner after missing my bus a couple hours before. I was frustrated and it was cold. So when I got to Sapporo at 4:30 and the guy told me they actually open back at 5pm I was a little bit sad. However as the saying goes 3 times the charm I wasn't going to let that discourage me. If anything I wouldn't have to wait on line like so many people choose to when they come here. The lines don't get super long but there is limited seating so I imagine if I did choose to wait for an opening it would be at least half an hour to 40mins depending on the crowd. So when I returned at 5pm I took a seat at an open table and the waiter (I feel funny using the term waiter for a ramen shop) brought me a water and took my order. They only serve about 6 kinds of ramen and the menu has pictures so you know exactly what you'd be getting. I ordered the Tan Tan Men and their pork buns. About 10 minutes later I get my steaming hot bowl of ramen. Looks just like the picture and I dig in... well as much as a person can dig into a bowl of soup. The soup was hearty, the noodles though I felt could have been a little more were good. The ground pork and other toppings were very flavorful. On a cold winter evening I couldn't ask for anything more. This was the perfect meal. And even though there was a line forming while I ate I never felt rushed by the waiter. He didn't even bring the check until he noticed my soup was almost done. I will say though that this place was a little more expensive than I would want to spend for dinner.The bowl of ramen itself cost about $10 but the food was so good and the bowl pretty big I think it was worth it.
(3)
Peter P.
I've been to a lot of ramen shops, and most of the time they're over-hyped. You pay an arm and a leg for something that tastes about the same as what you ate to get you through your college days. But this is not your average 4-for-a-dollar ramen, this is some real quality stuff. Food alone merits this establishment 4/5. Food: We had the pork buns as the appetizer. For some reason though, mine didn't have mayo or a slice of tomato. It actually had a thin spread of what appeared to be black bean paste, which I felt made it taste better compared to what my friends had. For the entree, I had the house ramen with double noodles (because I'm so used to getting a dismal amount elsewhere). It definitely pushed my eating limits, and I think next time I'll just settle for extra instead of double noodles. The broth was thick, and I'm not sure if it's because of the egg noodles or how they cook it. I feel like they must have taken egg yolk and mixed it in with miso broth or something. It's not a bad thing, it just felt very heavy afterwards. The pork slices were nice and tender with a roasted soy taste to them, however I think it's a little expensive to get extra pork. They have plenty of seasoning on the table if you don't like the taste, or if you need a little more spice. Atmosphere: There's about 20 seats total in a small area. Lines form randomly in the hall, but luckily you can "pre-order" while you're waiting. Staff: N/A - mostly because they just drop off the food, and come back for the check. Final Thoughts Sapporo is a terrific place for ramen, and you definitely get the most bang for your buck here. However, the wait time can fluctuate a lot so plan accordingly.
(4)
Shing Yiing O.
I am hesitating on giving 3 stars or 4 stars... well.. to be honest.. the house ramen's soup is one of the best soup i have ever had.. Yes.. it's thick and tasty.. I still prefer the ramen that I had in NYC.. Totto and Ippudo.. well.. But I am in a different city.. I will definitely return to get a ramen if I am living in Cambridge... It's different kind of ramen.. It was not the ramen I expected.. That's why it's more like a 3.5 stars instead... but because of the soup.. 4 stars with no comment... It will be perfect if I can have the house ramen soup and the noodles from Totto Ramen.. lol.. the pork in the soup wasn't as crispy as I will get.. We also ordered a bbq pork bun.. This is the reason I was hesitating on giving higher ratings... the bbq pork bun is a little too greasy.. and it was not crispy at all.. instead.. there was too much fat in it... I am just having a really high expectation since I love ramen so much.. but.. it's pretty good to enjoy here and it's cheap!
(3)
R S.
I LOVE this place. The ramen that is. The lineups, the sharing of tables, etc. -- not as great. But I often come here two or three lunch hours a week. Amazing spicy miso ramen. Very yummy! Check it out!
(5)
Joanna H.
I give 5 stars for the service. As busy as they were, there was only one waiter. Yet, he was so smiley and accommodating; that is very consoling for hungry souls waiting in long lines. Anyways, I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen because of all the rave. Definitely yummy, but personally, I can't handle drinking the thick broth. Noodles had the perfect smooth texture, not too mushy or too undercooked. Broth was creamy and barely spicy. The wait wasn't too long, and they've got an efficient system going. It was a happy & satisfying experience.
(5)
Sheila N.
The ramen here doesn't disappoint in terms of quality and quantity. When my friends think about ordering extra noodles I tell them that there is no need because I find myself having trouble finishing up my own bowl! Last time I came here I ordered the house ramen which had a hard boiled egg, seaweed, corn, sliced pork, and bean sprouts. I liked the broth because it was creamy and tasty. If you think it tastes plain, just had a dash of soy sauce. The noodles were soft yet a bit chewy. My friends and I did not have to wait but it was three in the afternoon when it was not busy. This place seats about 15-20 people at a time so sometimes you would have to wait to be seated. If your thinking of giving this place a try, I definitely recommend visiting this place!
(5)
Judith C.
I came here on a Saturday after 11:30am when a bunch of other shops in the area were starting to open up for lunch. We were told it was a 15 minute wait and got to order while we waited online, but we ended up hungrily waiting a bit longer than expected. The place is small with a few tables and is seemingly popular as it formed a line not long after it opened. I ordered the miso ramen which ended up being too salty and almost overbearing as I finished. I couldn't get rid of the saltiness lingering in my mouth minutes after eating and drinking more water. I liked the miso flavor and enjoyed eating it at the first few bites, but it bothers me when a shop makes their ramen saltier than it needs to be. The pork seemed like the typical kind that comes with Japanese ramen, but the pieces I got at Sapporo were thickly cut. Instead of the usual thin layer of fat that adds flavor to the meat, this pork had chunks of fat which were too much to eat. Ultimately, it was a quick and satisfying meal to eat ramen here despite the bit of wait, but given the number of Japanese shops in Porter Exchange, I think I would enjoy eating at some other place better.
(2)
Marisol C.
Not impressed with the ramen. Neither the broth nor the noodles had any flavor. I was looking forward to this restaurant due to the reviews, but it was a disappointment.
(2)
Guillermo M.
Last time we got the house ramen soup and didn't love it but we had to find what brought so many people to this place (other than the great prices). It is the miso ramen soup! This is what I was looking for, lot of flavor! Would have this one again and again and again.
(4)
Chris H.
The ramen is very good--not the best ever, but good. Beware that they close early, and at least the last several times I went, they chased the patrons out right at closing time, even if they had just gotten their food. There's also a long line, so between the line and the iron fisted closing policy, make sure to arrive with plenty of time.
(4)
Yue Z.
Service: 3 Food: 3 Ambiance: 2 I'm a huge ramen fan, and the search for great ramen in Boston has been a disappointing experience. Sapporo ranks among the best that I've tried thus far. Sapporo is located inside the shopping center at porter square, and has ~30 seats. There's usually a line around dinner time, and the waitress takes your order while you're waiting in line. I've never waited more than 30 minutes as the turnaround of this place is quite fast. They have all the basic options of soup base, including miso, salt, and spicy. The tonkatsu is great, and the ramen is of great quality. The soup is on the creamy side, and may not be to everyone's taste. The noodles are on the harder end, though still quality noodles. The spicy miso isn't that spicy, so I would often ask for extra spicy. There's also the usual option of a rice bowl on the side, which makes it a bit too much food. They have a very simple set of options, and ramen is served within 5, at most 10 minutes of you sitting down. The ramen also gets cold quickly, so it really shortens the amount of time you have to eat. I've never found it to be a great place to catch up with people, as between the line right at where you're eating and the speed of the food service, you're almost expected to be in and out in 30 minutes. In one sense that is why ramen places exist, on the other, I would've prefered to enjoy my food a bit more.
(3)
Thomas H.
We just went there this afternoon. The broth was not seasoned very well. I had to add soy sauce. The grounded pork was like a meatball of refrigerated meat. You can tell the cook took no pride in his craft. It wasn't worth the wait. This would be the last time we go there.
(1)
Jack L.
I don't like giving out 1 stars, but after trying this place out twice with two different people who shared similar opinions as me, yah... Apparently a lot of people enjoy eating here, maybe it's the mainstream American idea of what Asian food is. For example, most Chinese restaurants in the USA aren't authentic Chinese food. Same thing with Sapporo... it's not real ramen! What I don't like about this place: 1. Their soup base is disgusting! It's thick and and nasty tasting. It taste nothing like Japanese ramen soup bases! Wagamama is UK-based ramen, and they seem to somewhat get the concept of ramen soup bases... Sapporo Ramen does not! 2. Their noodles are... ... egg noodles? fried noodles? cup ramen instant noodles??? definitely NOT TRUE RAMEN noodles which require the chef to actually make it with his hands and stretch it out to a springy texture with substance. The kanji characters for ramen mean "pulled noodles," describing the process for how real ramen is made. 3. The meat portions in the noodles are nothing like the generous meat portions in your average Japanese noodle stall! All I can say, cheap noodles, cheap food, cheap taste... I don't understand why so many people line up here every day every hour wait 15-20 minutes to be seated to order such unauthentic and nasty-tasting soup noodles... Sighz!
(1)
Philip H.
Homemade Broth with Anti-Inflammatory Effects There is nothing like a homemade chicken bone broth, rich and fragrant and glistening with circles of golden colored natural fat. Plus, this stuff has minerals galore! Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and others that can be easily absorbed by the body. Sapporo Ramen EXCELS at their version 2.0 homemade broth. I agree with Leighann and Tatsu that change is for the better. In the past, Sapporo Ramen was nothing to scream for. Since they changed their broth to the 10 hour-boiled, poultry-based, collagen-saturated goodness, I jump out of bed for a bowl of Sapporo Ramen. Especially when I'm sick, I love to blast my system with this stuff after taking some cold medicine and cough drops. Last week, my trifecta of pills, broth, and Ricola did the trick for my sore throat. It was awesome. It is critical to get here on time or be prepared for the wait. During the winter time (which is like 75% of the year in Boston), Sapporo Ramen is usually the busiest restaurant at Porter Exchange, . Limited seating, high demand, and short supply are all factors. If you get their at peak times, you'll most likely need to wait and probably share a table with another party. A natural line forms outside the Korean joint right across from them and follows along the wall toward Cafe Mami. When it's really busy, they will take your order from the line prior to seating you. By short supply, I mean they can run out of ramen or broth. Yes, I've seen people come after they had finished the lunchtime supply of broth. So I mentioned the amazing broth that can magically heal a sore throat. Why else do I love this place? The menu is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is decide what flavor of ramen you are going to get, house, miso, kimchi etc... If this is your first time, get the house ramen. It's what most people get. And I recommend getting it with extra vegetables for $2. They will load the bowl with crunchy, chopped cabbage, which I feel rounds the sliced pork, corn, green onion, nori flake, sprouts, and 1/2 boiled egg. The gyozas here have great flavor but are a tad bit oily. The pork belly bun was a pretty major fail. Way too dry. It falls short of the glory of Jojo Taipei's pork belly bun. In the summer time, they have a summer ramen that is cold and a must-try in hot weather. The people that work at Sapporo are very warm and friendly, so I always leave them a nice tip. So go now. And if you are feeling a sore throat coming, GOGOGOGOGO NOW!!! Blast your system with their magical broth.
(4)
Cy K.
Very sub par ramen. The pork and egg were clearly not fresh - since they were still cold when I tried to eat them. The half egg is hard boiled (not soft and gooey as it should be. The pork was just ok - not horrible, but certainly not the melt in your mouth tender it should be. Lastly, the broth was very thin and not creamy (potentially just personal preference). The one saving grace was the noodles were just al dente and a bit chewy - which was very nice. Service was quick and kind. However, the food itself was just lazy. Some good noodles with a lot of not good stuff around it. What a shame!
(2)
Paul L.
I first went on a Wednesday evening. An hour-long queue waiting to this small place. Gave up. Came back on Saturday at 5pm. Still a small line even at this hour. But I waited and made it in this second time. Frankly I was expecting a lot from this place because of the ever-present line. I ordered a House Ramen with extra noodles all for $10.60. Regarding the portion, with the extra noodles it would have been a regular size. Then the "full of collagen" broth that they tout on posters and menus. They say it's made from chicken. I don't taste any chicken. They say it's rich... Well, it's thick, but definitely not rich. There's a soapy taste. The broth tastes flat. There's no depth in the flavor at all. Disappointed. Then the ramen. These don't seem like handmade from the total lack of chewiness. I'm guessing they were frozen. The ramen is better than good instant noodles but no where close to handmade ones I've had in Japan or London. I don't know. Perhaps I don't know what's good for me. But I am not coming back to this place. I am confused as to why there are always so many people lining up to this mediocre ramen store.
(1)
Ethics G.
This is one of my favorite ramen places in Boston. I regularly order the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and delicious with no shortage of flavor. The noodles are the typical thin ramen, which are very comforting, especially on a cold day. I enjoy the additions of the spicy ground pork, tofu, seaweed, sprouts, and corn, and I regularly order extra noodles and tofu or seaweed. The sliced pork add-on is so-so, and could be better flavored, more tender, and more moist. See yume wo katare for some truly excellent pork. The restaurant is in the Porter Exchange Bld with a number of other Japanese eateries. Don't go for the decor, as it is strictly utilitarian. Moreover, don't go there and expect to chat after your meal, because you should move on so that others can sit and eat. This is a typical Asian no-nonsence, sit down eat and get out type of place. One of the waitresses can be a bit abrupt, but what's important to me is that I get my food quickly and efficiently. The proximity of this restaurant to yume wo katare gives rise to inevitable comparisons. But the two are like comparing apples and oranges. at yume, they serve only one flavor of noodles, the noodles are thick, and it's all about the pork. At Sapporo, there are more choices, the noodles are thin, and there are more to add. Either way, you can't really go wrong. Mostly, I wish that Sapporo Ramen would open a branch in downtown Boston. I would go every week.
(5)
Rob S.
I've been eating at this place for many years and it alwasy still a tough decision between Sapporo Ramen or Tampopo because I love both so much equally. I love getting the miso vegetable ramen. It's not like any other ramen I have ever tasted and always make a trip to this place a couple times every winter. The area is great and does have its busy hours.
(5)
Matthew S.
I love this place. I have been going there since I was in college and have not been disappointed yet. I really enjoy getting the Spicy Miso with extra noodle and butter. The portions are huge and it tastes so good. The only downside to this place is the lack of seating, but it is worth the wait.
(5)
Jing Z.
I love the toasted pork bun more than the ramen! But ramen is also very good! I will go and try some other ramen next time.
(3)
Fat G.
Fat G. coming with a review about a place that I heard rave reviews about. Naturally, I had to go in order to check out the hub-bub. Anyways, Sapporo Ramen is located inside a plaza along with a whole bunch of other food places. There are Korean, Chinese, mochi restaurants, and all have their own draws of bringing people there. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. When we first got there, there was a line in which we had to wait about 15 minutes or so. One of the persons who worked there gave us a menu to look at and order from. It's a small menu but has much variety, in terms of additions and flavors. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. I ended up ordering the same thing my friend did, which was basically the standard Ramen dish with extra noodles. It came out to around $11. In it was the soup, the ramen, some meat (3 pieces) and veggies.More of the flavor comes from the broth mix concoction than the noodles themselves. All in all, I was satisfied in terms of taste, but not really wowed by it, nor was I completely full either. The experience of authentic cuisine is what they're trying to convey. Recommended for: noodles, "diamond in the rough."
(3)
Jeff M.
Sapporo Ramen managed to both excite me and let me down. First, tasting the broth excited me because I definitely could tell this is not a can chicken stock from China Town. But then I was let down by the pork slices and egg which were both cool. The broth did not re-heat either enough. My recommendation is to get double meat and double vegetables to not end up with a bowl of broth. The sticky pork buns were gross and you could definitely tell the bun was from some company mass producing them like chips. I'd give Sapporo another try only because of its price point.
(2)
Sara R.
The problem I have is that, while I was in Japan, I had Ichiran Ramen and there is seriously nothing like it. I've tried to make ramen myself and understand how difficult it is to do from scratch. The flavour of their broth is seriously undeveloped .. It's too bad,because the noodles were perfectly chewy
(2)
Anna C.
I absolutely LOVE Saporro Ramen. I tried so many ramen shops in the boston area and this is still my favorite place to go. My favorite is the House ramen and I get that one every time I go. There's always a line when I go but the line moves very quickly and you get to order when you're in line! They give you water when you sit down but it's probably just tap water. The pork bun is pretty good too but they sometimes run out of it. I tried getting it to go before, but the noodles just molded in the shape of the container so it is definitely better to sit in and eat.
(5)
Burry B.
the ramen at Sapporo, is not bad but is not the best that I've had. generally with ramen you have your usual cuts of pork, but at sapporo there is an extra charge. I guess the easy way to describe the ramen here is that it doesn't taste add if it had simmered for enough hours. the flavors are under developed and have not matured. in saying that...I'm sure if the same recipe was allowed to simmer for another 8 hours the broth here could be amazing written 1/12/12 as a draft, but now posted.
(2)
Emily H.
Meh. That's really just it. The last time I had ramen was in Japan and the time before that was in San Mateo, CA- so I may be extremely biased, but this ramen was just okay. We waited about 15 minutes in line and got the House Ramen. For $10 a pop, I expected a bigger bowl with more fixin's. Generous (thicker) slices of pork but it wasn't tender, the broth wasn't flavorless, but it wasn't flavorful either. I realized I was adding stuff to it (chili, togarashi) because I just didn't get that *oomph* that I wanted from the broth. Bad sign. The service was fine, its no frills, but they know there is a line so they try to get your food to you quick! Overall, I was just not very impressed and would not go again. I would go to Cafe Mami (right next door!) any day over this ramen joint.
(2)
Scott N.
I had never truly had authentic ramen before, and after coming up here with a friend; someone who *always* goes out of their way to visit Sapporo when they're in the area, I think I'm going to have to do the same. It was just...wow. Great. I'm not the biggest fan of tofu, or even hot and sour soup for that matter, but the fact that the pork was just so tender and warm, and the tofu just absorbed all of the spices and flavor that the spicy broth gave it. The scallions were the perfect size, and the table had lots of fixins, if that's your thing (two different types of pepper, spicy sauce, salt, ketchup, strangely enough.) The place itself is kind of hard to find; you have to go into this tiny college bookstore building, and it's down the back hall where all of the other Japanese style restaurants are located. They only have seating for a couple of tables; maybe 15 people total, so a line quickly forms around the key dining points of the day (noon, 5, 7, etc). They also hold weird hours, and have no qualms with just closing in the middle of the day with no ETA on when they'll reopen. There's plenty to do in the surrounding Harvard Square area, at least, so enjoy the day! I give this place 4 stars for a couple reasons. The food was delicious, and cheap too, but it was lacking a certain soul that you get at more intimate dining places. The portions were gigantic, and for only 2 or 3 dollars more, you can get double, or triple the portions (I went with the 2$ add-on, and definitely don't regret it.) If you're shopping at the plaza, and not a student, you can get your parking validated for a small fee; take the T at all possible (red line to Harvard Square drops you off about 1/2 a mile away, I believe).
(4)
Isabella C.
The BEST Japanese ramen!!!!! The texture of the noodles is amazing. Well my favorite is the spicy miso ramen which is a little spicy, comes with ground pork and corn and the soup is sooooo tasty. I do have to say that their regular miso ramen is not that great (the broth)- I thought it was kinda salty but otherwise not that flavorful. Their hot and sour soup ramen is decent. The portions are pretty large and def enough to fill u up and give you food coma but I usually add an extra batch of noodles ($1) and ground pork ($2) just bc they're so delicious. (The roast pork is nothing special in my opinion). I've never ordered appetizers from them so can't comment on that. It's about $8 I think per bowl which I think is totally worth it. It's a small shop in a mall so don't expect anything fancy and there's always a long line but definitely worth the wait. We usually try to get there when it opens so that we don't have to wait. There's metered street parking and a Parking lot which is just $1 to park if you get ur ticket stamped by the restaurant.
(4)
James S.
This is where I go for ramen. I had family in Toronto who took me for ramen where they were raving about. It was really good, bey Sapporo was still better
(5)
Chenkai L.
This is hands down my favorite ramen place in Boston and I have tried a lot of ramen places in the city. The ramen is freshly made and chewy, the ingredients are fresh and the most amazing part of it is the incredibly creamy broth thats sets it apart from all the other ramen places in Boston. Beware of the waiting time when coming here though, the first time I came here, I had to wait 30mins and the second time 45mins, both times around 7pm on a weekday, since they have very limited seating, the line moves slowly. I tried the spicy miso and tan tan ramen, both were delicious. You can also request extra noodle for $1 more or double noodle for $2 more, which is really worth it if you have a bigger than normal appetite and it comes in larger bowls as well. A must try ramen restaurant!
(5)
Gong L.
This place used to be good, thats why i came back today. Soup is still good. Nothing else stand out anymore. $2.50 extra pork means i can find a little meat.... Dunno whats wrong with ppl staying in line for this place. Service is bad and slow too. Not coming back anymore.
(2)
Brie P.
Returned here (yet again ) last night and I have to update my review. A few weeks ago I got to try pork broth ramen compared to the chicken broth ramen that they serve here. I still love the style noodles that they serve here (I order double noodle) and I usually go for either the curry ramen or the miso ramen (miso usually wins the battle) Last night there was a part of 9 ahead of us,but they had to wait for seating to clean. Instead of waiting behind them, the waitress grabbed our party of 2 and another party of 2. We ended up sharing a table for 4,and had a nice little conversation. My husband got the spicy miso ramen with extra noodles. It took a few mins for them to get our bowls out because (as usual) they were packed. Our bowls came out and looked delicious. Noodles, a small sqaure of seaweed, pork placed just right onto of the pile of noodles, corn and bean sprouts. The broth here is smooth and not too heavy. The Noodles are always soft and delicious. I am a fan of corn in my ramen, I think it adds a delightful crunchy texture,along with the beat sprouts. The pork is a bit on the sweeter side,when you get a bit of the fat. But it works so well along side everything in the bowl, or brings out more flavor. I tried a spoon of my husband's ramen (I am not a fan of spicy foods) and his broth was spicy and yummy. I would not order it,but I know why he likes it. By them time we both needed our bowls,we were warmed up and full. also, I'd like to note that the staff here has always been very nice. Can't wait to return again!
(5)
Victoria H.
I've been here twice before-- once on my first visit to Boston, and second after I moved. I love this place... It's a bit of a trek for me to get here and it's literally the only reason I'd end up in that area. There's not a whole lot going around Sapporo. It's in an oddly arranged strip mall. You'll easily find it with the line of people waiting to be seated. But don't fret, my trusty Yelp friends. They turn over tables with lightning speed, and you'll never feel like they've forgotten about you or your wait. This place is tiny. Like literally, ~6 tables. You have to be comfy with sharing tables with strangers in closer quarters. You'll easily get over that once the food comes. First off, their broth here is the smoothest, creamiest concoction ever. This and the cheaper prices are the reason I keep coming back for more! I've tried quite a few ramen places before and no other broth or value compares to here. The only thing that could use improvement are the noodles. I usually like my noodles chewier, so that's easy to change with cooking it a bit longer.
(5)
Linda T.
First time coming here with my boyfriend and it was horrible. It was suppose to reopened at 5pm so we stand in line till 5:20pm, the girl skip us and ask the people behind us "how many people?" Did she not see us in line? I told her anyways that there two of us here. I feel that her customer service was bad, but I didn't mind about it. When the food came out, my boyfriend said it tasted horrible. Maybe something was wrong with it. I can't even eat mine, it tasted funny. So we pay and left. We will not come back here to eat again.
(1)
Jennifer G.
If you're planning to have dinner here, get here early and factor in some wait time. Don't be that group of four in line trying to grab a quick bite when you have to be at the airport in an hour -- witnessed that firsthand. The restaurant opens for dinner at 5pm, so I would suggest getting there around that time if you can. It's worth the wait, trust me. There's limited amount of seating here, probably about 10 tables max. You get to look at the menu while you're still in line so you can decide what you want and put in your order before you sit down, which is nice. My go-to here is always the pork buns as an appetizer (comes with 2) and the spicy miso ramen. The broth is delicious and the ramen has a good consistency to it too. Very flavorful, but the "spicy" definitely isn't that spicy (in my opinion, at least) but you can add your own spice to it. One thing that I'm used to at other ramen places is the thick cut pieces of fatty pork that sit at the side of your bowl. So delicious! But...Sapporo doesn't do that. They have ground pork, so it's not the same. Most of it sort of hides and sinks to the bottom of your bowl, so it goes unforgotten until you're almost done with your ramen. Other than that, love this place. Note: cash only!
(4)
G U.
There is always a line no matter what time - we ate at 1:30/2pm today. The wait can be long depending on your party size. I did appreciate that they ask small groups to share tables. The ramen was good but since we are from CA, it doesn't compare to those ramen shops. But it is the best we've had so far in boston. Ate the house and vegetarian ramen. Both were decent. And the veg broth did not have a strong mushroom flavor which I appreciated. Service was good and attentive. FYI cash only! But there is a BOA nearby
(4)
Miles H.
Let me clarify something first: this five star rating is not solely based upon the food at Sapporo Ramen. Rather, it's recognizing this place as an institution. The ramen here is very good, particularly the spicy miso. The noodles are plentiful and chewy, the pork is tasty, and most important of all, the broth is rich while not too heavy on the fat or salt. Is it the best ramen I've ever had? No, but could I eat it any day? Absolutely. That's why I visit Sapporo more than Yume Wo Katare, despite harboring a slight preference for the latter ramen. Sapporo's ramen goes down easy, it's satisfying, and at $10 per bowl, it's a bargain. Also, I'm a big fan of the staff here. Like most ramen joints, it's pretty crazy during peak lunch and dinner hours, but I've always been seated and served within a reasonable amount of time. Make no mistake, the folks here are on top of their ****. They even put aside my iPhone when I accidentally left it behind after a dinner at Sapporo and I was able to pick it up the next morning. Long story short, Sapporo might not have the flash and bang of other ramen joints, but it's a very reliable restaurant and I'd be quite sad if they ever closed.
(5)
Christine J.
YUM. House ramen, yummy noodles and pork and corn.. best you can get in boston. good price too. Gyoza is pretty good also.
(4)
Lyndsey C.
Ok, so we went here and were going to sit outside and have a couple small plates and drinks... the service = terrible... I said "there is something sticky/greasy on the table, can I get a wet rag or something to clean it"... any normal response from a waitress, she would bring a wet towel and wipe it off, she literally said nothing, went inside and 5 minutes brought back a dry, rag, threw it on the table in front of me and walked back inside. I couldn't help but laugh. We ordered the steamed crab wontons and they were fine, but they brought yellow mustard with them, literally, just yellow mustard squeezed into a bowl. I understand spicy mustard, or anything, but really? So in conclusion... it looked nice enough, even the menu seemed nice enough. My husband says people rave about lunch there, but we were unimpressed... Maybe it was just our server, but service is a lot of the experience and ours wasn't great. We probably won't return.
(2)
RONALD W.
I don't have any experience with Boston ramen, but Sapporo would definitely fall in the bottom tier of Seattle based ramen shops. I see someone else scored it 4 stars with the caveat that it doesn't compare with LA based ramen shops, so maybe Boston doesn't have better. My House Special was assembled of precooked ingredients with the pork overcooked (dry and not enough fat) and along with the egg (completely hard boiled) a little chilled if you don't wait before eating it. At this price point I would expect tonkotsu broth and the chicken just didn't measure up and provided a bit of a strange taste profile.
(2)
alwyn v.
Sapporo Ramen had been a destination at the Porter Exchange Building (Porter Square, Cambridge) for over 20 years. Although their portions have been reduced, their assortment of soup choices has increased. Sapporo Ramen is still one of the best places to get a good Ramen in Beantown.
(4)
Ross G.
I got the hot and sour ramen and yes the hype is real! We did have to wait in line for quite some time, but it was well worth it. I'll definitely be back. We got a side of rice, and I got my ramen with double noodles (very feeling) definitely try out the extras that you can add to your soup. My friend made fun of me for eating mine with a fork like a gringo... oh well it happens. Definitely want to try some of their other ramen dishes because the hot and sour was the best ramen i've ever had. I have tried several other local ramen places and this was by far the best. For a reasonable price on a chilly day this is the place to go to warm you up.
(5)
Katie H.
This is my ramen home. The portions are amazing for the money and you can taste the time that went into the broth. Be prepared to wait 45 min to an hour during any days dinner rush, even on weekdays. You also should be friendly and open to sharing a table with people or else the wait can get longer. It is CASH ONLY but there's a Bank of America ATM near by. The house ramen is great and so is the spicy pork. I can't recommend this place enough!! It's good old traditional ramen!
(5)
Graceypoo M.
Thick chicken-based broth. I had the spicy miso ramen with the spicy ground pork. Since my friend was going to catch a flight, I ate my hot ramen with the quickness. We also had the delicious kurobota sausages, which were served with a small dollop of mayo and spicy mustard. This is probably the 2nd bowl of ramen I almost finished to completion. The wait was almost an hour--the place is cash only and very popular (there was a line, the place seats probably no more than 20 folks)--so have something to entertain you or have a friend to save your spot in line while you peruse other places in the building (like the cute Japanese store next door, and the other places in the food court). Will try Tan-Tan Men or the House Ramen, plus the pork bun or chicken karaage next time. Great value (each ramen bowl is under $10, and for $2.50 --you have the option to get extra noodles, nori, corn, butter, etc.). CASH ONLY!
(4)
Maggie A.
Boyfriend and I went here on a weeknight. We were kind of excited because the place has a lot of reviews, and the line went out the door. He ordered the house, I ordered the spicy miso... and unfortunately we both agree that the broth here is really one-dimensional, and the noodles taste frozen. Maybe we're just spoiled by some better joints in Manhattan, but this place hits the spot for a ramen craving for about three bites before the bowl starts feeling like an ordeal.
(2)
Zachary M.
Food is a 4-star, IF you can ever get a seat here. Sopporo suffers from the same fatal flaw as SO many ramen joints: too little seating. Arrive 5 minutes after they open and you have to wait for 30-45 minutes minimum to get a seat. My main frustration is that what they serve is essentially 'quick good' in that all the elements are already cooked and ready, the chef assembles the ramen and cooks the noodles ten plates it, so how can it take 30 minutes to make? The House Ramen is the reason to go. The broth is pretty solid, rich chicken broth that is far less salty than nearby Yume Wo Katore which challenged even my healthy 20-something blood pressure. A side of kimchee gives it a nice acidic component that it is normally missing. If your willing to wait for it, it's a good bowl of ramen.
(3)
Dave P.
Their direct competitor is Snappy Ramen in Davis Square. Both restaurants serve similar style ramen as opposed to Yume Wo Katare who serves a different kind of ramen. The prices are similar but I like that it's owned and operated by real Japanese people whereas Snappy Ramen is operated by Hispanics behind the counter. I got their House Ramen and the broth was delicious. Each table has soy sauce, hot sauce, and other ingredients you can add to your broth. I like that. Snappy Ramen doesn't offer that (though you can if you ask for extra money). Wasn't a big fan of the noodles though. They were undercooked and had the texture of a packaged ramen noodles. But compared to Snappy Ramen, both places offer the same quality of noodles -- and that's not a good thing. Cash only. Limited number of tables and you're in a little hallway with other restaurants next to each other so if and when it gets busy, you'll need to wait. I'd come back here again especially when I need my ramen fix. I prefer this place over Snappy Ramen for the simple fact that it's actually run by Japanese people.
(3)
Francis C.
I know that sometimes ethnic food is acculturated so it can be a bit different from the country of origin (case in point: chinese food). But I think ramen is one of those things that has translated well outside of Japan. With that said, I was extremely disappointed with this place because it didn't meet my expectations. I think the food is good if you don't have a reference point, and could even pass as really good. But just from reading other negative reviews, if you know what you're looking for, it's not this. The flavors just weren't there and it just wasn't that great. I felt like they were taking advantage of the fact that there weren't that many ramen places around Boston so they could get by with so-so food. Well, for their sake, I hope that changes because they can't even compete with some of the new places that have opened up. I would easily recommend Pikaichi in Super 88 (Allston) and Totto Ramen (Allston) over this place.
(1)
Max G.
This and piakichi ramen in Allston are the best ramen around boston for sure! The broth here so delightfully thick and creamy, I loveeee it. I've had almost all them soups And the best in my opinion are house and hot and sour ramen. They are so flavorful. House is basically the best chicken soup I've ever had, the noodles are perfect and the pork is sweet but a perfect touch. My only suggestion would be the hard boiled egg, it is always way over done! The line for me has never been too bad, but there is usually one. Get a green tea smoothie from the place its next to, they're really good and flavorful. I'd give this place a 9.5/10 and if they could figure out how to make the egg like pefectly runny it'd be a perfect 10!
(5)
Margaret P.
Took my mom and the hubby out to eat here one day and we lucked out on timing because we were the third in line and it was 10 minutes to opening for dinner. Usually there's a line at the end of the hall for Sapporo, but it goes by quick since eating ramen doesn't take an hour, and preparation isn't time-consuming either. They ask the first few at the top of the line what they'd like to order so that it's ready for them when they're seated. Ordered the pork buns and dumplings, mom had the miso ramen, boyfriend had the house, and I opted for the spicy miso. I thought it could be spicer, but the flavor was wonderful and had the taste of hours of labor mixed into it. Boyfriend and mom loved theirs as well. Pork was tender enough that it just fell apart (and I NEVER eat pork). Noodles were fresh and delicious and the pork buns...THE PORK BUNS. I kid you not when I say I eat pork maybe once a year - and I would go back every week for this food. Service was quick.Space only holds about 8-10 tables, each hosting 4 at most to be comfortable. Cash only, parking on the street or there's a lot in the back you can pay for.
(5)
Jake G.
I know I'm just a white guy, and I admit that I've only been to Japan once for a week, but Sapporo is as close to real Japanese ramen as it gets in the Boston area. The portions are great, the prices reasonable, the flavors outstanding, and the noodles toothsome. The place has a decidedly divey feel to it, but that's because ramen isn't supposed to be a grand affair. It's comfort food at its finest, and I'll wait in line every time to have it.
(5)
Pam C.
Short version: Sapporo Ramen is pretty alright - its mediocre ramen, which is only worse when you have to wait 30 minutes in line for it. However, it's probably the best you're getting in Boston, and it does the job. Long version: Sapporo is located inside the Lesley shopping center outside of the Porter subway stop. It's a dinky little booth with seating for maybe 15 people, and it's pretty minimal on decoration or really anything. We arrived at 7:30 and there was still a line wrapping around the corner - quite a few people waiting to get in. Believe me, this is not a place to go if you have a group bigger than 4, because there's just going to be no way you'll get seating soon. The line does move fairly fast though, especially if you have larger groups. The waitresses are pretty good about seating people immediately. Additionally, you'll get menus when you're in line, and before you're seated the waitress will approach you in line to take your order, so it'll be there almost immediately when you sit down. All in all, we waited 30 minutes as a group of two to be seated, but there was definitely still a line when we left at around 9:0pm. Something that annoyed me was that they brought out the food very sporadically - people received their bowls way before others, so there was a lot of awkward sitting as we waited for everyone to get their food. I got the house ramen, which was ok. Honest truth: Sapporo Ramen isn't that great. I can't imagine waiting in line for that long in LA, New York, or even Toronto for the quality of ramen that I got, but in Boston you gotta do what you gotta do. The broth was very thick and creamy, which I'm not used to. It was also quite salty - prepare to go through multiple cups of water when you're chowing down. The noodles were actually great - perfectly al dente, nice spring when you bit into them. The toppings? Not so much. I was a little irked that even though their menu showed the proper ramen marinated soft boiled eggs that are supposed to come with ramen, my bowl definitely came with a straight hard boiled egg. Tsk tsk tsk, to shame. The pork was very tender, but it wasn't the rolled pork belly that you're supposed to get - it was definitely just a slice of pork. Overall, it's an alright bowl of ramen. Prices are right (all bowls are less than $10) and I would come to Sapporo every day if I didn't have to wait in line. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely not. Do you have any other options if you want ramen? Not in Boston, nope.
(3)
Lannie L.
A long line is always a telling sign that you're in for something good. Located in one of Lesley's buildings, it's an interesting eatery with a number of Asian options. If it's busy, they're efficient with taking your order while you're waiting. I assumed that the food would have come out quicker once I was seated but it felt like a standard waiting time. I went with the house ramen which has everything I love. Pork, egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallion. YUM. The first bite is so tasty but admittedly as I continue digging into it, I realize how bland everything tasted. The broth is very rich but really lacked something. I love simple, basic flavors but it became less tasty with each bite. The noodles, however, I do enjoy. I also prefer a more high quality meat but for the price and setting of this place, it was satisfactory. He got the spicy pork ramen which was definitely more flavorful and not very spicy, in case you're wondering. Everyone has differing levels of spice but it's a standard level imo. The kimchi is good and we're convinced it's just bought from Hmart. I need that refreshing crunch while eating ramen even if paying for a side of kimchi feels ridiculous.
(4)
Talmo P.
Hands down the best ramen place I've ever been to. The line is usually long, but the wait is always worth it. I like to go there with people who have never had authentic ramen because they inevitably let go of their skepticism about ramen. I prefer the miso, but the house ramen is also fantastic.
(5)
Nina S.
Had the spicy miso ramen. The noodles were pretty good, I think the culinary term would be toothsome? The broth was meh, I don't really ever drink the soup cause it's pretty salty and too filling. But the pork and corn were nice. The seaweed fell in the soup on is way to me so it was soggy, and wasn't exactly spicy, but overall not bad for$10.
(3)
seven f.
Now that I've had ramen from a variety of eateries, I can say that at the moment Sapporo is my favorite. On my first visit here, and first time eating ramen ever, I ate both lunch and dinner here. House noodle both time, double noodles at dinner. Have since tried the spicy miso a couple times. Wonderful. Rich broth. Luxurious aroma. Chewy noodles. A pleasant waitstaff staff and very accommodating. Sure, theres a line, but bring a book, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Chan C.
Broth is gourmetly sweet, which I like it. I have never drunk a entire bowl of broth, cuz everywhere else their broth tastes salty. But Sapporo's doesn't. I like the noodle, because they absorbed flavor and easy to slurp, but the portion is kinda small for me so you need to order extra if you are a big eater. However, the meat was cold! I didn't know why, but I think it was unnatural. Even the heat of broth couldn't warm it up. I will go again, and hopefully next time their meat is gonna be hot.
(4)
Yuka Y.
FYI- Yasai Ramen (vegetable ramen) is not for vegetarians, there are pork chunks in there. If you like stir fried cabbage and can't get enough of bean sprouts, I recommend it. I wish they used tonkotsu soup (pork base) instead of some peppery-cornstarch-soy sauce like mixture as their broth. Noodles were decent- the yellow and thin kind. Be forewarned, the boyfriend and I were thirsty as heck by the end of the night so you might want to skip downing that bowl of MSG (?) laden broth. With the advent of Pikaichi and Inaka, Sapporo Ramen will be ranked 3rd on my list of ramen places in Boston. It's cramped, as with the rest of the food stalls in Lesley. Eaves dropping into other people's conversation is easy here. They still take in customers for a while after 9pm, their purported closing time. The broth is really the soul to the ramen and it's a miss here, neither thick or flavorful.
(3)
Matt K.
Not thrilled with my experience here. There's not enough seating there but they can be forgiven for that by itself. My main problems are two... (1) The noodles in my spicy miso ramen were very chewy. It was a workout for my jaw getting them down. (2) There wasn't enough protein in the spicy miso. It just comes with a little bit of ground pork and it just didn't satisfy. The broth is nice, though it is chicken based and not pork based like so many other classic ramen broth recipes. I think that, despite the broth just being decent and not amazing, fixing the other two issues that I mentioned would have made the meal so much better.
(2)
John B.
I love Sapporo Ramen because it was the first ramen house I used to frequent in the Greater Boston area. I liked the small shop feel they gave, the server / waitress who would be a bit gruff but gentle at the same time - never rushing you, but the line would always tell you otherwise. Tables always were taken but rotated fairly consistently. I think the only downside to availability was the early closing time - 8pm or so on most nights. As for the ramen, I've since found some other places that have high quality ramen, however, Sapporo offers a vegetarian miso version which is nice. Over time (a few years) their servings, including toppings, seemed to diminish - so less corn, less mushroom, spring onion, etc. However, the ramen was consistently tasty and they did make their broth overnight, so it was a more stewey, thicker version (although I wouldn't call it thick, necessarily, just thicker than the other broth's I've tried). We also always go for the veggie gyoza, which are a good hearty addition to any bowl of ramen. I give them a 3-star rating because I am a hard grader, but they are in the top three ramen shops I frequent (on either coast). *Unfortunately, the ramen houses in the west coast have dissappointed thus far, especially the chefs who are standoff-ish and unwilling to bend.
(3)
Mei T.
Great Ramen!!! The bowls are huge! Long wait though
(4)
Catarina D.
The house ramen is amazing. The silky broth is so thick that it's a meal in itself. The additions of meat, egg, chopped green onions and corn make the ramen complete. The only problem with Sapporo is the lack of sufficient seating space. Every single time I've been here (weekend afternoons) I've had to wait on line, and wait times can get pretty bad. This restaurant is surrounded by others of similar size that are nowhere near as popular. I guess you can't fault them for their success!
(4)
Lt H.
I love coming here! Spicy miso ramen is my go to! Always consistent and warms my belly. Noodles are perfect every time and broth is so many levels of richness.
(5)
Karen X.
One of my all time favorite things ever is the hot and sour ramen from Sapporo. I like it so much that in the dozens of times I've been here, I haven't even bothered trying anything else. If you are a lover of hot and sour soup or spicy foods in general, the hot and sour is the choice for you. I've never eaten anything like it at any other ramen place so it is truly unique!
(4)
Robert S.
On a day where my beloved Pikiachi was closed for summer vacay, I had an insatiable craving for ramen (it's been happening a lot these days...I might want to consider rehab). My sources (read:Yelp) indicated that I should try this spot out. The ambiance is nothing to write home about, and I absolutely despise that Sapporo is cash only...it is 2014, everyone uses credit or debit cards in this country, please accommodate to the times (or pay your fair share of taxes, if the cash only is with the intention of cooking the books). The ramen itself, while not as good as my favorite in the city, served as a more than adequate substitution. If you have the option of going to Pikiachi, then I would do so, otherwise, this isn't a bad place to stop in.
(3)
Karin Y.
This is my go-to Ramen place in Boston/Cambridge. I come here pretty regularly LOL, maybe about 2-3 times a month. I've tried the House, Miso, and Tan-Tan. The House Ramen was okay, but the broth was a little too bland for my taste. The Miso is my favorite! I love the thicker broth. I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, so I don't get the Spicy Miso, although I heard that it's very good. But I add some of the spices onto my Miso Ramen to make it more flavorful. I also love that it comes with cha-siu pork ^_^ I recently tried the Tan-tan for the first time, and will definitely be adding that into my rotation. The only thing I wish was different, are the noodles - it's a little bit too soft for me (I like my ramen noodles to be really chewy!). They're closed from 3-5pm everyday, so avoid those times to save yourself from disappointment. Try to come during weekday lunch or 2:30pm or something like that so you don't have to stand in line for a long time. During winters, you might have to wait over an hour. But the staff there is pretty good about taking your orders while you are in line so that your food comes out shortly after sitting down :) If you're really hungry, you can order the Green Tea smoothie from next door (lol) and order gyoza on the side at Sapporo while waiting for your ramen. CASH ONLY!
(4)
Theodore T.
This is my favorite ramen place in the area, though mostly because of a lack of alternatives. The broth and noodles are pretty good. We usually get the regular ramen and the spicy miso. I've added the extra meat and butter before but didn't really notice a difference. I would give four stars but for the staff -- I always order takeout, and almost every time upon picking up, the guy or the girl on staff treats me like a criminal or prison inmate. They yell "go stand over there" if the food's not ready, and more than once I got a combination almost-body-block and dirty look because they thought I was trying to cut the line, when all I wanted was to pick up my food.
(3)
Hank C.
The worst ramen ever! Actually, I won't even call thing they serve here ramen! I even wonder if those cooks here know what ramen really taste like? And I cannot believe those who gave good review on this..... Could you just go to Harvard sq. and try santouka once? I am not promoting anything here but I really cannot believe this I have lived in AZ where Japanese or Asian population are considerably fewer than Boston but ramen there even taste better than this! Don't be lied by the long waiting line. The reason it is long is because they are SLOW. There were only three people in the store: two cooks and one waiter. However, the service and others are not what I really complain about. It is the FOOD! That's just terrible. My wife and I even wanted to leave before we could finish (after a long waiting...) If you are hungry and just want to eat, then whatever. But if you really want to have some decent ramen, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!!!!
(1)
Aynsley C.
3.0-3.5 My first time I was here was 10 years ago when I was 11, and the ramen was so good but it's so different now. I'm pretty sure the owner/main management works at the other Sapporo inside HMart, but I've heard about/experienced their poor ramen there as well (there was a fly once in my miso ramen). Anyways, the portions have definitely gotten smaller and the prices have raised by a few dollars, making it not as appealing anymore. I still really love their type of noodles. The texture and taste is how I like the noodles to be cooked, and I think it soaks up the flavor of the broth. However, the broth isn't as flavorful as it used to be and their pork slices aren't as big as they used to be. They also used to bamboo shoots in the ramen too but they stopped doing it years ago (that's just my own personal liking for them). My parents and I still love coming here once in a while, but I've grown to like other ramen places elsewhere (Pikaichi). Other than that, the service is usually friendly, but one hostess once yelled at my parents because they weren't directly behind the wait sign even though we were the only ones waiting at the time. It wasn't the best welcoming, but other than the staff have been fine.
(3)
Desiree G.
This place is supposed to be an authentic noodle place and personally, I could have just opened a packet of ramen and it would have tasted soo much better. Everything was so salty, way to salty to even enjoy! The only reason why I am giving this place two stars is because of how clean the tables were, and how excellent the meat was inside of the dish, it was the only part I liked. Quick tip: If you refrigerate your left overs, they turn sludgy and look gross.
(2)
Billie W.
Service here is quick and friendly. We had the House Ramen and Gyoza today. The ramen was made fresh and came in a gigantic bowl for $9.95. It included: - fresh yellow noodles (I liked that they were chewy, but was partial to the plain flavor) - half a boiled egg (I think it was a soy sauce egg - yum) - lots of chives (tasty) - sweet corn (yum) - bean sprouts (which I thought was odd to put in ramen) - beef (which unfortunately was dry and tough) The ramen soup base was rather milky and thick, so look out for a heavier meal, though the flavor was not too strong or salty. The Gyoza (pork) was slightly pricier for the size at $5.95, but still very delicious. I enjoyed both, but gave 3 stars because the flavor of the ramen wasn't exactly suited to my own particular tastes.
(3)
Tony J.
Look, there are only so many ramen options in Boston. Given that fact, this place is not so bad compared to the other places in the city. However, Boston is not a ramen city. On average, the ramen here is very poor. Sapporo ramen is meh. The wait is usually really long, and the broth and noodles aren't even that good. It doesn't give you that nice feeling after knocking down a bowl of ramen with extra noodles.
(2)
Peter K.
This is the worst ramen I ever ate for its price range (I paid $16 pre-tax). Ippudo in NYC has same price range, but both food and quality are significantly better. I would say $1.50 shin ramen is infinitely better than $14 ramen they sell here. However, they do give a lot of ramen so if you are looking for quantity not quality, this place might suit you.
(1)
Helen L.
Expect and prepare for a wait....but it is completely worth it. They give you some menus to look over while you wait and as you get closer to the front they take down your order. Once you're seated the food arrives pretty quickly. I always get the pork buns and the spicy miso ramen. Your body will thank you for this delicious bowl of ramen goodness.
(4)
Molly H.
Best ramen in Boston, worth the wait. Get the Miso Ramen.
(5)
An L.
Great place for comfort ramen food. Good to see why there is always a line here! The house ramen was very nicely flavored. The ramen noodles are delicious. Miso ramen had an odd wine taste. Next time, I'll probably go with the house ramen and request lower salt. Nice service.
(4)
Sandra P.
So sad, either my favorite place is getting worse or Boston Ramen scene is improving my taste buds for the better. I use to eat here a few times a week, then less and less. Now after a three month "break" I gave my old favorite another try. Sorry to say that everything has changed. Slower service, thinner broth, cold tough pork slices, cold eggs with eggs shells on them! Oh yuk! I was nauseous after my ramen tonight. It bothers me to say, but I think the lack of Japanese people making the ramen is having an effect on the quality. The dish washer is now making ramen. Hmmmm maybe that's why it tasted like dish water! Sorry Sapporo, get your act together because those lines won't last much longer if food geeks like myself are turned off. The competition is creeping into Boston and your old customers are creeping out on you!
(1)
Nora L.
Checked this place out for lunch today. It was a little bit of a wait but they took our order in line. We got the house ramen, spicy miso ramen and pork goyza. The house ramen had a strong corn flavored broth reminiscent of corn chowder, the pork also was a little on the dry side. The spicy miso ramen had the same corn based soup broth but it was spicy and had ground spicy pork. The noodles were good. The goyza had a tasty filling and a wonderful char on the bottom. Honestly I am not sure if I would come back.
(3)
Kelsey E.
Love love love this place! My boyfriend and I travel about 40 minutes by train to get here and enjoy the food. The broth is thick and creamy and the noodles are nice and buttery. Everything in the bowl compliments each other. I always get the house ramen, it's my absolute favorite. My boyfriend orders the spiciest ramen available. We are always super full and super satisfied. There's almost always a line but it's certainly worth it. Most people giving this place such poor reviews sound like a bunch of ramen snobs. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking to spend the day in porter!
(5)
Thu T.
From hearing some good reviews of Sapporo, I went and was able to quickly decide for myself that it's really not good, at all. I went with my boyfriend and he even said 'no' to finishing my share, which is UNHEARD OF. The soup base is thick and mucky, so it's hard to get a few swallows out of it. I would much rather go to Yume Wo Katare (only if you're up for this extravanganza of all sorts!!), the new Santouka in Harvard Square, or even Pikaichi in Allston. :( Sad...
(1)
Jun G.
My favorite ramen place in boston, highly recommend miso ramen. Always have a line, but worth to wait.
(5)
Jay K.
Delicious ramen, just like I used to eat in Japan. I always get the house ramen which is closest to the style I used to eat most. The bowl is huge, I've never been able to empty the whole bowl in one sitting, try as I may. There is almost always a line for tables here. Sometimes I'll get my order to go when the line is too long. Customer service here isn't great but it isn't bad either. I've been coming here for years and will continue to visit when the ramen cravings appear.
(4)
Vasken B.
I've been here multiple times and I will say I really enjoy coming here. When I go here with friends I will specifically go just to eat, pay and leave. But eating here proves I don't have to skimp on quality or taste. I've only ordered the House Ramen, (always extra noodle and extra pork) and the Hot & Sour Ramen (same deal, extra for noodle & pork). And they've never disappointed me. I recommend ordering a drink, as the drinking water doesn't seem to be all that good, but honestly, I'd rather have something with flavor to go with my soup in the first place. If you go here at peak times, expect to wait for a minimum of 20 minutes, because it is extremely popular... with good reason
(5)
Jessica L.
This place is not a customer friendly establishment. Their hours stated that they close at 9PM. Unlucky for us, the red line was down at the T station so we didn't arrive until roughly 8:30P.M. We would have made it earlier but in the end we still made it 30 minutes before closing time. When we got there, there was still a line waiting to get into the restaurant. My boyfriend and I joined everyone that was waiting and slowly waited as well. About twenty minutes later after the line was still moving and building.......a waitress promptly informed us that they were no longer taking in anymore customers. It wasn't even 9P.M. yet. I feel like an idiot waiting for no reason and I wasted time. They should have at least had the decency to inform us earlier if they were going to stop taking patrons. Instead, they wasted our time and were rude to us for no reason. After examining the menu, I can't say this place is even Japanese. Look at some of their offerings - Shumai (cantonese/chinese dish), kimchi (korean side dish), mabo tofu (chinese again). Maybe I should be thankful that they were so rude and impolite, because they don't look like an authentic ramen shop. Either way, don't bother going out of your way to come here, you might just be turned away without a good reason.
(1)
Ali S.
I ordered the House Ramen. The broth is incredible, but everything else is whatever. The noodles were too hard for my tastes. The egg was horribly disappointing; tasted just like a hard boiled egg with the yolk completely solid. The pork was very dry and very sweet. I've never had this type of pork in ramen before. It wasn't good. But that broth was so so good.
(3)
James S.
This is where I go for ramen. I had family in Toronto who took me for ramen where they were raving about. It was really good, bey Sapporo was still better
(5)
Chenkai L.
This is hands down my favorite ramen place in Boston and I have tried a lot of ramen places in the city. The ramen is freshly made and chewy, the ingredients are fresh and the most amazing part of it is the incredibly creamy broth thats sets it apart from all the other ramen places in Boston. Beware of the waiting time when coming here though, the first time I came here, I had to wait 30mins and the second time 45mins, both times around 7pm on a weekday, since they have very limited seating, the line moves slowly. I tried the spicy miso and tan tan ramen, both were delicious. You can also request extra noodle for $1 more or double noodle for $2 more, which is really worth it if you have a bigger than normal appetite and it comes in larger bowls as well. A must try ramen restaurant!
(5)
Gong L.
This place used to be good, thats why i came back today. Soup is still good. Nothing else stand out anymore. $2.50 extra pork means i can find a little meat.... Dunno whats wrong with ppl staying in line for this place. Service is bad and slow too. Not coming back anymore.
(2)
Brie P.
Returned here (yet again ) last night and I have to update my review. A few weeks ago I got to try pork broth ramen compared to the chicken broth ramen that they serve here. I still love the style noodles that they serve here (I order double noodle) and I usually go for either the curry ramen or the miso ramen (miso usually wins the battle) Last night there was a part of 9 ahead of us,but they had to wait for seating to clean. Instead of waiting behind them, the waitress grabbed our party of 2 and another party of 2. We ended up sharing a table for 4,and had a nice little conversation. My husband got the spicy miso ramen with extra noodles. It took a few mins for them to get our bowls out because (as usual) they were packed. Our bowls came out and looked delicious. Noodles, a small sqaure of seaweed, pork placed just right onto of the pile of noodles, corn and bean sprouts. The broth here is smooth and not too heavy. The Noodles are always soft and delicious. I am a fan of corn in my ramen, I think it adds a delightful crunchy texture,along with the beat sprouts. The pork is a bit on the sweeter side,when you get a bit of the fat. But it works so well along side everything in the bowl, or brings out more flavor. I tried a spoon of my husband's ramen (I am not a fan of spicy foods) and his broth was spicy and yummy. I would not order it,but I know why he likes it. By them time we both needed our bowls,we were warmed up and full. also, I'd like to note that the staff here has always been very nice. Can't wait to return again!
(5)
Victoria H.
I've been here twice before-- once on my first visit to Boston, and second after I moved. I love this place... It's a bit of a trek for me to get here and it's literally the only reason I'd end up in that area. There's not a whole lot going around Sapporo. It's in an oddly arranged strip mall. You'll easily find it with the line of people waiting to be seated. But don't fret, my trusty Yelp friends. They turn over tables with lightning speed, and you'll never feel like they've forgotten about you or your wait. This place is tiny. Like literally, ~6 tables. You have to be comfy with sharing tables with strangers in closer quarters. You'll easily get over that once the food comes. First off, their broth here is the smoothest, creamiest concoction ever. This and the cheaper prices are the reason I keep coming back for more! I've tried quite a few ramen places before and no other broth or value compares to here. The only thing that could use improvement are the noodles. I usually like my noodles chewier, so that's easy to change with cooking it a bit longer.
(5)
Jake G.
I know I'm just a white guy, and I admit that I've only been to Japan once for a week, but Sapporo is as close to real Japanese ramen as it gets in the Boston area. The portions are great, the prices reasonable, the flavors outstanding, and the noodles toothsome. The place has a decidedly divey feel to it, but that's because ramen isn't supposed to be a grand affair. It's comfort food at its finest, and I'll wait in line every time to have it.
(5)
Talmo P.
Hands down the best ramen place I've ever been to. The line is usually long, but the wait is always worth it. I like to go there with people who have never had authentic ramen because they inevitably let go of their skepticism about ramen. I prefer the miso, but the house ramen is also fantastic.
(5)
Jennifer G.
If you're planning to have dinner here, get here early and factor in some wait time. Don't be that group of four in line trying to grab a quick bite when you have to be at the airport in an hour -- witnessed that firsthand. The restaurant opens for dinner at 5pm, so I would suggest getting there around that time if you can. It's worth the wait, trust me. There's limited amount of seating here, probably about 10 tables max. You get to look at the menu while you're still in line so you can decide what you want and put in your order before you sit down, which is nice. My go-to here is always the pork buns as an appetizer (comes with 2) and the spicy miso ramen. The broth is delicious and the ramen has a good consistency to it too. Very flavorful, but the "spicy" definitely isn't that spicy (in my opinion, at least) but you can add your own spice to it. One thing that I'm used to at other ramen places is the thick cut pieces of fatty pork that sit at the side of your bowl. So delicious! But...Sapporo doesn't do that. They have ground pork, so it's not the same. Most of it sort of hides and sinks to the bottom of your bowl, so it goes unforgotten until you're almost done with your ramen. Other than that, love this place. Note: cash only!
(4)
G U.
There is always a line no matter what time - we ate at 1:30/2pm today. The wait can be long depending on your party size. I did appreciate that they ask small groups to share tables. The ramen was good but since we are from CA, it doesn't compare to those ramen shops. But it is the best we've had so far in boston. Ate the house and vegetarian ramen. Both were decent. And the veg broth did not have a strong mushroom flavor which I appreciated. Service was good and attentive. FYI cash only! But there is a BOA nearby
(4)
Miles H.
Let me clarify something first: this five star rating is not solely based upon the food at Sapporo Ramen. Rather, it's recognizing this place as an institution. The ramen here is very good, particularly the spicy miso. The noodles are plentiful and chewy, the pork is tasty, and most important of all, the broth is rich while not too heavy on the fat or salt. Is it the best ramen I've ever had? No, but could I eat it any day? Absolutely. That's why I visit Sapporo more than Yume Wo Katare, despite harboring a slight preference for the latter ramen. Sapporo's ramen goes down easy, it's satisfying, and at $10 per bowl, it's a bargain. Also, I'm a big fan of the staff here. Like most ramen joints, it's pretty crazy during peak lunch and dinner hours, but I've always been seated and served within a reasonable amount of time. Make no mistake, the folks here are on top of their ****. They even put aside my iPhone when I accidentally left it behind after a dinner at Sapporo and I was able to pick it up the next morning. Long story short, Sapporo might not have the flash and bang of other ramen joints, but it's a very reliable restaurant and I'd be quite sad if they ever closed.
(5)
Christine J.
YUM. House ramen, yummy noodles and pork and corn.. best you can get in boston. good price too. Gyoza is pretty good also.
(4)
Lyndsey C.
Ok, so we went here and were going to sit outside and have a couple small plates and drinks... the service = terrible... I said "there is something sticky/greasy on the table, can I get a wet rag or something to clean it"... any normal response from a waitress, she would bring a wet towel and wipe it off, she literally said nothing, went inside and 5 minutes brought back a dry, rag, threw it on the table in front of me and walked back inside. I couldn't help but laugh. We ordered the steamed crab wontons and they were fine, but they brought yellow mustard with them, literally, just yellow mustard squeezed into a bowl. I understand spicy mustard, or anything, but really? So in conclusion... it looked nice enough, even the menu seemed nice enough. My husband says people rave about lunch there, but we were unimpressed... Maybe it was just our server, but service is a lot of the experience and ours wasn't great. We probably won't return.
(2)
RONALD W.
I don't have any experience with Boston ramen, but Sapporo would definitely fall in the bottom tier of Seattle based ramen shops. I see someone else scored it 4 stars with the caveat that it doesn't compare with LA based ramen shops, so maybe Boston doesn't have better. My House Special was assembled of precooked ingredients with the pork overcooked (dry and not enough fat) and along with the egg (completely hard boiled) a little chilled if you don't wait before eating it. At this price point I would expect tonkotsu broth and the chicken just didn't measure up and provided a bit of a strange taste profile.
(2)
alwyn v.
Sapporo Ramen had been a destination at the Porter Exchange Building (Porter Square, Cambridge) for over 20 years. Although their portions have been reduced, their assortment of soup choices has increased. Sapporo Ramen is still one of the best places to get a good Ramen in Beantown.
(4)
Ross G.
I got the hot and sour ramen and yes the hype is real! We did have to wait in line for quite some time, but it was well worth it. I'll definitely be back. We got a side of rice, and I got my ramen with double noodles (very feeling) definitely try out the extras that you can add to your soup. My friend made fun of me for eating mine with a fork like a gringo... oh well it happens. Definitely want to try some of their other ramen dishes because the hot and sour was the best ramen i've ever had. I have tried several other local ramen places and this was by far the best. For a reasonable price on a chilly day this is the place to go to warm you up.
(5)
Katie H.
This is my ramen home. The portions are amazing for the money and you can taste the time that went into the broth. Be prepared to wait 45 min to an hour during any days dinner rush, even on weekdays. You also should be friendly and open to sharing a table with people or else the wait can get longer. It is CASH ONLY but there's a Bank of America ATM near by. The house ramen is great and so is the spicy pork. I can't recommend this place enough!! It's good old traditional ramen!
(5)
Graceypoo M.
Thick chicken-based broth. I had the spicy miso ramen with the spicy ground pork. Since my friend was going to catch a flight, I ate my hot ramen with the quickness. We also had the delicious kurobota sausages, which were served with a small dollop of mayo and spicy mustard. This is probably the 2nd bowl of ramen I almost finished to completion. The wait was almost an hour--the place is cash only and very popular (there was a line, the place seats probably no more than 20 folks)--so have something to entertain you or have a friend to save your spot in line while you peruse other places in the building (like the cute Japanese store next door, and the other places in the food court). Will try Tan-Tan Men or the House Ramen, plus the pork bun or chicken karaage next time. Great value (each ramen bowl is under $10, and for $2.50 --you have the option to get extra noodles, nori, corn, butter, etc.). CASH ONLY!
(4)
Maggie A.
Boyfriend and I went here on a weeknight. We were kind of excited because the place has a lot of reviews, and the line went out the door. He ordered the house, I ordered the spicy miso... and unfortunately we both agree that the broth here is really one-dimensional, and the noodles taste frozen. Maybe we're just spoiled by some better joints in Manhattan, but this place hits the spot for a ramen craving for about three bites before the bowl starts feeling like an ordeal.
(2)
Zachary M.
Food is a 4-star, IF you can ever get a seat here. Sopporo suffers from the same fatal flaw as SO many ramen joints: too little seating. Arrive 5 minutes after they open and you have to wait for 30-45 minutes minimum to get a seat. My main frustration is that what they serve is essentially 'quick good' in that all the elements are already cooked and ready, the chef assembles the ramen and cooks the noodles ten plates it, so how can it take 30 minutes to make? The House Ramen is the reason to go. The broth is pretty solid, rich chicken broth that is far less salty than nearby Yume Wo Katore which challenged even my healthy 20-something blood pressure. A side of kimchee gives it a nice acidic component that it is normally missing. If your willing to wait for it, it's a good bowl of ramen.
(3)
Dave P.
Their direct competitor is Snappy Ramen in Davis Square. Both restaurants serve similar style ramen as opposed to Yume Wo Katare who serves a different kind of ramen. The prices are similar but I like that it's owned and operated by real Japanese people whereas Snappy Ramen is operated by Hispanics behind the counter. I got their House Ramen and the broth was delicious. Each table has soy sauce, hot sauce, and other ingredients you can add to your broth. I like that. Snappy Ramen doesn't offer that (though you can if you ask for extra money). Wasn't a big fan of the noodles though. They were undercooked and had the texture of a packaged ramen noodles. But compared to Snappy Ramen, both places offer the same quality of noodles -- and that's not a good thing. Cash only. Limited number of tables and you're in a little hallway with other restaurants next to each other so if and when it gets busy, you'll need to wait. I'd come back here again especially when I need my ramen fix. I prefer this place over Snappy Ramen for the simple fact that it's actually run by Japanese people.
(3)
Francis C.
I know that sometimes ethnic food is acculturated so it can be a bit different from the country of origin (case in point: chinese food). But I think ramen is one of those things that has translated well outside of Japan. With that said, I was extremely disappointed with this place because it didn't meet my expectations. I think the food is good if you don't have a reference point, and could even pass as really good. But just from reading other negative reviews, if you know what you're looking for, it's not this. The flavors just weren't there and it just wasn't that great. I felt like they were taking advantage of the fact that there weren't that many ramen places around Boston so they could get by with so-so food. Well, for their sake, I hope that changes because they can't even compete with some of the new places that have opened up. I would easily recommend Pikaichi in Super 88 (Allston) and Totto Ramen (Allston) over this place.
(1)
Max G.
This and piakichi ramen in Allston are the best ramen around boston for sure! The broth here so delightfully thick and creamy, I loveeee it. I've had almost all them soups And the best in my opinion are house and hot and sour ramen. They are so flavorful. House is basically the best chicken soup I've ever had, the noodles are perfect and the pork is sweet but a perfect touch. My only suggestion would be the hard boiled egg, it is always way over done! The line for me has never been too bad, but there is usually one. Get a green tea smoothie from the place its next to, they're really good and flavorful. I'd give this place a 9.5/10 and if they could figure out how to make the egg like pefectly runny it'd be a perfect 10!
(5)
Linda T.
First time coming here with my boyfriend and it was horrible. It was suppose to reopened at 5pm so we stand in line till 5:20pm, the girl skip us and ask the people behind us "how many people?" Did she not see us in line? I told her anyways that there two of us here. I feel that her customer service was bad, but I didn't mind about it. When the food came out, my boyfriend said it tasted horrible. Maybe something was wrong with it. I can't even eat mine, it tasted funny. So we pay and left. We will not come back here to eat again.
(1)
Margaret P.
Took my mom and the hubby out to eat here one day and we lucked out on timing because we were the third in line and it was 10 minutes to opening for dinner. Usually there's a line at the end of the hall for Sapporo, but it goes by quick since eating ramen doesn't take an hour, and preparation isn't time-consuming either. They ask the first few at the top of the line what they'd like to order so that it's ready for them when they're seated. Ordered the pork buns and dumplings, mom had the miso ramen, boyfriend had the house, and I opted for the spicy miso. I thought it could be spicer, but the flavor was wonderful and had the taste of hours of labor mixed into it. Boyfriend and mom loved theirs as well. Pork was tender enough that it just fell apart (and I NEVER eat pork). Noodles were fresh and delicious and the pork buns...THE PORK BUNS. I kid you not when I say I eat pork maybe once a year - and I would go back every week for this food. Service was quick.Space only holds about 8-10 tables, each hosting 4 at most to be comfortable. Cash only, parking on the street or there's a lot in the back you can pay for.
(5)
Pam C.
Short version: Sapporo Ramen is pretty alright - its mediocre ramen, which is only worse when you have to wait 30 minutes in line for it. However, it's probably the best you're getting in Boston, and it does the job. Long version: Sapporo is located inside the Lesley shopping center outside of the Porter subway stop. It's a dinky little booth with seating for maybe 15 people, and it's pretty minimal on decoration or really anything. We arrived at 7:30 and there was still a line wrapping around the corner - quite a few people waiting to get in. Believe me, this is not a place to go if you have a group bigger than 4, because there's just going to be no way you'll get seating soon. The line does move fairly fast though, especially if you have larger groups. The waitresses are pretty good about seating people immediately. Additionally, you'll get menus when you're in line, and before you're seated the waitress will approach you in line to take your order, so it'll be there almost immediately when you sit down. All in all, we waited 30 minutes as a group of two to be seated, but there was definitely still a line when we left at around 9:0pm. Something that annoyed me was that they brought out the food very sporadically - people received their bowls way before others, so there was a lot of awkward sitting as we waited for everyone to get their food. I got the house ramen, which was ok. Honest truth: Sapporo Ramen isn't that great. I can't imagine waiting in line for that long in LA, New York, or even Toronto for the quality of ramen that I got, but in Boston you gotta do what you gotta do. The broth was very thick and creamy, which I'm not used to. It was also quite salty - prepare to go through multiple cups of water when you're chowing down. The noodles were actually great - perfectly al dente, nice spring when you bit into them. The toppings? Not so much. I was a little irked that even though their menu showed the proper ramen marinated soft boiled eggs that are supposed to come with ramen, my bowl definitely came with a straight hard boiled egg. Tsk tsk tsk, to shame. The pork was very tender, but it wasn't the rolled pork belly that you're supposed to get - it was definitely just a slice of pork. Overall, it's an alright bowl of ramen. Prices are right (all bowls are less than $10) and I would come to Sapporo every day if I didn't have to wait in line. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely not. Do you have any other options if you want ramen? Not in Boston, nope.
(3)
Lannie L.
A long line is always a telling sign that you're in for something good. Located in one of Lesley's buildings, it's an interesting eatery with a number of Asian options. If it's busy, they're efficient with taking your order while you're waiting. I assumed that the food would have come out quicker once I was seated but it felt like a standard waiting time. I went with the house ramen which has everything I love. Pork, egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallion. YUM. The first bite is so tasty but admittedly as I continue digging into it, I realize how bland everything tasted. The broth is very rich but really lacked something. I love simple, basic flavors but it became less tasty with each bite. The noodles, however, I do enjoy. I also prefer a more high quality meat but for the price and setting of this place, it was satisfactory. He got the spicy pork ramen which was definitely more flavorful and not very spicy, in case you're wondering. Everyone has differing levels of spice but it's a standard level imo. The kimchi is good and we're convinced it's just bought from Hmart. I need that refreshing crunch while eating ramen even if paying for a side of kimchi feels ridiculous.
(4)
Nina S.
Had the spicy miso ramen. The noodles were pretty good, I think the culinary term would be toothsome? The broth was meh, I don't really ever drink the soup cause it's pretty salty and too filling. But the pork and corn were nice. The seaweed fell in the soup on is way to me so it was soggy, and wasn't exactly spicy, but overall not bad for$10.
(3)
Cindy H.
Worth the wait. Service is awesome for such a chaotic crowd. While the pork in the pork buns are a bit on the fatty side, the ramen (and that's what you should be there for) is awesome. The miso soup is too salty for my liking, but my go to is the tantanmen. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are bomb. Note: cash only.
(4)
Andrew P.
I come here on a semi regular basis. It's right off of the red line and they have parking readily available just in case you wanna drive in. There is almost always a wait and there will usually be a 15 minute wait. They'll take your order while your in line so make sure you get a menu and go through their menu whole you're waiting. I've gotten the curry ramen and the soy sauce ramen. Both are really good. Good amount of noodles that have a nice consistency to them. The broth has a good flavor to it and comes out piping hot. The toppings are pretty on point so nothing I can complain overall. My girlfriend got the Pork Katsu curry. Once again it was pretty good. However if I were to get a rice dish I'd rather go to cafe mami which is directly it's neighbor. Overall if you want to get your ramen fix then this is a solid place to go. I wouldn't say it warrants the constant long wait they always have. For Boston ramen however, it's one of the better places.
(4)
Ron P.
After seeing numerous cooking shows where chefs venture to Japan and sit down in these awesome little Ramen bars for what looks like the most satisfying lunch they've ever had, I made a conscious decision to find a Ramen noodle spot in the area. This place did not let me down, in fact since ordering here for the first time a few months ago, my coworker and I have been back on average twice a week - I like it that much. I haven't had much experience with Ramen, so if you've been to Tokyo, you may have a more informed opinion, but if you're not picky, and looking for an awesome lunch, do yourself a favor, stop in here, and try the Miso Ramen. Cash only, though...
(4)
Melissa M.
My first foray into all things Ramen. Came here for a quick lunch on Christmas Eve. The place was friggin packed! We waited in line and the waitress gave us our menu in line while we waited. I ordered the hot and sour ramen at her request since I had no clue what to get. It was very good! I liked to add the chili paste they have on the table. Got a canned diet coke (LOVE). Quick, efficient, tasty, cheap, and just really good. Excellent food on a cold day or if you are feeling under the weather! I shall return!
(4)
Anna Q.
Big portion... But the soup base is what I really care about.. It is really random some days it will be okay some days it will be really salty.. Going will be a huge risk... Which is why I would rather prefer cafe mami right next door better.. The ramen is just alright.
(3)
Mary H.
This place was pretty busy when we got there. Customer service is not bad. They could be a little more attentive for an 18 seating place. The roasted pork buns were yummy. One had mayo with a slice of tomato slice and the other one had a black beanish sauce in it. I was very surprised it came in two different styles. Both had big pieces of pork in it. The spicy miso ramen was soooo spicy! It was great. It was spicy ground pork that made the dish even better. The house ramen was good. It wasn't too salty or too bland. It had nice slices of pork, corn, and bean sprouts. Both broths were on the thick side. There was plenty of al dente noodles.
(4)
Jasmine B.
I really don't know what the hype is all about here. Sure, the ramen is a reasonable price. But it's not all that good. The noodles seem to be out of a package, and while the chicken broth is thick, it's not especially flavorful. The veggie broth is really, really thin and tasteless. The add-ins are a bit meager and the egg was completely hard boiled. I also took half of mine to go (I have a tiny stomach), and the broth/meat/noodle mixture turned into this thoroughly solid gelatinous chunk overnight. It was so icky that I just threw it out. The add-ins are really basic, the tables aren't especially clean, and you're under a lot of pressure to eat quickly and get out. Also - a big pet peeve is that it's cash only, but it's not posted ANYWHERE. Not on the website, not on the menu, not on the walls; really, I scoured the place. It seemed almost like a cash only when I walked in, but I didn't ask when I sat down, partly because there's one server and they were rushing around but also because usually, it's posted somewhere! I really think that Boston could use a top notch ramen place that really takes the time to make their noodles right (or at least source them better). In the meantime, I'll stick with Totto. fwiw - I am spoiled by Momi Ramen in Miami and various ramen places in NY.
(2)
Corey L.
3 of us visited on a Saturday night, waiting in the line in the hallway, as one does. After about 20 minutes (3rd party in line, it got MUCH longer after we sat down), we sat down and enjoyed our food (they took our order while we waited - set up for efficiency). My friend who's been here a LOT, loves their Ramen (grew up in CA) and always orders the house ramen dish. Which I tried and found quite tasty. I started w a seaweed salad (a little seaweed on top of lettuce w a dressing), which I (and my girlfriend) both found disappointing. Next, I had a yasai ramen dish w extra veggies and extra spicy ground pork. I added spicy sauce to it. I'm not a huge fan of noodles (one reason ramen isn't my go-to dish) and there were a lot of them - typical for ramen - but the dish itself was very flavorful. Even w extra veggies, they were difficult to find, which was disappointing. The broth was quite good. My girlfriend got the egg drop ramen, which quite salty, as is typical, and had a bunch of eggs. Cans of soda were $1, which was nice as they weren't crazily overcharging us. Doubt I'll go back. If you really like ramen, definitely give it a try.
(3)
Judy H.
Spicy Miso Ramen was just okay for me. It was lacking flavor but my boyfriend enjoyed the Tan Tan-Man Ramen! It reminded him of Japan and he was missing it very much! I don't see us coming back anytime soon, I have found a better Ramen Shop.
(4)
Yun-Young L.
Really not worth going there at all... It always beats me why theres always a line-up at this cramped, dirty, and overhyped place ( I dont mind the size of the place if the food was good, but it wasnt unfortunately). The waitress was really unfriendly when she sat us, and then while we were waiting for our orders, we saw a mouse running around... but that didnt seem to bother the cook and owner much. Apparently, we Bostonians are supposed to just accept the fact that there are mice in Boston and learn to live, eat and sleep with them... Since it was our first try, we ended up staying and eating their "famous" ramen for the first time, and likely for the last time as well. It was so plain and mediocre... doesnt live up to the hype at all. There are better ramen places in Boston without the sight of rodents so unless you are a hardcore fan of mickey mouse, i suggest you avoid this place.
(1)
Tong W.
x'D love this place! My friends and I come here every time after badminton at MIT - the portions are great and it is definitely my favorite ramen in boston! So authentic and the broth so richhhh~ the house ramen and spicy miso and tan tan mein are all incredible!! No one does it like Sapporo!
(5)
Moses P.
If you are AzN you will probably enjoy this place, especially compared to other ramen shops in Boston. If you are not AzN then PREPARE TO BE AMAZED, WESTERNER!!! To be honest with you I enjoyed this place a lot but my wife has higher standards than I do and said it deserves a 3-star review so I'm giving it a 3. The pork buns are fantastic. Very delicious. The ramen is great as well- I highly recommend spicy miso! The service is funny. There is one AzN lady who runs the show. She will seat you and feed you and take your money and kick you out. And she does it all by herself. TIGER MOM FTW! It's the AzN...
(3)
Jonathan N.
There alway a long line waiting at this place. The restaurant was small with a few tables and chairs but the reman noodle are super good! I love their ramen noodle so much!!! Especially the hot and sour and kim chi one. Their noodles are so chewy and their soup are so sweet and tender. I like mine with extra vegetable and egg.
(4)
Elly F.
A big disappointment for me. The egg was overcooked, broth was too starchy and meat was thick and chunky. Thankfully the meat was flavourful and tender but you would not have thought so by looking at it!
(1)
Tim Y.
Our favorite ramen stop in Boston hands down. Our go to dishes are the miso and the spicy miso ramen; we highly recommend getting extra noodles and extra pork; even if you can't finish it in one sitting, this is one of the best "day after" work lunches I can imagine. Go early on weekends or you'll be standing in line for a long time. On second thought, we don't need any more competition... avoid Sapporo Ramen like the plague.
(5)
Tiffany L.
BEST RAMEN IN BOSTON! Cant compare to anything in LA but I've been here twice and will gladly go back anytime. It's located right by Leslie college in that shopping center with all the Japanese nomz - makes me miss Little Tokyo in LA :( also CASH ONLY ! People are always in line...I've been here twice at 2 pm and they're always been some line of people. They close at 3 pm but if you're in line by 3, you'll get a table for sure. They take your order while you wait so food comes as soon as you're seated. Efficiency! Same waiter each time I go. She's a bit pushy and eager to get you to eat and leave. Decor is simple, which I think is a good sign. From my eating adventures in Asian restaurants - less fancy decor = more legit nomz. I always order the spicy miso ramen - it's reallyy good. Despite it being super red, I don't think it's that spicy. It tastes even better with the shichimi (Japanese spicy 7 spice powder- you know it's legit Japanese food when they have a jar of this stuff) The broth is so rich, I love it. I never drink noodle soup but I can easily chug down a bowl of this stuff- downside: I food coma pretty hard afterwards cause the broth is so heavy. The noodles are good and chewy. When my friends came with me last time, they shared a miso ramen, which tasted pretty bland to me, but they liked it. They could barely finish it but to me, the serving size seemed...not big haha. I was satisfied eating one bowl but could probably finish a second one if I was super hungry. Toppings are simple - egg, seaweed, beansprouts, green onion. Def would go back for ramen on a cold day (which seems like everyday in Boston ...)
(4)
Katie Y.
We decided to try traditional ramen out but it was kind of disappointing. The lines were very long but the owner seemed very nice. We totally get why the lines are long but really, the wait might be around 30 minutes since there are only like 6 tables. Also the set up really brings back memories of authentic ramen shops when we were in Japan. We ordered the spicy miso ramen, house ramen and the Yasai ramen. The noodles were a bit chewy and there is definitely not enough pork nor vegetables to go along with the extremely bland soup base. For the spicy miso ramen, the pork bits were amazing but it was more of a garnish. For both the house and Yasai ramen, we thought the soup base was kind of glutinous when it went down the throat. After eating the ramen, we all felt extremely thirsty. Also the pricing of the dishes weren't that satisfying. We might come back but probably not since we have to drive 30 minutes to get there.
(2)
Danielle W. L.
I come here with a big appetite and order extra noodles + extra meat. I love the spicy miso ramen, although I always add extra spice, available at the table. This to me is comfort food. Thick broth, packed with robust flavor. If I go too long without this ramen, I really, REALLY miss it. Don't expect great service, although who comes here to schmooze with the staff anyway? You come here with only one purpose in mind: to stick your face deep into a bowl and fall in love with noodles. That's it. End of story. You will have to resist the urge to slurp it directly from the bowl. Wear a shirt that can handle a few splatters. Expect to be seated at the same table with random strangers since real estate is clearly at a premium. It's not fancy. Ambiance is crap. Decent prices. Fast. Small selection of sodas. Cash only (ATM in the same building.) No line when I got there at 5:30pm on a Monday. Shut up and get some.
(5)
Sidi L.
Place is small, and always need to wait a line. A good place to have lunch nearby, but it doesn't worth coming all the way. Better than the one in hmart
(3)
Nina N.
Tip #1 CASH ONLY!!! This is my favorite restaurant in Porter Square. My only complaint is the not so great selection of appetizers. Of the selections, my favorite is the roast pork bun. If cooked right, this is a great starter, soft sweet bun, refreshing slice of tomato with juicy roasted pork and mayo....delicious. Yum yum. Next appetizer I would recommend you try is the sausages. Nice and crispy casting and juicy inside. The other appetizers are just expensive for what they are, gyoza and edamame. Maybe I am just cheap when it comes to appetizers that I can easily make in huge portion for the price that they sell at restaurants. After trying four different flavored broths, I think my favorite has to be the curry ramen although I am now leaning toward the Tantan Men after many years of not liking it. Initially, I wasn't too excited about the sesame flavored broth. But then 10 years later after trying it again one day, wow, could be my favorite broth now. I just might not go back to curry ramen for several years. In fact, this was the first broth I tried which made me not want to give this place a second try. Mediocre at best was my initial review of Sapporo Ramen. But somehow, for some reason, my husband convinced me to give this place another try. Moral of the story, give a place a second try. We've tried the spicy miso ramen which is okay and so is the miso ramen. The spicy miso ramen is my husband's favorite broth. There is spicy ground pork topping for this bowl of ramen choice. Tried the hot and sour soup ramen and kimchi ramen. Something about those flavors made me uneasy. And rightfully so. For what hot and sour soup is and kimchi also, you would expect sour and spicy for both broths. But both broths were neither. They were bland. I'll give them a try again one day, maybe I will be a fan the second time around. But I would try the other broths if this is your first time. As with all of the ramen, I recommend ordering extra roasted prok as it doesn't come with it. The other toppings are way too pricey for what they are. For example, $2.00 for corn or even extra cabbage/veggies is really too expensive. When it comes to adding toppings, the roast pork was really dry the first time I tried this place. Which was why I was so hesitant to come back for many years. But in the past few years, it has grown consistently good. It has a strange wine-like flavor to it, and is soft and juicy. The spicy pork ground pork is another topping that I would recommend if you want to add a little bit of saltiness and minced meat to your bowl. Extra noodle wouldn't hurt if you are extra hungry. See my pictures.
(4)
Claire H.
I can only speak for the vegetarian ramen here but I can tell you that I love everything about this place except for the line. It usually moves pretty quickly though, so it is almost always worth waiting. Really good ramen, casual environment, and quick (once you finally sit down). I've only ever gone with one other person at a time. They can accommodate groups but it is a tight squeeze and you should expect to be able to hear your neighbors' conversations.
(4)
Rebecca Y.
The spicy miso ramen here hits the spot when you're craving ramen on a cold winter's day. It's definitely not the best I've ever had, but it's one of the better places in Boston. The restaurant is very small so you'll most likely have to wait in line for a bit before you can sit down and eat.
(3)
Henry P.
Recently stopped by Sapporo Ramen the other day with the lady and some friends after hearing so many rave reviews. A small 15 - 20 seater restaurant located within the little food court area of the Porter Exchange, We went in around 1pm for lunch saw a line stretching down to the end of the food court. We stood and waited for our turn and munch of some sweet snacks from a local Japanese bakery nearby to curb our appetite. As we were waiting in line a kind waitress came by and gave us the menu to decide on what we'd like before sitting down to our table. For such a small space I thought that this was a pretty efficient way of taking down orders and turning over customers. I had the Spicy Miso Ramen with whole egg and extra noodles while the misses had the House Ramen. The noodles were fantastically springy and chewy with lots of delicious toppings but sadly, both myself as well as my girlfriend found our broth to be a little bit on the bland side, perhaps because they were so close to being closed for lunch and were low on ramen stock but we found ourselves reaching for the vinegar and shichimi seasoning to give it that extra flavor. Thought quick service and perfectly made noodles, I was sad that Sapporo, for myself personally, did not live up to its hype. Perhaps I just came on a bad day? I'll be looking to stop by again on a different date to try it's ramen once again
(3)
T N.
The waitress was really pushy when it comes to ordering food. I just dont understand the praise for the soup here, everything we ordered was either really bland or salty--i would suggest going to Pikaichi in Brighton. Their ramen soup is sooo much better! ALSO BE CAREFUL when you get the receipt. They include the tip in it and doesn't state it in there at all! Overall it was a sad experience :(
(2)
Lorena O.
Because I'm obsessed with ramen these days, I was dead-set on trying it out in another city. So, I hit Yelp and Google search to point me to THE place for ramen in Beantown. Several articles I read via Google pointed to this place as a standout for Ramen, and so we went. I got the house ramen, with pork, egg, scallions and corn. It was just okay. I had to add soy sauce and chili paste and oil to give this bowl some kick. And the egg that came with it was nothing like the scrumptious eggs that adorn my bowls at Michi or Tatsu-Ya. This egg was hard-boiled and the white of the egg had zero flavor. Boo! My sister went for the Tan-Tan ramen. It had spicy ground pork in it, not the pork belly. This bowl was the clear winner. Lots of flavor from the spicy pork helped out the broth. If I were to go again, I'd order this. We also tried the curry ramen. Pretty much like the name says, it was like the house ramen with a serving of curry sauce added. Nothing inventive or knock your socks off here. But, the crowds lined up for this place anyway. We got there about 6pm and had to wait for a table as the small establishment (located within a shopping mall) had maybe 8 tables. As we ate, a large line formed. I wept for the Bostonians and their subpar ramen. 3 people ate three bowls of ramen and three waters for $29 and some change. Not too bad for the price.
(3)
Ben K.
Yay ramen! I like this place, kind of a small hole in the wall restaurant whose goal is to cook good food rather than create a nice atmosphere. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen with extra noodles. The broth was thick and not too salty or spicy. The flavor was good and made me want to just drink the soup. The noodles had a smooth texture and firm consistency. I was a little disappointed that there didn't seem to be any "extra" noodles in my dish, but I was still satisfied after finishing. Overall, I would come back if in the area and recommend it to others interested in ramen.
(4)
Ruslan K.
Best ramen in Boston. I tried most of the ramen places in the Bay Area around Mountain View, Cupertino and San Jose, and tried most of the ramen places around Boston. This one is the best. Very rich flavor, especially House Ramen, noodles cooked to perfection, soy marinated pork - yummy. 20 minute wait lines, cash-only and table-sharing with other parties are also included but it just makes it more authentic.
(5)
Traci K.
Yum. Sapporo Ramen is inside the little food court area of Porter Exchange. It's a max of like 10 tables or so - but the wait wasn't too long on a Saturday night. My dining companion and I both ordered the house ramen with extra noodles and an order of the pork buns. The pork buns were tasty, but a little odd. The bun was good...but it was also slathered in mayo with cucumber and tomato along with the pork. I guess I just wasn't expecting a bun sandwich. The ramen. Broth was very tasty and not too salty. The egg, nori, pork and sprouts were tasty. I wish the egg was less hardboiled - I would have liked a runny yolk, but that's just personal preference. The noodles were perfectly cooked and so easily slurpable. Extra noodles was a great idea - and it was only a buck or 2 extra. Cash only - but it's not expensive, so boo yah. Service was fast and friendly. Definitely making it into my cold-weather-food rotation.
(4)
Less H.
I met up with a friend and we decided to go here. I'm making my way through all the Asian food stalls in University Hall. Service was decent enough. We managed to get in during a slow period and get seated fast. Score! We looked over the menus and had our food quickly. I got myself a Miso Ramen. It was delicious. The noodles were just right, the broth tasty, and the pork tender. Happiness. The portion was large, large enough I could barely finish it. I did, every last noodle and drop of broth. I had to be rolled to the train. Yeah. It's loud in here, it's loud in all of the University Hall food stalls. It just is. Quarters are cramped and you may sit next to someone quickly and loudly slurping their noodles. Customer service isn't their specialty. What they do well is quickly serve up delicious noodles pretty fast. This ain't the North End.Once you get past the fast that you aren't going to get your ass kissed here the happier you will be when eating. I'll be back, probably more often than I should. cash only!
(4)
Sugar F.
I have probably directly and indirectly brought Sapporo a hundred new customers in the past two years. Big salty delicious bowls of chewy noodles. Yes please. I love it. The curry ramen. Miso ramen. Vegetarian ramen even. DON'T DELAY TRY SAPPORO RAMEN TODAY! During popular times there is always a huge line - don't even worry about it. Chat with your buddies until you enjoy your delicious ramen.
(5)
Cristina R.
On a bone-chilling, rain-filled day, I used the ever-trusty Yelp as my guide while on the hunt for foods to warm me up. What do I want? My fingers start typing my desires. "Soup." No. "Noodles." Not quite. Something that combines them both. "Ramen." Amen. Following the address listed, I find myself at Porter and am so very confused. It looks like I'm at the right place, but where is this mysterious Ramen den? After sketchily walking up and down the block a few times, I figure out the hidden entrance: you go in through the Shops at Porter door. I had no idea this place was essentially in a Japenese food court! And what a food court it is. I went a bit after the lunch rush (around 2:30 PM) so was surprised to see a line of about 5 people all waiting for a seat at the tiny, packed Sapporo. With the other Asian restaurants in the hallway completely deserted. I felt a bit bad for them, but that means that Sapporo is the place to be. And I'm already here, so shivering and hungry, I wait. After about 20 minutes, I'm seated and order a Spicy Miso Ramen. Luckily it comes out in a jiffy, steaming and spicy and savory. And so, so perfect. There are noodles and pork and veggies in a delectable broth. If it weren't freezing outside, I probably would have broken a sweat as I slurped. Honestly, I can think of nothing better on a rainy day than this bowl of Japanese love. I scarfed down as much as possible, my mouth and belly thanking me again and again, but still wasn't able to finish it. Even better! I get it packed up and have a scrumptious lunch the next day. Ramen. Amen.
(4)
Yixuan C.
I came there at 5/16/2014 because my friend recommended me their ramen is good. BUT, my experience was terrible, I will not suggest anyone go there. Pro: fast, pork dumplings were good Con: Bad service, the waitress was rude and impatient. Ramen was way too salty.
(2)
Diana L.
Met up with my yelpy pal Less H. here to get some lunch. I have to say, I thought it was fantastic!! The thought of my hot and sour ramen still makes me salivate - it was absolutely delicious and the noodles were at perfect consistency! I think it's far better than the Ittyo ramen down at the end of this aisle (Tampopo is still my favorite overall). If you're looking for a delicious ramen meal for ~12$ with tip, check this place out for sure. I thought the ramen was fantastic, spicy enough (I've come to accept the fact that food at restaurants will almost never be as spicy as I want), the pork was tender and the ingredients were delish. Right on, Sapporo Ramen!!!! I'll be back to drag my boyfriend here to try it out.
(4)
Susan J.
Absolutely love this place. The House Ramen and gyoza are both fantastic and worth waiting in line for. I live down the street and have to resist going every week for my noodle fix.
(4)
Carrie L.
I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for Sapporo Ramen. The ramen itself warrants a 2. The service was good overall and could potentially bump it up to a 3 (friendly lady took our order but the server boy was clumsy). But I just remembered the pork belly bun I had, and it was flavorless.. almost. The only thing that stood out was the broth. The thick and delicious broth I had with the Spicy Miso Ramen. Not spicy enough though.. I had to add spices and hot sauce on the side. Again, the texture of the ramen is too stiff for my taste.
(2)
Erica R.
This is pretty much an obligatory stop whenever I visit Boston now. It's a small little restaurant tucked away inside the shopping center, yes, and there's been a wait to get seated every time I've visited. That said? The line moves quickly...and, as long as you're either alone or with a small group, getting seated won't be an issue. Someone usually comes through the line early enough and gets orders anyway, so it's a short time from when you're seated to when you ultimately get your ramen. It's a simple place, but efficient - and the food is delicious. I've had both the miso ramen and the house ramen, and both are delicious. The broth is flavorful and smooth...and definitely filling, the pork is delicious and the noodles are tasty. An especially awesome meal for those cold, winter nights when you need something to warm you up. :) Bring on the food coma!
(4)
Fancypants X.
3.5 stars upgraded to 4 stars The upside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious that I'd want to eat there weekly. The downside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious. Period. I ordered miso ramen no sprouts, no pork. Add a pat of butter, add bamboo shoots. Got that?! Luckily, my waitress did. Perfectly. Portion is gigantic. I can usually always finish my ramen, but I surrendered long before I could see the bottom of my bowl here. Broth is strangely thick-ish & creamy. Not sure how I feel about that; I'm thinking not good. And the pat of butter (apparently cut by a giant because what normal person considers *that* a pat?!) once melted, added to the viscosity. Noodles were plentiful & not too al dente. Bamboo shoots were tender--yay! Loved the corn, scallions, & seaweed that automatically comes with this bowl. Everything was wonderful, aside from the broth, which was a minor offense. Cash only, but for once, it was o-tay by me; I had the $11.55 + tip in my wallet (a miracle!)
(4)
Lisa L.
I have been jonesing for some good ramen, so on a cold night I went to Sapporo at Porter Square. I got the spicy miso ramen to go on the recommendation of the Yelp reviews, and added extra roast pork. It smelled great in the car on the way home, but once I started eating it I was very unimpressed. The broth was not as flavorful as it was fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and the pork was also bland. There was corn in it, which seemed utterly bizarre to me. I would honestly prefer to eat ramen from a packet than from here. The plus sides are that the staff are friendly and the ramen is affordable, but I will not be coming back.
(2)
Christina C.
They will take your order when you're still waiting for a seat! Amazing, right? Not only is the ramen fast but it is tasty. The broth is flavorful and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The space is small and cozy tight like if you invited 30 friends to your studio apartment for dinner. The staff and chefs are welcoming and I certainly will welcome their ramen in my tummy any day.
(4)
Tom L.
This place USED to be great. However, since it's grown in popularity, the prices have gone up while service and quality have gone down. It's busy but they herd you like cattle. The main hostess snaps at people and audibly bemoans those who are anything but absolutely ready and prepared to eat and leave immediately. The ramen is ok. You need to pay a dollar for the extra noodles to be full and it's already expensive. My main complaint is that nearly everything is reheated and isn't very hot. The noodles are barely hot, the egg is hard boiled and cold, the broth is lukewarm. In the quest to meet demand they've started cutting corners and it's disappointing to say the least. They used to do really nice pork buns but they're now smaller and lower quality. Is it worth trying? Yes. Is it very good. Sadly not.
(2)
Carolyn L.
Ramen was fine (although noted the large bag of MSG on the counter next to our table), 40 min wait on a Friday night was expected, but the waitress running after us as we were leaving requesting a larger tip was tacky and extremely unprofessional.
(1)
Yvonne C.
I would give their food for 3 stars but I take one star off because their service. When we got there, there was no line waiting but only us (three people). The waitress squeezed us into a table of four which already had two people sitting there. So we asked if we could wait till a table of four. She was unfriendly saying something like they're saving the table for more customers. So we still sat at the table with two other people. And after a while, she gave a table of four to ONE customer. Well... I have nothing to said about that. Just really unhappy about that. As for the food there. We had spicy miso ramen and house ramen. The spicy miso ramen was not spicy at all but the soup was still pretty good. As for the house ramen, my friend said it was ok. Not bad but not special and she thought the soup was a little salty. .
(2)
Dan P.
Ramen noodles sounds like no big deal, but this place is simply the best. If you like noodles than you have to try it out.
(5)
Andrea B.
Sapporo does ramen, and it does ramen damn well! I've walked by this place a million and one times at all hours of the day and night, and there's always a line. It's always busy, and for good reason. Finally, I decided I simply had to try them, so I hopped in line and waited. And about 15 minutes later, I was seated. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen. As I was looking around, I saw a cash-only sign, so I skipped on over to the ATM. And by the time I had returned, my steaming bowl of oh-so-delicious ramen was waiting. It was spicy but not overly so. The noodles were delicious enough on their own, but if you add in the pork, various veggies, a fantastic savory broth, and a whole bunch of scallions (my favorite!), you've got something pretty epic. I slurped down every last drop. The only reason I deduct a star is because of the seating arrangements. I was dining solo, so I was seated with another solo diner at a two-top. A complete stranger. I tried to make the best of it, and said hello and attempted to chat with her briefly, but she wasn't into it. I would've gladly waited a little longer to be seated separately, because noisily slurping ramen in complete silence? AWKWARD. But regardless, I think I've definitely found the perfect (and cheap!) pre- or post-class meal.
(4)
SR M.
Small place so get here early. There arent many seats and we got lucky we showed up right at 5pm when they opened for dinner on Saturdays. The guy that seated us wasn't the most pleasant but whatever, I'm there to eat ramen not make friends. As for ramem, we ordered the house ramen, bro got the hot and sour, gyoza and pork buns for apps. Well I loved my ramen. I've been to Ippudo a few times so I was able to compare. Although Ippudo wins hands down, this place was as been as good as it gets for me in Boston. Other reviewers have said that it's a little bland and not nearly as salty as it should be. Well I am glad. I liked that it wasn't too salty and that I didn't have to gulp down 3 glasses of water with my ramen. The broth was full and thick which I appreciate. I even like the noodles. I thought it was a perfect mix of the two. You can tell that they simmer the broth for hours. I only wish they the eggs they give you were a little more yolky? Also, more pork couldn't hurt either. Gyoza and pork buns were also good. Not sure what they used for sauce/spread but it helped with the dry pork that was in the buns. My brother enjoyed his hot and sour but it was not hot enough for him Overall I am a fan and will definitely be back.
(4)
Tess C.
I read a lot of reviews about long lines, but I guess I got lucky. No line at all!! I had the House Ramen and I LOVED i.! The broth was on point and the noodles were a nice texture. Portion size was good also! A little pricey, but probably as good as it's gonna get around here. I went in not expecting much, but I definitely enjoyed the ramen! I will be coming back again!
(4)
Katie C.
It's been about a year since my last review, and I've tried a few more ramen joints in the area. Conclusion? Sapporo is THE place. There really is no other (in Boston at least). And Spicy Miso is still THE dish. Get it. I recently heard about the new location opening up in Central (Hmart! Yesss). Will any of the new menu offerings compare to the Spicy Miso? I'm skeptical, but excited to find out.
(5)
Peter K.
A decent ramen place. Only chicken broth, though. Located inside the Porter Square mall.
(3)
Gezinha D.
I ordered a house ramen and I loved the broth, it was, for the lack of a better word... succulent. I thought the noodles were just a little bit hard and I wish that the bean sprouts had been cooked, I've never had bean sprouts like that before, every time I had them it was in a stir fry so I was surprised that they were uncooked. I wish they had options such as shrimp or chicken it would really be great. Overall the ramen was really, really good I am going to go back again for sure, and i will order double noodles. I can't wait to try the spicy miso ramen, it was my first time so I was a little bit cautious and I tried the house ramen. The group that was sitting by my table had the tan tan ramen ( I think that's what it's called) and it looked really good and it had shaved pork, which, i think looked more appetizing to me than the slices i got because you could mix up the broth with the shaved pork in the bowl, but the pork i had was really good too. The broth was really filling so I didn't even finish the whole thing. Can't wait to go back with my husband!
(4)
Kristina N.
This ramen shop was the only restaurant with a line in the Porter Shops mall. As a ramen lover, I'm making it my goal to try all the ramen places in Cambridge. This store has a good bowl, though, the house special broth tasted surprisingly like creamy chicken soup and my pork slices were cold. Still a satisfying meal to eat on a cold night.
(4)
MooMoo H.
Here is a candid review from a native Japanese ramen lover: The establishment is inside a mall with very few seats. I was lucky to come during off-peak hours, but I can imagine this place being packed. I would definitely stick to off-peak hours, but the flip side is that there are a bunch of other Japanese restaurants close by with similar price points. The service was kind, but it was kind of hot. I had the house ramen since it was my first time. It wasn't for me (what a snob right?), but most people would enjoy it. The noodles were spot on. The egg was OK. The pork was... cold and oddly sweet. The portion size was fairly generous. By itself it would be a solid 3 stars, but considering it's MA I have to bump it up to 4 stars. If they fix their pork and offered some kind of add-on menu (garlic, onions, etc) it would be an additional star for me.
(4)
M L.
Solid ramen at decent prices. Expect a long wait if you go during lunch, especially on the weekends.
(3)
Anthony B.
This was my first time ever having ramon. It was so good I can't wait to go again. The only thing is there is a long wait. When I go this time I'm going early. Also wish there was a ramon restaurant in the Worcester area.
(5)
Stella S.
I don't get the rave. It's decent ramen but not as great at people make it out to be. The miso base is a joke. The miso ramen came out bland and to be honest, it tasted like they mixed the miso base with the water they cooked the ramen in.
(3)
Jeff K.
I dig this place. It's comfortable, quick and mostly delicious. Especially like having flavor options... curry ramen and tan-tan-men are my favorites, boss lady likes the spicy miso. If you're hungry get double noodles, you don't get a ton here and they're far from the thick, chewy homemade noodles that I not-so-secretly wish they'd switch to. Don't bother with the egg, they end up hard boiled 98% of the time. The plain house ramen leaves something to be desired, especially compared to Yume Wo Katare, but we'll keep coming back to Sapporo for fat bowls of double noodle curry ramen. DO try the gyoza... so good. Try to get there early or late, regular dinner time = line for miles.
(4)
Alice L.
The line was really long and the restaurant itself is extremely small. I had high hopes for this place because of how many good reviews it got and how it was the most popular place in the complex. We got the original/house, the miso, and the vegetarian one. First bite into each was delicious, but after about the 5th bite, the soup was too overwhelming. Granted, I've never had "creamy" ramen, but it was just too much for me. I honestly would've preferred staying at home and cooking up some 25 cent ramen from Wal-Mart. In order from best to worst, I would say vegetarian, original, then miso. For a meat lover like me, to say vegetarian was the best means something.
(2)
Sushmita M.
Despite my LA ramen adventure, I'll always come back to Sapporo. Case in point, in a one-week visit, I have been here three times to get my fix, and even that's not enough. The tan-tan men sesame pork ramen ALWAYS delights, so creamy, spicy, porky, noodly it is. This is my favorite place to eat in Boston until you convince me otherwise. Get here early with a small group, bring cash & top it off with Miyazaki afterwards. Kawaii!
(5)
Ivy F.
Prepare to wait in line if you plan to come here for dinner. Soup is great and creamy.
(3)
Ottavio S.
I've been coming to this Ramen shop since I was a teenager. Its never disappointed. The staff is amazing but most of all its a no nonsense spot to get an amazing bowl of ramen. Get the miso ramen. You won't regret it.
(5)
Guy R.
It feels like a cheesy, small diner with several wooden benches and tables - the minimal decoration you can think of for a restaurant. But it's perhaps THE ramen place in the Boston / Cambridge area. If you come to this place at dinner time, you will be amazed at how popular it is - people start to form anticipatory line half an hour before it's open. The style feels authentically Japanese - with a little "Sapporo" flag hanging in the corner, and small bottles of Japanese condiments on the tables. Ramen is extremely delicious. What makes it so enticing is the soup - chicken soup stewed for well over 10 hours with a mixture of unique sauce, seasonings, and peppers. It gives out a mild, savory smell. And perhaps because of it, if you are someone who doesn't like salty food, the soup can taste a bit too salty. If so, just eat the noodles and don't drink the soup. Another good point of the diner is that all dishes are made fresh - they do not pre-make any food to facilitate customer flow - it's why there is usually a long line outside. But the wait is totally worth it because when you sit down to start devouring the noodles, you will feel the legendary "ramen experience. " Also, service is good, waiters and waitresses are generally friendly, but at times they can be a bit blunt especially when there's lots of waiting customers. But the strange thing is that the longer you wait, the better the ramen taste. Once my friend and I waited in line for well over 40 minutes, by the time we got our spots, it's already 8:30pm... I swallowed the whole thing like I'd never eaten before; or it could've been our hunger - we could've savored anything in that state.
(5)
Carolyn T.
I don't even want to give 1 star because this is how bad this place is. This place has been decent over the years but the food and service have just gone down hill. The waitress is extremely rude. I ordered a spicy miso ramen and came out with miso ramen. I told her this and she said no you ordered miso even though my friend heard me said spicy miso. She didn't not apologize nor bother to give me a new bowl. She bumped into my friend's chair and ordered my friend to move her chair in as if it was her fault. There was plenty of room in the back. Rude rude rude! I only went here because yume was closed and will never come back here again
(1)
Jennifer P.
Sapporo is hands down my favorite restaurant in the Cambridge/Boston area. I am almost convinced that this place may sprinkle crack into their food - it's so incredibly addicting. I crave the ramen at Sapporo at least several times per week. The prices are decent, the ambience is gritty, the service is fair - all things that I like about good old asian home-cooking restaurants. I had a friend come into town who lived in Flushing, Queens and I was a bit reluctant to bring him to this restaurant thinking that he would not enjoy this restaurant since he was coming from the Northeast Mecca of Asian food - but he loved it as well! In fact, he requested that we come again the next day (which of course we did). Come rain, sunshine, snow, blizzard, sleet, wintry mix...you can be sure that you will find me at Sapporo. My favorites, in no particular order: Tan Tan Men House Ramen Spicy Miso Ramen P.s. the appetizers all suck. I've already tried all of them and they're terrible. Just stick with the ramen and you can't go wrong!
(5)
Zhibo P.
Worth try!
(4)
Eunice E.
When the mood hits for a big bowl of hot ramen, this is a nice place to go... but remember to bring your cash, because that's the only currency they'll take. The broth is great, especially when you're feeling under the weather, and you need a warm pick-me-up that will fill you up and calm you down. If you add some chili sauce to your soup, well, I mean, that's just awesome. Especially if you're sick and you need to clear your sinuses. The meat is tender and fatty, but it goes well with the soft, thick ramen noodles. I tried the kimchi ramen, and it was not exactly the Nong Shim ramen I was picturing in my head, but it was nice to have something warm in my belly while recovering from a particularly nasty virus. Overall, solid ramen joint. May come back for more.
(3)
Kelsey C.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." But what if we need to cross a bridge just to get there? I'd cross a mountain to get to Sapporo. Momofuku and Baohaus have ruined Pork Buns for me, and I never thought I'd find decent ones in Boston. But at $5.50 for two, Sapporo's are a steal. And better than decent. Done deal. Miso has never been my favorite, but the Spicy Miso Ramen gives me a run for my money. Soft, dense grains of the white stuff glide down your throat, and if you add a red-hot kick of chili, you really start to taste the spicy ground pork. Yum. I've had no broth more perfect than the Kimchee Ramen with its chewy al dente noodles. The kimchee packs some punch, and an addition of spicy ground pork is just perfect. I never want to go to Porter Square, but it takes about the same amount of time to get to as Allston's Super 88, the only food court that rival the Shops so if you say Sapporo I'll come running. So keep up the good work Sapporo, I think you also put Lesley University on the map.
(4)
Alex M.
In hindsight, the ramen was good but perhaps not as good as I led myself to believe. Nevertheless it's probably one of the better ramen bowls I've had in the Boston area.
(3)
Harri S.
It appears that either something went horribly wrong last time, or amazingly well this time. I got the tantanmen and it was quite satisfying. The Biff got a spicy miso with extra noodles and didn't finish because his eyes are larger than his stomach. The collagenous broth was at the right temperature (Sean-a Paul-a!!!!), and the noodles held up well and did not get soggy. As always this place is cash only. My biggest gripe about this place is that it is deceivingly inexpensive. Sure your bowl starts out at $8.95, but add a hard-boiled egg (I never seem to find me soft boiled ones), and a drink and the bill with tip comes out to about $30 for 2 people. CASH ONLY.
(4)
Catherine D.
They know they have us where they want us (as there are so few ramen places around), so they can put in MINIMAL effort and still have good business. First, the quality of the food is not very good. This is probably the worst ramen I have ever had. Second, the service SUCKS. I came in during the week around 2:00pm. There were maybe three other customers. I tell the waitress it was just for one. She glared at me as if my request was completely absurd--how dare I ask for a seat in such an empty restaurant. I walked toward a corner table. She handed me a menu and I took it. However, she did not let go. With me still holding onto the menu, she maneuvered me to different table. Before I was able to take off my coat and sit down she gruffly asked me what I wanted. The food is not good, but the location is convenient. I could have seen myself returning to eat bad ramen, but with this kind of service--NEVER AGAIN.
(1)
Bram B.
I'm missing Sapporo Ramen! I only visit the Boston area now during summers. Their house ramen, thick and collagen-y, is ideal for a rainy or cold day (though lines and waits can be very long and it's best to be contrarian and go when others aren't likely to!) You might be shoe-horned into sitting with a stranger in order to keep the soup flowing, but don't be a hermit, it's ok to interact with a stranger, especially when comfort food this comfortable is on the table. The broth makes the soup, but the combination of the pork, seaweed, egg, corn (seemed kind of unusual in ramen to me but now it seems so natural) adds up to more than the sum of its parts and becomes something I miss now living in the South. The other soups are good too, spicy, miso, etc., but the house ramen is my staple.
(5)
Emily C.
Was coming down with a cold, the kimchi ramen here was just the right cure. Broth is delicious and thick with collagen, the pork is fork-tender and the veg balance in the soup is just right (corn, nori, half a boiled egg, scallions and more). Had the chicken katsu on the side and it was also delicious. The place is crazy busy and seating's a bit cramped but service is super polite and efficient. The kitchen is open so you can watch everyone work. If you're picking side dishes, have a second choice in mind as some appetizers on the menu aren't available anymore (like the onigiri).
(4)
CS L.
They actually close between 3 - 5pm. I arrived around 4:45pm on Sunday and they said it's not open until 5pm so I shop around the Tokai Japanese Gifts shop around the corner and return right at 5pm, and I noticed Sapporo is already half filled so I placed my order of House Ramen as soon as I got a seat to avoid others line up their orders in front of my single bowl ramen order. By 5:10pm, the place is already filled with a couple waiting outside. I ordered the House Ramen with extra ramen (add $1 for extra ramen, add $2 for double ramen, pretty good option for ramen lovers like me). The ramen itself seem a little too hard to make it a good chewy level (I'm not sure if it is because this place is already filled with customers so the chef wanted to cook faster to quickly serve more customers or not). The House ramen come with 2 slices of pork, some bean sprouts, corns, scallion, a piece of nori and egg. Overall the quality is not bad (if they can cook a little longer so the ramen is a little more soft inside so I can get a good chew of ramen).
(3)
tammy l.
The soup was good, ramen is also good for its price. There is always a long line cuz the place is very small. Because so many good reviews have set up really high expectations, I still find the ramen a bit greasy and not really sth taste originally from Japan.
(4)
Lillybeth B.
Love love love the soup here. There has always been a line but it's worth the wait. Yummmm. I've had the curry and the tantammen. They've both been delicious. I will be going back this weekend. I wish there were other locations nearby. There is parking in the back and it's really cheap.
(5)
Qi G.
I've decided to give this place another try after the unpleasant experience a couple years ago. I ordered the house ramen and shared the roast pork buns with friends. While the ramen was better than the last time I had it, it left something to be desired. I was also disappointed to find out that the egg that came with the ramen was not the marinated soft boiled eggs that typically serve with Japanese ramen but a plain cooked egg. The broth was very average and didn't taste like it had been boiled for hours. Roast pork buns were not bad. Don't think I am coming back here anytime soon. There are better ramen places in Boston area.
(3)
T T.
Got the spicy miso ramen. It's quite a thick broth and I was imagining an explosion of flavor from the looks of it. Disappointed that the flavor was lackluster. You're really paying for the noodles and bean sprouts--ground pork, really? Your competitors are serving up slabs of it! P.S. If you're gonna eat here, bring your own bottled water. The tap water tastes salty. Not sure if it's the tap or the cleanliness of the glasses. Or even the attitude of the waitress....the way she tells customers off is unbelievably laughable. Eating here was an experience.
(2)
Ken S.
House ramen is great! Yasai ramen is okay :\ Seating can be difficult at peak hours and you may have to wait in a long line.
(4)
Shuang C.
No matter how many times I eat here, no matter how many different dishes I try, I just can't get myself to like this place. Let me start off with the broth. Their broth is unfortunately thick yet unflavorful. It taste like coagulating water compared to the broth at Ippudo. Everytime I finish a bowl of ramen here I will feel sick, without fail. Mind you, it's not as extreme as the crappy feeling one gets from a bowl of Yume wo katare, but it's still pretty bad. Not to mention Yume is actually worth the pain afterwards, whereas this isn't. Noodles are pretty standard, nothing to say here. The pork, man oh man I thought the pork was meh when I first visited them three years ago, but it has progressively gone downhill. Now they are just cold chewy pieces of lameness that I reluctantly put in my mouth because I just want to eat meat. The egg also has gone downhill. Nowadays the yolk is solid powdery yellow, none of that gooey yolk from a well executed ni-tamago. The outside is tinted brown, not solid brown. Sad. If this restaurant was three stars before, now it's only worth 2 stars. Still, I'm giving it three for nostalgia's sake. I really need to accept the fact that I will never like this place, and just stop coming here.
(3)
David W.
It isn't a typical Japanese Ramen, the only special is their soup is extreme thick, Obviously they uses chicken bonds to cook for hours or days. However, the taste is too strong, after I finished my bowl, my tongue was palsied for a while.
(3)
Ami M.
Love it. I get my ramen fix going here. The steamed bun was super good too. Totally worth waiting in line.
(5)
Eunmi L.
Best Ramen soup ever!!
(5)
Mahina K.
There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS a line. I love them though. I had the spicy miso ramen and my sister had the tan tan ramen. Both pleased us immensely. I loved their karaage chicken. It's a very small place like most of the other restaurants in this area. It probably seats around 20, IF that many people. It was kind of weird that there's corn in the ramen, haven't really seen it before, but it was yummy. They use bits of ground pork or beef in the ramen which is very yummy. It's kind of hard to eat all the small pieces if you're not so good at chopsticks. Occasionally I do to go because of the lines and just head home. But it's worth the wait if you're in the mood. Everything is decently priced and so delicious. Like most things in Porter, THIS IS CASH ONLY! Bank of America machine around the corner by City Sports.
(4)
Sean D.
I have been here twice while working in Boston this summer. My family and I frequent two Ajisen restaurants in LA fairly frequently, we are big fans of fresh ramen. This place is clearly more popular than it's neighbors in this office bldg/mall setting. There was a long line both times I went. A server comes out and takes your order while you wait so that your food comes quickly after being seated. I found this to be a great idea, for customers as well as the restaurant. The ramen was fantastic! I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Admiral A.
The OG of Boston area ramen. This 18 seat noodle stall in the food court of Porter Exchange (now owned by Lesley University) has been around over 20 years. Noodles are medium-thin wavy. Very basic in taste and texture, soft most of the time. There is a wide variety of choices here. Their mother broth is a chicken/vegetable boiled high and long. Nice golden color, just a hint of bubbly sheen, more rich and flavorful than one would expect. On some days a hint of bitterness comes through. Tantan Men arrives looking like a fiery sunset. It is rich with toasted sesame, nuts, and chili powder. Miso is a miss; creamy but lacking in flavor. Spicy Miso has decent heat. Hot & Sour tries hard but needs more vinegar to go with the chili oil. Curry Ramen is blah. Thinly sliced lean pork loin is decent. Fairly tender, you can taste the soy marinade. Skimpy amount of ground pork for bowls that have it. Some stomachs might not be satisfied with the portions here. You can order extra or double noodles if that is the case. Passable ramen for the region. Sapporo has name recognition since they have been in business so long. Expect a bit of a wait most of the time. Also note they close for their traditional break between 3-5pm. Cash only.
(3)
Cindy K.
MmMm salty goodness. I like this place a lot. Its located right inside the Porter Exchange food court. If you go here in the winter time, expect a line around the corner hall for this place. I always get the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and salty. The noodles have a nice chew to them. I also add the house pepper and hot oil to make things even spicier. My husband always gets the house ramen. That brother is a chicken base broth that is also very thick in a good way. It comes with 3 slices of roast pork and an egg. Very delicious as well.
(5)
Pe V.
Don't read any review that doesn't give Sapporo Ramen 5 stars. * FORGIVABLY Small Yes, the restaurant has limited seating (and ever since being featured on NPR and the book "Where Chefs Eat" there has been massive line every time), limited drink options (no hot tea, only cold canned tea, but at least they have oolong), they only have one server, they only take cash, and they might not have a menu option that perfectly satisfies your food aversion/allergy/proclivities. * The REAL Reason To Go: Authentic House ramen. I crave it the way others crave chicken noodle soup. The chicken broth is thick and full of flavor. The pork is marinated well (albeit fatty at times), the noodles have a wonderful chewiness (al dente), and an egg on top. 1) Bring cash. Your Hamilton and stomach will high five -- twice. 2) Don't look at the menu. Order the house ramen and never look back. 3) Become a regular. ** PROTIP ** Expect a long wait! Buuuuut, if you abhor waiting like I do, cut the line and order "to go" at the register. You likely receive your order before the first person in line gets seated. Then, you can then buy a ceramic Japanese bowl at a shop on the same floor and eat at a free table downstairs. And if you're on a date, your date will think, "What a clever, and whimsical person I have just met. When we get back to my place I will [verb] him/her vigorously with my [noun]". You're welcome :)
(5)
Julia L.
First time at Porter Square - what a cute little treasure! I'm a ramen lover, and I'm so glad I found this so I'm not stuck with only Wagamama. Pork buns - loved the pork, fatty and flavorful just the way it's supposed to be. Disappointed at the buns - too chewy, like it's been made since morning and sitting out for a few hours. If I came earlier at opening time, it might have been different. House ramen - broth was excellent, very rich and savory. Noodles were kind of skimpy, hidden by the large amounts of broth. I think extra noodles are $2 so definitely doing that next time (**I'm a 5' Asian girl so anyone bigger than me, hence everyone, should probably get the extra noodles). One other thing, the half egg is fully cooked, not the semi-cooked kind that I like but that's all due to preference. Overall, best ramen so far in Boston, but still on the hunt!
(4)
Sara M.
I have had a change of heart. Ken broke mine by moving back to Japan so I decided to give Sapporo another try. I was pleasantly surprised! I recently had Mentei and it confirmed my earlier sentiments of blaaah. We came around 1pm on a Sunday and waited for about 15 minutes but the server was just so friendly. I ordered the pork gyoza and the house ramen with spicy ground pork. The gyoza was not fried properly - the pan was too hot so the outside burned and without crisping all around. The broth was...sticky. You could definitely tell it was chicken and not pork but it was still pretty tasty. They could have given me a bit more ground pork (as well as not just one sad little piece of nori) and it could have been spicier but that's what the chili is for I guess. The noodles were not as springy and chewy as I would have liked but they had a good mouth feel. The ramen was much better than what I remembered and a decent substitute for Ken's. I enjoyed it quite a bit and was happy that this place has come along nicely! The bowl was decently sized and I did not need to order extra noodles. The spicy miso ramen was deemed good as well. I will definitely be back for the kimchi ramen and more house ramen as often as I can!
(4)
Mike B.
I thought this place would satisfy my hunger, but all it did was give me a stomach ache for hours. The broth was very murky and Ramen wasn't cooked right for my taste. The service wasn't that great either, The waitress just asked us what we wanted and that's it. Took about 15mins to actually come around and give me my change back. Never coming here again, I wouldn't recommend this place for anyone.
(1)
Matt L.
Overall, the food is decent. I would probably give it four stars. Nothing here is bad, and as long as you come often enough, you'll find something you like. The biggest problem here is the service. The people who run the shop aren't that friendly, and are pretty bad about seating. There's always a line, and they don't really do their best to make food quickly. Also, this place still doesn't take cards- cash only.
(3)
Phil C.
I tried the miso ramen and it was okay. The broth is, admittedly, rich and flavorful. It might be a little too rich for some, with the high amount of collagen in the soup. The noodles are decent, as it wasn't too soft. While I know the noodles and broth are the centerpieces of the meal, there sliced pork (the very few that was there) and vegetables lacked quantity and quality. Had I been hungry that meal, the miso ramen would've been insufficient to satisfy me. But it was fine for me that day. If you're in the mood for ramen, this place will sufficiently address that need. n.b. - very few seats and cash only
(3)
Bailey Z.
How can you not try a ramen place that advertises that their broth is supplemented with NATURAL collagen. Boy, I sure do prefer that natural collagen in my ramen as opposed to the artificial stuff. I do love a good ramen place though and Sapporo has the good stuff. The wait is insanely long because their dining area is insanely small and limited. Don't come here with a large group because it's a bad idea. In fact, they are so limited in space that many times you might have to end up sharing your meal with a complete stranger, which can lead to some major awkwardness. But, I guess once you have that huge bowl of ramen in front of you, nothing else matters. I got the tantanmen (sesame oil flavored) ramen with ground pork with extra noodles because I love the texture of ramen noodles. The broth was thick, warm, rich, but comforting. Mmm, gotta love that natural collagen. The noodles were cooked perfectly (slightly al dente, just the way I like it). I also tasted some of the spicy miso ramen, which wasn't spicy at all, but you could definitely taste the strong miso flavor. I wish they had more ground pork and added some other things to my ramen like seaweed or an egg. Both broths are quite salty so I recommend having some water in hand. Unfortunately the water they give to you is from the tap and they don't even make it discrete. It's disgusting that you can see particulates floating in your tap water. The only other issue I have with this place is that their service is extremely slow. They take orders while you're in line so one would think that everything would be ready by the time you sit down. Wrong. Apparently you still have to wait even longer because their 10 hour boiled broth is not yet ready for you. Doesn't make much sense to me, but whatever, they make good ramen.
(4)
Jeremy K.
Hi my name is Jeremy and I am a ramen addict. Wow, that felt good; I had to say it and get it out. It's been a recent problem of mine and, well... it's been a long road to get here. Leighann recommended I try this place and I made my way there the very next day, hustling like a crack head to get my fix. I've since made quite a few trips there and have enjoyed every single one of them greatly. Even took my parents there. While I started off by ordering their house ramen which features noodles, a clear chicken broth, a half an egg, scallions, corn and soy sprouts, I've lately switched over to the Kim-Chi ramen because kim-chi is delicious and adds a bit more depth to the ramen. At $8-$9 bucks for a big bowl that most can't finish easily the place is affordable and the service is quick. Cash only though, so be warned. The ramen here will open your eyes and will make you realize that there's more to ramen then that packaged crap you see on the supermarket shelves that is loaded with sodium. The place is modest, but yeah, I am a a big fan, so much so that I'll give it a generous four stars because it's clean, quick and the prices are good and also because I've had many quiet, enjoyable lunches there both with and without company!
(4)
Thien N.
I'm not really sure what authentic Japanese ramen is really supposed to taste like since this was my first time. After waiting for about 10-15 minutes, we finally sat down and ramen was served up 5 minutes later. It's great that they take your order while you're in line to avoid the extra wait time. I opted for the hot and sour ramen and my friend opted for their house ramen. The house ramen was really good. The broth was flavorful and noodles were cooked just right! However, once you get half way through, it starts to become too thick with the gelatinous. It slows you down. My hot and sour soup did the same. I couldn't finish the broth but did finish my noodles. The noodles were delicious! I'd definitely go for the house ramen next time. What to try: House Ramen Warning: this is CASH only. Luckily there is a BOA ATM nearby.
(4)
Paul B.
I watch a lot of Japanese movies and anime, yet I had never had authentic ramen. I intended to rectify this on my recent trip to Boston for a Red Sox game. We decided on Sapporo Ramen and overall we were very satisfied. The only real problem we had is that there isn't much seating so it gets crowded very quickly. Unless you are going during an off time, expect a long wait. We were after the lunch rush so we only had a short wait and they do try to save time by taking your order in line. They were seating singles with strangers and couples with other couples at tables for four, so if you aren't comfortable with that this wouldn't be the place for you. We had our own table but we would have been fine sharing with others. Also you will need cash to eat here. Now as I said I've never had authentic ramen before so I don't have anything to compare this to. We both opted for the house ramen and were very satisfied. It was pretty much what we expected, although maybe a little saltier than we imagined. We ordered bottled water and the server said if we wanted we could have tap water for free. We happily accepted that offer. I can't really know how this compares to other ramen restaurants as this was our first, but we would definitely recommend it and plan to return next time we are in the area.
(4)
J K.
Really exceptional ramen. I got something with delicious pork and fried Veggies. My partner got miso broth and it was perfect for him but a little too strong for me. I love the bone broth they use. Noms.
(4)
Simon L.
Sapporo Ramen does not disappoint. Spicy miso ramen ($8.95) is thick and luscious, ground pork mixed with soft noodles. Tan tan mein ($8.95) is my favorite. Thick, buttery sesame broth with spicy ground pork. Long simmered broth in both cases with plenty of noodles. If you must, add extra meat and a pat of butter to be decadent. Extra pork, ground pork, noodles or double noodles are also available to add. Always busy but worth the wait as the line moves quickly. Pork buns ($6.96) were quite delicious last visit, tender pork, sweet buns, nice spice to the sauce. Shumai and gyoza have all been sampled and prove worth trying on at least one occasion but be warned that an order plus a bowl of soup will be too much for one person.
(5)
Jason M.
Before Sapporo, my knowledge of ramen was limited to two things: 1. Being a poor college kid 2. The short story "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto (no really, look it up) In Kitchen, our protagonist lovingly describes the sensation of slurping the broth, the collagen filling her mouth with a warmth that passes into her body. She describes the lovingly cooked pork, floating above the chewy noodles. The nori adding a special unique flavor to the overall bowl. I didn't understand it until I visited Sapporo. Sapporo Ramen is tucked away in Porter Exchange and seats less than 20. It's intimate, yet comfortable. You may find yourself slurping on a savory broth next to strangers. Most will tell you to try the House Ramen, but that's not my jam. I move to the Tan Tan Men, a sesame and chili ramen. The broth quickly transforms into a nutty and spicy concoction, leaving plenty of spice in your mouth but not enough to make it unbearable. In the story Kitchen, the narrator says she is most comfortable in the presence of people cooking. While sitting at Sapporo, I agree.
(4)
Catherine W.
Finally had the time to wait in a 30 minute line to see what the hype is about. They do have a system where you put your order in before you get seated so that by the time you do get one of the tables, your food will be ready. We ordered the house ramen with spicy pork and miso ramen. The homemade ramen noodles are fantastic and chewy. We both found the broth a little salty though, and definitely the miso broth was a little much for me (just my personal taste). Still a fun experience and I'm interested in trying other items in the future.
(3)
Daniel K.
I have been a customer here for years because the ramen here are so tasty and delicious. I really cannot understand some of these bad reviews. Anyways, I always get Miso ramen with butter. If I am hungry, I would ask for extra noodle for an additional $2. I really have no room to complain or be critical about this place. The food is really good and addictive. I never experienced bad customer service here. I hope Sapporo Ramen never goes away.
(5)
Susan W.
Ramen is okay. Bit salty.
(4)
Allison C.
Gotta love the Porter Exchange for their casual eats! Sapporo is a bit pricey for a ramen food stall (house ramen at $8.40), but still cheaper than other ramen options in the greater Boston area and definitely an attractive option for Harvard students just down the street. For the house ramen, be sure to add the table chili sauce to give it a much needed kick. Broth is unfortunately chicken-based, as opposed to typical pork-based, so you'll need some flavor. Noodles are fine. The pork itself is a bit chewy and bland, so beware. Still, it's a heaping bowl of hot ramen. It's really hard to go super wrong with this dish. There can be about a 15 minute wait on Saturday evenings, so try not to come with a group larger than 5 people. They do try to close up shop pretty promptly at 9pm. I'd come back for a quick ramen run sometime, no problem.
(3)
Bela S.
I've written a more in depth review, but I wanted to mention that these guys either don't care about their hours or they have changed them and they are outdated here. Once we arrived at 4:00 on a weekday with nobody manning the restaurant. A couple of the cooks were eating at a nearby place and didn't seem bothered that we were looking around aimlessly. A couple days ago we arrive around 4:30 and were told they open at 5:00. We took a short walk, came back at 5:02, and there were already five people seared, two of them eating. Strange... Ramen is the best around, which is why we keep coming back despite the lacking service. It's good enough that I'm still willing to give it four stars despite these annoyances!
(4)
Devin F.
I've been here twice. One day and then the next. The first day I had the House Ramen and added butter. Very yummy. The next day I had the Tan Tan Ramen. Wow! It was freaking amazing. Not too spicy. Damn good sesame broth. The line moves fast and the service is pretty quick as well. Not sure how this place could be improved? A whole egg instead of just a half egg? Beer or sake options? I'm not even sure if they have alcohol or not. Maybe a website with hours and menu would be cool. Anyway, the quality, service, speed and prices are all pretty damn perfect. Oh it might be kinda hard to find. I'm an out of towner and my stupidphone's (actually it's me who is too stupid to operate it) gps settings were not as accurate as they could be so I walked past the place. It's inside the little shopping mall.
(5)
Henry Z.
One of the best ramen in Boston area!
(5)
Han F.
I love their ramens, the house ramen, the miso ramen and the hot & sour ramen. I never get anything else here because the soups are SO FILLING. If I know that I'm going to Sapporo, I try to eat a very light meal before, just so that I can make sure to slurp down every last sip! Staff are always courteous and if you want extras of anything, there always willing to accommodate. On top of that, they're next to Cafe Mami, my other all time favorite at Porter Exchange. =) YUM!
(5)
Allison B.
Wow. Just wow. Rich, creamy broth that is made by some special bone-soaking process. Homemade noodles. So full. So delicious. Go here and order the Kim Chi Ramen. Oh my gosh.
(5)
Michael S.
Been doing the Ramen rounds around the boston area and this IS the best.
(5)
Peter P.
At times there are long lines, only because its so darn good! Not five star as in fine dining, but man is this place a gem. Great size portions - I usually go with the hot and sour or tan tan men but the spicy miso ramen is also another go-to great. Small little joint in the Porter Square food court/Lesley University building...PRO TIP: cash only.
(5)
Julie V.
A consistent winner. I've been going here for lunch every so often for the past three years, and it never fails to satisfy. The wait can seem intimidating, but it is more than worth it for the delicious bowl of rich broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and tender pork. I always go for the kimchi version, but I've gone with friends who take the house or miso and love them just as much.
(5)
Skye R.
I was craving Ramen and so Yelp helped me find the best place within walking distance. Unfortunately this was a let-down. I found that the broth was way too heavy, too much fat and umami and missing that crucial "zing" as a counterpoint. A splash of ponzu or even the fermented taste of bonito would have mde a world of difference. Instead, I felt like I was drowning in a pool of collagen. I tried adding a side of spicy pork, but that was also just fat, and then dousing my bowl with sriracha (just made it taste like spicy fat). I was also disappointed with the included bits-- two slices of pork, some corn and bean sprouts. Where were other interesting add-ins, like fish cake or seaweed? Overall, if you want a good bowl of hot fatty soup, this is the place. If you are looking for a "real" authentic ramen, don't come here.
(3)
Kari C.
This is a small restaurant inside of Porter Exchange. I come here often for other restaurants as well and I always see a line for this place! Boyfriend ordered a spicy miso ramen and I ordered the house ramen. He says that it is not great but it IS the best ramen he has ever had. However, for someone like me who prefers lighter foods and has a small appetite, I would personally not come back. The soup base was much too thick for me and did not taste very good. I felt a little bit sick after and could not finish half of it. The service was average but of course, it is to be expected from a small and busy place so I don't blame them. We were also in line before these two guys and even though I wasn't ready to order when she came to us in line, she ended up taking their order first and it came about 5-7min before ours even though she brought the orders in at the same time.
(3)
Lauren S.
I have not had ramen in Japan. But in my sample size of various packages and other Asian restaurants, I have not had ramen better than this. Holy crap, it's cheap, AND it's delicious. Some folks have told me they don't like the noodle consistency, but if we're going for personal preference: if I've been prepping for a visit, I can clean out a bowl in 15 minutes (the size of a small trough) if I have to handle conversation while eating. [ambiance: a little weird. the venue is like, 3-4 long tables. You get tap water in a cup-- it's okay since your mission is to shovel ramen-- and there can be a line. Bring cash-- there's an ATM in the building, and they don't accept credit cards here] My favorite is the kimchi ramen, but I've enjoyed miso with butter (unabashedly, I love butter and I love fat.). I pour a bunch of chili oil (from the ridonkulously adorable little cat condiment bowls), and go to town. Th kimchi ramen comes with sliced roasted pork, sprouts, corn, seaweed, hard boiled tea egg (and kimchi, naturally)-- I noticed some folks have had cold pork and egg. I haven't had that happen to me, but I somehow doubt that it would phase me if it did. The reality is, the broth is what keeps me coming back. Finding delicious broth is freaking hard around here, and I would drink this broth through a straw if I didn't think I would possibly pop my stomach from over consumption. I do really like runny eggs in my udon, but I've got no complaints about the tea egg here. Also, make sure you check out the cat cartoons stenciled on the wall. Under each overly expressive cat (one is bursting into tears of joy), there's a phrase. "Growl. mmm. that! try. OH! my god." While you're deep in ramen consumption, it almost makes sense. Yes, my God. Try the ramen. If you don't like it, it's only about $8.50, so you won't be out much for your adventure.
(4)
Lisa W.
Not bad.. but I think we'll try all the other food stalls in the building before coming back. We had: - house ramen (would get extra pork next time) - tantanmen - kimchi - 2 pork buns = $25 after tax before tip (CASH ONLY) The broth is rich and tasty, but the noodles are just OK compared to my favorite ramen place in LA. The pork buns though.. wow! The bun was soft and fresh, and the pork slice was large and juicy. It comes with two different variations. Mine had a cucumber slice and some soy-based sauce which I loved. The other had lettuce, tomato, and some sort of mayo-based sauce. It was pretty busy, but it seems like the tables turn over fast. I did hear the waitress allow some people to sit at the empty cafe across the hall, so it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's super crowded.
(3)
Prem A.
Didn't think the ramen here was anything special. Had much better ramen in New York. I had the soy sauce ramen. The broth was good, but didn't enjoy the noodles. I chose to go here because it was one of the few ramen spots open on Sundays.
(3)
Michelle J.
I am not a soup person and the first 2 times I came here it was in-between it's closed for lunch phase. So unfortunately I didn't get to try them my first few trips here. But it was cold and I am nothing if not determined. I figured I would stop here for an early dinner after missing my bus a couple hours before. I was frustrated and it was cold. So when I got to Sapporo at 4:30 and the guy told me they actually open back at 5pm I was a little bit sad. However as the saying goes 3 times the charm I wasn't going to let that discourage me. If anything I wouldn't have to wait on line like so many people choose to when they come here. The lines don't get super long but there is limited seating so I imagine if I did choose to wait for an opening it would be at least half an hour to 40mins depending on the crowd. So when I returned at 5pm I took a seat at an open table and the waiter (I feel funny using the term waiter for a ramen shop) brought me a water and took my order. They only serve about 6 kinds of ramen and the menu has pictures so you know exactly what you'd be getting. I ordered the Tan Tan Men and their pork buns. About 10 minutes later I get my steaming hot bowl of ramen. Looks just like the picture and I dig in... well as much as a person can dig into a bowl of soup. The soup was hearty, the noodles though I felt could have been a little more were good. The ground pork and other toppings were very flavorful. On a cold winter evening I couldn't ask for anything more. This was the perfect meal. And even though there was a line forming while I ate I never felt rushed by the waiter. He didn't even bring the check until he noticed my soup was almost done. I will say though that this place was a little more expensive than I would want to spend for dinner.The bowl of ramen itself cost about $10 but the food was so good and the bowl pretty big I think it was worth it.
(3)
Peter P.
I've been to a lot of ramen shops, and most of the time they're over-hyped. You pay an arm and a leg for something that tastes about the same as what you ate to get you through your college days. But this is not your average 4-for-a-dollar ramen, this is some real quality stuff. Food alone merits this establishment 4/5. Food: We had the pork buns as the appetizer. For some reason though, mine didn't have mayo or a slice of tomato. It actually had a thin spread of what appeared to be black bean paste, which I felt made it taste better compared to what my friends had. For the entree, I had the house ramen with double noodles (because I'm so used to getting a dismal amount elsewhere). It definitely pushed my eating limits, and I think next time I'll just settle for extra instead of double noodles. The broth was thick, and I'm not sure if it's because of the egg noodles or how they cook it. I feel like they must have taken egg yolk and mixed it in with miso broth or something. It's not a bad thing, it just felt very heavy afterwards. The pork slices were nice and tender with a roasted soy taste to them, however I think it's a little expensive to get extra pork. They have plenty of seasoning on the table if you don't like the taste, or if you need a little more spice. Atmosphere: There's about 20 seats total in a small area. Lines form randomly in the hall, but luckily you can "pre-order" while you're waiting. Staff: N/A - mostly because they just drop off the food, and come back for the check. Final Thoughts Sapporo is a terrific place for ramen, and you definitely get the most bang for your buck here. However, the wait time can fluctuate a lot so plan accordingly.
(4)
Shing Yiing O.
I am hesitating on giving 3 stars or 4 stars... well.. to be honest.. the house ramen's soup is one of the best soup i have ever had.. Yes.. it's thick and tasty.. I still prefer the ramen that I had in NYC.. Totto and Ippudo.. well.. But I am in a different city.. I will definitely return to get a ramen if I am living in Cambridge... It's different kind of ramen.. It was not the ramen I expected.. That's why it's more like a 3.5 stars instead... but because of the soup.. 4 stars with no comment... It will be perfect if I can have the house ramen soup and the noodles from Totto Ramen.. lol.. the pork in the soup wasn't as crispy as I will get.. We also ordered a bbq pork bun.. This is the reason I was hesitating on giving higher ratings... the bbq pork bun is a little too greasy.. and it was not crispy at all.. instead.. there was too much fat in it... I am just having a really high expectation since I love ramen so much.. but.. it's pretty good to enjoy here and it's cheap!
(3)
R S.
I LOVE this place. The ramen that is. The lineups, the sharing of tables, etc. -- not as great. But I often come here two or three lunch hours a week. Amazing spicy miso ramen. Very yummy! Check it out!
(5)
Chris H.
The ramen is very good--not the best ever, but good. Beware that they close early, and at least the last several times I went, they chased the patrons out right at closing time, even if they had just gotten their food. There's also a long line, so between the line and the iron fisted closing policy, make sure to arrive with plenty of time.
(4)
Sheila N.
The ramen here doesn't disappoint in terms of quality and quantity. When my friends think about ordering extra noodles I tell them that there is no need because I find myself having trouble finishing up my own bowl! Last time I came here I ordered the house ramen which had a hard boiled egg, seaweed, corn, sliced pork, and bean sprouts. I liked the broth because it was creamy and tasty. If you think it tastes plain, just had a dash of soy sauce. The noodles were soft yet a bit chewy. My friends and I did not have to wait but it was three in the afternoon when it was not busy. This place seats about 15-20 people at a time so sometimes you would have to wait to be seated. If your thinking of giving this place a try, I definitely recommend visiting this place!
(5)
Judith C.
I came here on a Saturday after 11:30am when a bunch of other shops in the area were starting to open up for lunch. We were told it was a 15 minute wait and got to order while we waited online, but we ended up hungrily waiting a bit longer than expected. The place is small with a few tables and is seemingly popular as it formed a line not long after it opened. I ordered the miso ramen which ended up being too salty and almost overbearing as I finished. I couldn't get rid of the saltiness lingering in my mouth minutes after eating and drinking more water. I liked the miso flavor and enjoyed eating it at the first few bites, but it bothers me when a shop makes their ramen saltier than it needs to be. The pork seemed like the typical kind that comes with Japanese ramen, but the pieces I got at Sapporo were thickly cut. Instead of the usual thin layer of fat that adds flavor to the meat, this pork had chunks of fat which were too much to eat. Ultimately, it was a quick and satisfying meal to eat ramen here despite the bit of wait, but given the number of Japanese shops in Porter Exchange, I think I would enjoy eating at some other place better.
(2)
Marisol C.
Not impressed with the ramen. Neither the broth nor the noodles had any flavor. I was looking forward to this restaurant due to the reviews, but it was a disappointment.
(2)
Guillermo M.
Last time we got the house ramen soup and didn't love it but we had to find what brought so many people to this place (other than the great prices). It is the miso ramen soup! This is what I was looking for, lot of flavor! Would have this one again and again and again.
(4)
Ivy G.
Back Sep. 2011, I had my first taste of this Ramen with pork noodle. I did not think very special or worth recommending. So my second taste was last Tuesday , I ordered spicy miso ramen. It came with little spicy actually. To be honest, I almost added all the spicy pepper on the table to my noodle. Still not satisfied with the spice. Yes, it would be a good choice to try once. since it is so hard to find any right Ramen in Boston. Moreover, the soup is too oily for me~
(3)
Yue Z.
Service: 3 Food: 3 Ambiance: 2 I'm a huge ramen fan, and the search for great ramen in Boston has been a disappointing experience. Sapporo ranks among the best that I've tried thus far. Sapporo is located inside the shopping center at porter square, and has ~30 seats. There's usually a line around dinner time, and the waitress takes your order while you're waiting in line. I've never waited more than 30 minutes as the turnaround of this place is quite fast. They have all the basic options of soup base, including miso, salt, and spicy. The tonkatsu is great, and the ramen is of great quality. The soup is on the creamy side, and may not be to everyone's taste. The noodles are on the harder end, though still quality noodles. The spicy miso isn't that spicy, so I would often ask for extra spicy. There's also the usual option of a rice bowl on the side, which makes it a bit too much food. They have a very simple set of options, and ramen is served within 5, at most 10 minutes of you sitting down. The ramen also gets cold quickly, so it really shortens the amount of time you have to eat. I've never found it to be a great place to catch up with people, as between the line right at where you're eating and the speed of the food service, you're almost expected to be in and out in 30 minutes. In one sense that is why ramen places exist, on the other, I would've prefered to enjoy my food a bit more.
(3)
Thomas H.
We just went there this afternoon. The broth was not seasoned very well. I had to add soy sauce. The grounded pork was like a meatball of refrigerated meat. You can tell the cook took no pride in his craft. It wasn't worth the wait. This would be the last time we go there.
(1)
Jack L.
I don't like giving out 1 stars, but after trying this place out twice with two different people who shared similar opinions as me, yah... Apparently a lot of people enjoy eating here, maybe it's the mainstream American idea of what Asian food is. For example, most Chinese restaurants in the USA aren't authentic Chinese food. Same thing with Sapporo... it's not real ramen! What I don't like about this place: 1. Their soup base is disgusting! It's thick and and nasty tasting. It taste nothing like Japanese ramen soup bases! Wagamama is UK-based ramen, and they seem to somewhat get the concept of ramen soup bases... Sapporo Ramen does not! 2. Their noodles are... ... egg noodles? fried noodles? cup ramen instant noodles??? definitely NOT TRUE RAMEN noodles which require the chef to actually make it with his hands and stretch it out to a springy texture with substance. The kanji characters for ramen mean "pulled noodles," describing the process for how real ramen is made. 3. The meat portions in the noodles are nothing like the generous meat portions in your average Japanese noodle stall! All I can say, cheap noodles, cheap food, cheap taste... I don't understand why so many people line up here every day every hour wait 15-20 minutes to be seated to order such unauthentic and nasty-tasting soup noodles... Sighz!
(1)
Philip H.
Homemade Broth with Anti-Inflammatory Effects There is nothing like a homemade chicken bone broth, rich and fragrant and glistening with circles of golden colored natural fat. Plus, this stuff has minerals galore! Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and others that can be easily absorbed by the body. Sapporo Ramen EXCELS at their version 2.0 homemade broth. I agree with Leighann and Tatsu that change is for the better. In the past, Sapporo Ramen was nothing to scream for. Since they changed their broth to the 10 hour-boiled, poultry-based, collagen-saturated goodness, I jump out of bed for a bowl of Sapporo Ramen. Especially when I'm sick, I love to blast my system with this stuff after taking some cold medicine and cough drops. Last week, my trifecta of pills, broth, and Ricola did the trick for my sore throat. It was awesome. It is critical to get here on time or be prepared for the wait. During the winter time (which is like 75% of the year in Boston), Sapporo Ramen is usually the busiest restaurant at Porter Exchange, . Limited seating, high demand, and short supply are all factors. If you get their at peak times, you'll most likely need to wait and probably share a table with another party. A natural line forms outside the Korean joint right across from them and follows along the wall toward Cafe Mami. When it's really busy, they will take your order from the line prior to seating you. By short supply, I mean they can run out of ramen or broth. Yes, I've seen people come after they had finished the lunchtime supply of broth. So I mentioned the amazing broth that can magically heal a sore throat. Why else do I love this place? The menu is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is decide what flavor of ramen you are going to get, house, miso, kimchi etc... If this is your first time, get the house ramen. It's what most people get. And I recommend getting it with extra vegetables for $2. They will load the bowl with crunchy, chopped cabbage, which I feel rounds the sliced pork, corn, green onion, nori flake, sprouts, and 1/2 boiled egg. The gyozas here have great flavor but are a tad bit oily. The pork belly bun was a pretty major fail. Way too dry. It falls short of the glory of Jojo Taipei's pork belly bun. In the summer time, they have a summer ramen that is cold and a must-try in hot weather. The people that work at Sapporo are very warm and friendly, so I always leave them a nice tip. So go now. And if you are feeling a sore throat coming, GOGOGOGOGO NOW!!! Blast your system with their magical broth.
(4)
Cy K.
Very sub par ramen. The pork and egg were clearly not fresh - since they were still cold when I tried to eat them. The half egg is hard boiled (not soft and gooey as it should be. The pork was just ok - not horrible, but certainly not the melt in your mouth tender it should be. Lastly, the broth was very thin and not creamy (potentially just personal preference). The one saving grace was the noodles were just al dente and a bit chewy - which was very nice. Service was quick and kind. However, the food itself was just lazy. Some good noodles with a lot of not good stuff around it. What a shame!
(2)
Paul L.
I first went on a Wednesday evening. An hour-long queue waiting to this small place. Gave up. Came back on Saturday at 5pm. Still a small line even at this hour. But I waited and made it in this second time. Frankly I was expecting a lot from this place because of the ever-present line. I ordered a House Ramen with extra noodles all for $10.60. Regarding the portion, with the extra noodles it would have been a regular size. Then the "full of collagen" broth that they tout on posters and menus. They say it's made from chicken. I don't taste any chicken. They say it's rich... Well, it's thick, but definitely not rich. There's a soapy taste. The broth tastes flat. There's no depth in the flavor at all. Disappointed. Then the ramen. These don't seem like handmade from the total lack of chewiness. I'm guessing they were frozen. The ramen is better than good instant noodles but no where close to handmade ones I've had in Japan or London. I don't know. Perhaps I don't know what's good for me. But I am not coming back to this place. I am confused as to why there are always so many people lining up to this mediocre ramen store.
(1)
Ethics G.
This is one of my favorite ramen places in Boston. I regularly order the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and delicious with no shortage of flavor. The noodles are the typical thin ramen, which are very comforting, especially on a cold day. I enjoy the additions of the spicy ground pork, tofu, seaweed, sprouts, and corn, and I regularly order extra noodles and tofu or seaweed. The sliced pork add-on is so-so, and could be better flavored, more tender, and more moist. See yume wo katare for some truly excellent pork. The restaurant is in the Porter Exchange Bld with a number of other Japanese eateries. Don't go for the decor, as it is strictly utilitarian. Moreover, don't go there and expect to chat after your meal, because you should move on so that others can sit and eat. This is a typical Asian no-nonsence, sit down eat and get out type of place. One of the waitresses can be a bit abrupt, but what's important to me is that I get my food quickly and efficiently. The proximity of this restaurant to yume wo katare gives rise to inevitable comparisons. But the two are like comparing apples and oranges. at yume, they serve only one flavor of noodles, the noodles are thick, and it's all about the pork. At Sapporo, there are more choices, the noodles are thin, and there are more to add. Either way, you can't really go wrong. Mostly, I wish that Sapporo Ramen would open a branch in downtown Boston. I would go every week.
(5)
Rob S.
I've been eating at this place for many years and it alwasy still a tough decision between Sapporo Ramen or Tampopo because I love both so much equally. I love getting the miso vegetable ramen. It's not like any other ramen I have ever tasted and always make a trip to this place a couple times every winter. The area is great and does have its busy hours.
(5)
Matthew S.
I love this place. I have been going there since I was in college and have not been disappointed yet. I really enjoy getting the Spicy Miso with extra noodle and butter. The portions are huge and it tastes so good. The only downside to this place is the lack of seating, but it is worth the wait.
(5)
Jing Z.
I love the toasted pork bun more than the ramen! But ramen is also very good! I will go and try some other ramen next time.
(3)
Fat G.
Fat G. coming with a review about a place that I heard rave reviews about. Naturally, I had to go in order to check out the hub-bub. Anyways, Sapporo Ramen is located inside a plaza along with a whole bunch of other food places. There are Korean, Chinese, mochi restaurants, and all have their own draws of bringing people there. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. When we first got there, there was a line in which we had to wait about 15 minutes or so. One of the persons who worked there gave us a menu to look at and order from. It's a small menu but has much variety, in terms of additions and flavors. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. I ended up ordering the same thing my friend did, which was basically the standard Ramen dish with extra noodles. It came out to around $11. In it was the soup, the ramen, some meat (3 pieces) and veggies.More of the flavor comes from the broth mix concoction than the noodles themselves. All in all, I was satisfied in terms of taste, but not really wowed by it, nor was I completely full either. The experience of authentic cuisine is what they're trying to convey. Recommended for: noodles, "diamond in the rough."
(3)
Jeff M.
Sapporo Ramen managed to both excite me and let me down. First, tasting the broth excited me because I definitely could tell this is not a can chicken stock from China Town. But then I was let down by the pork slices and egg which were both cool. The broth did not re-heat either enough. My recommendation is to get double meat and double vegetables to not end up with a bowl of broth. The sticky pork buns were gross and you could definitely tell the bun was from some company mass producing them like chips. I'd give Sapporo another try only because of its price point.
(2)
Sara R.
The problem I have is that, while I was in Japan, I had Ichiran Ramen and there is seriously nothing like it. I've tried to make ramen myself and understand how difficult it is to do from scratch. The flavour of their broth is seriously undeveloped .. It's too bad,because the noodles were perfectly chewy
(2)
Anna C.
I absolutely LOVE Saporro Ramen. I tried so many ramen shops in the boston area and this is still my favorite place to go. My favorite is the House ramen and I get that one every time I go. There's always a line when I go but the line moves very quickly and you get to order when you're in line! They give you water when you sit down but it's probably just tap water. The pork bun is pretty good too but they sometimes run out of it. I tried getting it to go before, but the noodles just molded in the shape of the container so it is definitely better to sit in and eat.
(5)
Burry B.
the ramen at Sapporo, is not bad but is not the best that I've had. generally with ramen you have your usual cuts of pork, but at sapporo there is an extra charge. I guess the easy way to describe the ramen here is that it doesn't taste add if it had simmered for enough hours. the flavors are under developed and have not matured. in saying that...I'm sure if the same recipe was allowed to simmer for another 8 hours the broth here could be amazing written 1/12/12 as a draft, but now posted.
(2)
Emily H.
Meh. That's really just it. The last time I had ramen was in Japan and the time before that was in San Mateo, CA- so I may be extremely biased, but this ramen was just okay. We waited about 15 minutes in line and got the House Ramen. For $10 a pop, I expected a bigger bowl with more fixin's. Generous (thicker) slices of pork but it wasn't tender, the broth wasn't flavorless, but it wasn't flavorful either. I realized I was adding stuff to it (chili, togarashi) because I just didn't get that *oomph* that I wanted from the broth. Bad sign. The service was fine, its no frills, but they know there is a line so they try to get your food to you quick! Overall, I was just not very impressed and would not go again. I would go to Cafe Mami (right next door!) any day over this ramen joint.
(2)
Scott N.
I had never truly had authentic ramen before, and after coming up here with a friend; someone who *always* goes out of their way to visit Sapporo when they're in the area, I think I'm going to have to do the same. It was just...wow. Great. I'm not the biggest fan of tofu, or even hot and sour soup for that matter, but the fact that the pork was just so tender and warm, and the tofu just absorbed all of the spices and flavor that the spicy broth gave it. The scallions were the perfect size, and the table had lots of fixins, if that's your thing (two different types of pepper, spicy sauce, salt, ketchup, strangely enough.) The place itself is kind of hard to find; you have to go into this tiny college bookstore building, and it's down the back hall where all of the other Japanese style restaurants are located. They only have seating for a couple of tables; maybe 15 people total, so a line quickly forms around the key dining points of the day (noon, 5, 7, etc). They also hold weird hours, and have no qualms with just closing in the middle of the day with no ETA on when they'll reopen. There's plenty to do in the surrounding Harvard Square area, at least, so enjoy the day! I give this place 4 stars for a couple reasons. The food was delicious, and cheap too, but it was lacking a certain soul that you get at more intimate dining places. The portions were gigantic, and for only 2 or 3 dollars more, you can get double, or triple the portions (I went with the 2$ add-on, and definitely don't regret it.) If you're shopping at the plaza, and not a student, you can get your parking validated for a small fee; take the T at all possible (red line to Harvard Square drops you off about 1/2 a mile away, I believe).
(4)
Isabella C.
The BEST Japanese ramen!!!!! The texture of the noodles is amazing. Well my favorite is the spicy miso ramen which is a little spicy, comes with ground pork and corn and the soup is sooooo tasty. I do have to say that their regular miso ramen is not that great (the broth)- I thought it was kinda salty but otherwise not that flavorful. Their hot and sour soup ramen is decent. The portions are pretty large and def enough to fill u up and give you food coma but I usually add an extra batch of noodles ($1) and ground pork ($2) just bc they're so delicious. (The roast pork is nothing special in my opinion). I've never ordered appetizers from them so can't comment on that. It's about $8 I think per bowl which I think is totally worth it. It's a small shop in a mall so don't expect anything fancy and there's always a long line but definitely worth the wait. We usually try to get there when it opens so that we don't have to wait. There's metered street parking and a Parking lot which is just $1 to park if you get ur ticket stamped by the restaurant.
(4)
Joanna H.
I give 5 stars for the service. As busy as they were, there was only one waiter. Yet, he was so smiley and accommodating; that is very consoling for hungry souls waiting in long lines. Anyways, I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen because of all the rave. Definitely yummy, but personally, I can't handle drinking the thick broth. Noodles had the perfect smooth texture, not too mushy or too undercooked. Broth was creamy and barely spicy. The wait wasn't too long, and they've got an efficient system going. It was a happy & satisfying experience.
(5)
seven f.
Now that I've had ramen from a variety of eateries, I can say that at the moment Sapporo is my favorite. On my first visit here, and first time eating ramen ever, I ate both lunch and dinner here. House noodle both time, double noodles at dinner. Have since tried the spicy miso a couple times. Wonderful. Rich broth. Luxurious aroma. Chewy noodles. A pleasant waitstaff staff and very accommodating. Sure, theres a line, but bring a book, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Chan C.
Broth is gourmetly sweet, which I like it. I have never drunk a entire bowl of broth, cuz everywhere else their broth tastes salty. But Sapporo's doesn't. I like the noodle, because they absorbed flavor and easy to slurp, but the portion is kinda small for me so you need to order extra if you are a big eater. However, the meat was cold! I didn't know why, but I think it was unnatural. Even the heat of broth couldn't warm it up. I will go again, and hopefully next time their meat is gonna be hot.
(4)
Yuka Y.
FYI- Yasai Ramen (vegetable ramen) is not for vegetarians, there are pork chunks in there. If you like stir fried cabbage and can't get enough of bean sprouts, I recommend it. I wish they used tonkotsu soup (pork base) instead of some peppery-cornstarch-soy sauce like mixture as their broth. Noodles were decent- the yellow and thin kind. Be forewarned, the boyfriend and I were thirsty as heck by the end of the night so you might want to skip downing that bowl of MSG (?) laden broth. With the advent of Pikaichi and Inaka, Sapporo Ramen will be ranked 3rd on my list of ramen places in Boston. It's cramped, as with the rest of the food stalls in Lesley. Eaves dropping into other people's conversation is easy here. They still take in customers for a while after 9pm, their purported closing time. The broth is really the soul to the ramen and it's a miss here, neither thick or flavorful.
(3)
John B.
I love Sapporo Ramen because it was the first ramen house I used to frequent in the Greater Boston area. I liked the small shop feel they gave, the server / waitress who would be a bit gruff but gentle at the same time - never rushing you, but the line would always tell you otherwise. Tables always were taken but rotated fairly consistently. I think the only downside to availability was the early closing time - 8pm or so on most nights. As for the ramen, I've since found some other places that have high quality ramen, however, Sapporo offers a vegetarian miso version which is nice. Over time (a few years) their servings, including toppings, seemed to diminish - so less corn, less mushroom, spring onion, etc. However, the ramen was consistently tasty and they did make their broth overnight, so it was a more stewey, thicker version (although I wouldn't call it thick, necessarily, just thicker than the other broth's I've tried). We also always go for the veggie gyoza, which are a good hearty addition to any bowl of ramen. I give them a 3-star rating because I am a hard grader, but they are in the top three ramen shops I frequent (on either coast). *Unfortunately, the ramen houses in the west coast have dissappointed thus far, especially the chefs who are standoff-ish and unwilling to bend.
(3)
Mei T.
Great Ramen!!! The bowls are huge! Long wait though
(4)
Catarina D.
The house ramen is amazing. The silky broth is so thick that it's a meal in itself. The additions of meat, egg, chopped green onions and corn make the ramen complete. The only problem with Sapporo is the lack of sufficient seating space. Every single time I've been here (weekend afternoons) I've had to wait on line, and wait times can get pretty bad. This restaurant is surrounded by others of similar size that are nowhere near as popular. I guess you can't fault them for their success!
(4)
Lt H.
I love coming here! Spicy miso ramen is my go to! Always consistent and warms my belly. Noodles are perfect every time and broth is so many levels of richness.
(5)
Karen X.
One of my all time favorite things ever is the hot and sour ramen from Sapporo. I like it so much that in the dozens of times I've been here, I haven't even bothered trying anything else. If you are a lover of hot and sour soup or spicy foods in general, the hot and sour is the choice for you. I've never eaten anything like it at any other ramen place so it is truly unique!
(4)
Robert S.
On a day where my beloved Pikiachi was closed for summer vacay, I had an insatiable craving for ramen (it's been happening a lot these days...I might want to consider rehab). My sources (read:Yelp) indicated that I should try this spot out. The ambiance is nothing to write home about, and I absolutely despise that Sapporo is cash only...it is 2014, everyone uses credit or debit cards in this country, please accommodate to the times (or pay your fair share of taxes, if the cash only is with the intention of cooking the books). The ramen itself, while not as good as my favorite in the city, served as a more than adequate substitution. If you have the option of going to Pikiachi, then I would do so, otherwise, this isn't a bad place to stop in.
(3)
Matt K.
Not thrilled with my experience here. There's not enough seating there but they can be forgiven for that by itself. My main problems are two... (1) The noodles in my spicy miso ramen were very chewy. It was a workout for my jaw getting them down. (2) There wasn't enough protein in the spicy miso. It just comes with a little bit of ground pork and it just didn't satisfy. The broth is nice, though it is chicken based and not pork based like so many other classic ramen broth recipes. I think that, despite the broth just being decent and not amazing, fixing the other two issues that I mentioned would have made the meal so much better.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Dan P.
Ramen noodles sounds like no big deal, but this place is simply the best. If you like noodles than you have to try it out.
(5)Cindy H.
Worth the wait. Service is awesome for such a chaotic crowd. While the pork in the pork buns are a bit on the fatty side, the ramen (and that's what you should be there for) is awesome. The miso soup is too salty for my liking, but my go to is the tantanmen. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are bomb. Note: cash only.
(4)Andrew P.
I come here on a semi regular basis. It's right off of the red line and they have parking readily available just in case you wanna drive in. There is almost always a wait and there will usually be a 15 minute wait. They'll take your order while your in line so make sure you get a menu and go through their menu whole you're waiting. I've gotten the curry ramen and the soy sauce ramen. Both are really good. Good amount of noodles that have a nice consistency to them. The broth has a good flavor to it and comes out piping hot. The toppings are pretty on point so nothing I can complain overall. My girlfriend got the Pork Katsu curry. Once again it was pretty good. However if I were to get a rice dish I'd rather go to cafe mami which is directly it's neighbor. Overall if you want to get your ramen fix then this is a solid place to go. I wouldn't say it warrants the constant long wait they always have. For Boston ramen however, it's one of the better places.
(4)Ron P.
After seeing numerous cooking shows where chefs venture to Japan and sit down in these awesome little Ramen bars for what looks like the most satisfying lunch they've ever had, I made a conscious decision to find a Ramen noodle spot in the area. This place did not let me down, in fact since ordering here for the first time a few months ago, my coworker and I have been back on average twice a week - I like it that much. I haven't had much experience with Ramen, so if you've been to Tokyo, you may have a more informed opinion, but if you're not picky, and looking for an awesome lunch, do yourself a favor, stop in here, and try the Miso Ramen. Cash only, though...
(4)Melissa M.
My first foray into all things Ramen. Came here for a quick lunch on Christmas Eve. The place was friggin packed! We waited in line and the waitress gave us our menu in line while we waited. I ordered the hot and sour ramen at her request since I had no clue what to get. It was very good! I liked to add the chili paste they have on the table. Got a canned diet coke (LOVE). Quick, efficient, tasty, cheap, and just really good. Excellent food on a cold day or if you are feeling under the weather! I shall return!
(4)Anna Q.
Big portion... But the soup base is what I really care about.. It is really random some days it will be okay some days it will be really salty.. Going will be a huge risk... Which is why I would rather prefer cafe mami right next door better.. The ramen is just alright.
(3)Mary H.
This place was pretty busy when we got there. Customer service is not bad. They could be a little more attentive for an 18 seating place. The roasted pork buns were yummy. One had mayo with a slice of tomato slice and the other one had a black beanish sauce in it. I was very surprised it came in two different styles. Both had big pieces of pork in it. The spicy miso ramen was soooo spicy! It was great. It was spicy ground pork that made the dish even better. The house ramen was good. It wasn't too salty or too bland. It had nice slices of pork, corn, and bean sprouts. Both broths were on the thick side. There was plenty of al dente noodles.
(4)Jasmine B.
I really don't know what the hype is all about here. Sure, the ramen is a reasonable price. But it's not all that good. The noodles seem to be out of a package, and while the chicken broth is thick, it's not especially flavorful. The veggie broth is really, really thin and tasteless. The add-ins are a bit meager and the egg was completely hard boiled. I also took half of mine to go (I have a tiny stomach), and the broth/meat/noodle mixture turned into this thoroughly solid gelatinous chunk overnight. It was so icky that I just threw it out. The add-ins are really basic, the tables aren't especially clean, and you're under a lot of pressure to eat quickly and get out. Also - a big pet peeve is that it's cash only, but it's not posted ANYWHERE. Not on the website, not on the menu, not on the walls; really, I scoured the place. It seemed almost like a cash only when I walked in, but I didn't ask when I sat down, partly because there's one server and they were rushing around but also because usually, it's posted somewhere! I really think that Boston could use a top notch ramen place that really takes the time to make their noodles right (or at least source them better). In the meantime, I'll stick with Totto. fwiw - I am spoiled by Momi Ramen in Miami and various ramen places in NY.
(2)Corey L.
3 of us visited on a Saturday night, waiting in the line in the hallway, as one does. After about 20 minutes (3rd party in line, it got MUCH longer after we sat down), we sat down and enjoyed our food (they took our order while we waited - set up for efficiency). My friend who's been here a LOT, loves their Ramen (grew up in CA) and always orders the house ramen dish. Which I tried and found quite tasty. I started w a seaweed salad (a little seaweed on top of lettuce w a dressing), which I (and my girlfriend) both found disappointing. Next, I had a yasai ramen dish w extra veggies and extra spicy ground pork. I added spicy sauce to it. I'm not a huge fan of noodles (one reason ramen isn't my go-to dish) and there were a lot of them - typical for ramen - but the dish itself was very flavorful. Even w extra veggies, they were difficult to find, which was disappointing. The broth was quite good. My girlfriend got the egg drop ramen, which quite salty, as is typical, and had a bunch of eggs. Cans of soda were $1, which was nice as they weren't crazily overcharging us. Doubt I'll go back. If you really like ramen, definitely give it a try.
(3)Judy H.
Spicy Miso Ramen was just okay for me. It was lacking flavor but my boyfriend enjoyed the Tan Tan-Man Ramen! It reminded him of Japan and he was missing it very much! I don't see us coming back anytime soon, I have found a better Ramen Shop.
(4)Yun-Young L.
Really not worth going there at all... It always beats me why theres always a line-up at this cramped, dirty, and overhyped place ( I dont mind the size of the place if the food was good, but it wasnt unfortunately). The waitress was really unfriendly when she sat us, and then while we were waiting for our orders, we saw a mouse running around... but that didnt seem to bother the cook and owner much. Apparently, we Bostonians are supposed to just accept the fact that there are mice in Boston and learn to live, eat and sleep with them... Since it was our first try, we ended up staying and eating their "famous" ramen for the first time, and likely for the last time as well. It was so plain and mediocre... doesnt live up to the hype at all. There are better ramen places in Boston without the sight of rodents so unless you are a hardcore fan of mickey mouse, i suggest you avoid this place.
(1)Tong W.
x'D love this place! My friends and I come here every time after badminton at MIT - the portions are great and it is definitely my favorite ramen in boston! So authentic and the broth so richhhh~ the house ramen and spicy miso and tan tan mein are all incredible!! No one does it like Sapporo!
(5)Moses P.
If you are AzN you will probably enjoy this place, especially compared to other ramen shops in Boston. If you are not AzN then PREPARE TO BE AMAZED, WESTERNER!!! To be honest with you I enjoyed this place a lot but my wife has higher standards than I do and said it deserves a 3-star review so I'm giving it a 3. The pork buns are fantastic. Very delicious. The ramen is great as well- I highly recommend spicy miso! The service is funny. There is one AzN lady who runs the show. She will seat you and feed you and take your money and kick you out. And she does it all by herself. TIGER MOM FTW! It's the AzN...
(3)Jonathan N.
There alway a long line waiting at this place. The restaurant was small with a few tables and chairs but the reman noodle are super good! I love their ramen noodle so much!!! Especially the hot and sour and kim chi one. Their noodles are so chewy and their soup are so sweet and tender. I like mine with extra vegetable and egg.
(4)Elly F.
A big disappointment for me. The egg was overcooked, broth was too starchy and meat was thick and chunky. Thankfully the meat was flavourful and tender but you would not have thought so by looking at it!
(1)Tim Y.
Our favorite ramen stop in Boston hands down. Our go to dishes are the miso and the spicy miso ramen; we highly recommend getting extra noodles and extra pork; even if you can't finish it in one sitting, this is one of the best "day after" work lunches I can imagine. Go early on weekends or you'll be standing in line for a long time. On second thought, we don't need any more competition... avoid Sapporo Ramen like the plague.
(5)Tiffany L.
BEST RAMEN IN BOSTON! Cant compare to anything in LA but I've been here twice and will gladly go back anytime. It's located right by Leslie college in that shopping center with all the Japanese nomz - makes me miss Little Tokyo in LA :( also CASH ONLY ! People are always in line...I've been here twice at 2 pm and they're always been some line of people. They close at 3 pm but if you're in line by 3, you'll get a table for sure. They take your order while you wait so food comes as soon as you're seated. Efficiency! Same waiter each time I go. She's a bit pushy and eager to get you to eat and leave. Decor is simple, which I think is a good sign. From my eating adventures in Asian restaurants - less fancy decor = more legit nomz. I always order the spicy miso ramen - it's reallyy good. Despite it being super red, I don't think it's that spicy. It tastes even better with the shichimi (Japanese spicy 7 spice powder- you know it's legit Japanese food when they have a jar of this stuff) The broth is so rich, I love it. I never drink noodle soup but I can easily chug down a bowl of this stuff- downside: I food coma pretty hard afterwards cause the broth is so heavy. The noodles are good and chewy. When my friends came with me last time, they shared a miso ramen, which tasted pretty bland to me, but they liked it. They could barely finish it but to me, the serving size seemed...not big haha. I was satisfied eating one bowl but could probably finish a second one if I was super hungry. Toppings are simple - egg, seaweed, beansprouts, green onion. Def would go back for ramen on a cold day (which seems like everyday in Boston ...)
(4)Katie Y.
We decided to try traditional ramen out but it was kind of disappointing. The lines were very long but the owner seemed very nice. We totally get why the lines are long but really, the wait might be around 30 minutes since there are only like 6 tables. Also the set up really brings back memories of authentic ramen shops when we were in Japan. We ordered the spicy miso ramen, house ramen and the Yasai ramen. The noodles were a bit chewy and there is definitely not enough pork nor vegetables to go along with the extremely bland soup base. For the spicy miso ramen, the pork bits were amazing but it was more of a garnish. For both the house and Yasai ramen, we thought the soup base was kind of glutinous when it went down the throat. After eating the ramen, we all felt extremely thirsty. Also the pricing of the dishes weren't that satisfying. We might come back but probably not since we have to drive 30 minutes to get there.
(2)Danielle W. L.
I come here with a big appetite and order extra noodles + extra meat. I love the spicy miso ramen, although I always add extra spice, available at the table. This to me is comfort food. Thick broth, packed with robust flavor. If I go too long without this ramen, I really, REALLY miss it. Don't expect great service, although who comes here to schmooze with the staff anyway? You come here with only one purpose in mind: to stick your face deep into a bowl and fall in love with noodles. That's it. End of story. You will have to resist the urge to slurp it directly from the bowl. Wear a shirt that can handle a few splatters. Expect to be seated at the same table with random strangers since real estate is clearly at a premium. It's not fancy. Ambiance is crap. Decent prices. Fast. Small selection of sodas. Cash only (ATM in the same building.) No line when I got there at 5:30pm on a Monday. Shut up and get some.
(5)Sidi L.
Place is small, and always need to wait a line. A good place to have lunch nearby, but it doesn't worth coming all the way. Better than the one in hmart
(3)Nina N.
Tip #1 CASH ONLY!!! This is my favorite restaurant in Porter Square. My only complaint is the not so great selection of appetizers. Of the selections, my favorite is the roast pork bun. If cooked right, this is a great starter, soft sweet bun, refreshing slice of tomato with juicy roasted pork and mayo....delicious. Yum yum. Next appetizer I would recommend you try is the sausages. Nice and crispy casting and juicy inside. The other appetizers are just expensive for what they are, gyoza and edamame. Maybe I am just cheap when it comes to appetizers that I can easily make in huge portion for the price that they sell at restaurants. After trying four different flavored broths, I think my favorite has to be the curry ramen although I am now leaning toward the Tantan Men after many years of not liking it. Initially, I wasn't too excited about the sesame flavored broth. But then 10 years later after trying it again one day, wow, could be my favorite broth now. I just might not go back to curry ramen for several years. In fact, this was the first broth I tried which made me not want to give this place a second try. Mediocre at best was my initial review of Sapporo Ramen. But somehow, for some reason, my husband convinced me to give this place another try. Moral of the story, give a place a second try. We've tried the spicy miso ramen which is okay and so is the miso ramen. The spicy miso ramen is my husband's favorite broth. There is spicy ground pork topping for this bowl of ramen choice. Tried the hot and sour soup ramen and kimchi ramen. Something about those flavors made me uneasy. And rightfully so. For what hot and sour soup is and kimchi also, you would expect sour and spicy for both broths. But both broths were neither. They were bland. I'll give them a try again one day, maybe I will be a fan the second time around. But I would try the other broths if this is your first time. As with all of the ramen, I recommend ordering extra roasted prok as it doesn't come with it. The other toppings are way too pricey for what they are. For example, $2.00 for corn or even extra cabbage/veggies is really too expensive. When it comes to adding toppings, the roast pork was really dry the first time I tried this place. Which was why I was so hesitant to come back for many years. But in the past few years, it has grown consistently good. It has a strange wine-like flavor to it, and is soft and juicy. The spicy pork ground pork is another topping that I would recommend if you want to add a little bit of saltiness and minced meat to your bowl. Extra noodle wouldn't hurt if you are extra hungry. See my pictures.
(4)Claire H.
I can only speak for the vegetarian ramen here but I can tell you that I love everything about this place except for the line. It usually moves pretty quickly though, so it is almost always worth waiting. Really good ramen, casual environment, and quick (once you finally sit down). I've only ever gone with one other person at a time. They can accommodate groups but it is a tight squeeze and you should expect to be able to hear your neighbors' conversations.
(4)Rebecca Y.
The spicy miso ramen here hits the spot when you're craving ramen on a cold winter's day. It's definitely not the best I've ever had, but it's one of the better places in Boston. The restaurant is very small so you'll most likely have to wait in line for a bit before you can sit down and eat.
(3)Henry P.
Recently stopped by Sapporo Ramen the other day with the lady and some friends after hearing so many rave reviews. A small 15 - 20 seater restaurant located within the little food court area of the Porter Exchange, We went in around 1pm for lunch saw a line stretching down to the end of the food court. We stood and waited for our turn and munch of some sweet snacks from a local Japanese bakery nearby to curb our appetite. As we were waiting in line a kind waitress came by and gave us the menu to decide on what we'd like before sitting down to our table. For such a small space I thought that this was a pretty efficient way of taking down orders and turning over customers. I had the Spicy Miso Ramen with whole egg and extra noodles while the misses had the House Ramen. The noodles were fantastically springy and chewy with lots of delicious toppings but sadly, both myself as well as my girlfriend found our broth to be a little bit on the bland side, perhaps because they were so close to being closed for lunch and were low on ramen stock but we found ourselves reaching for the vinegar and shichimi seasoning to give it that extra flavor. Thought quick service and perfectly made noodles, I was sad that Sapporo, for myself personally, did not live up to its hype. Perhaps I just came on a bad day? I'll be looking to stop by again on a different date to try it's ramen once again
(3)T N.
The waitress was really pushy when it comes to ordering food. I just dont understand the praise for the soup here, everything we ordered was either really bland or salty--i would suggest going to Pikaichi in Brighton. Their ramen soup is sooo much better! ALSO BE CAREFUL when you get the receipt. They include the tip in it and doesn't state it in there at all! Overall it was a sad experience :(
(2)Lorena O.
Because I'm obsessed with ramen these days, I was dead-set on trying it out in another city. So, I hit Yelp and Google search to point me to THE place for ramen in Beantown. Several articles I read via Google pointed to this place as a standout for Ramen, and so we went. I got the house ramen, with pork, egg, scallions and corn. It was just okay. I had to add soy sauce and chili paste and oil to give this bowl some kick. And the egg that came with it was nothing like the scrumptious eggs that adorn my bowls at Michi or Tatsu-Ya. This egg was hard-boiled and the white of the egg had zero flavor. Boo! My sister went for the Tan-Tan ramen. It had spicy ground pork in it, not the pork belly. This bowl was the clear winner. Lots of flavor from the spicy pork helped out the broth. If I were to go again, I'd order this. We also tried the curry ramen. Pretty much like the name says, it was like the house ramen with a serving of curry sauce added. Nothing inventive or knock your socks off here. But, the crowds lined up for this place anyway. We got there about 6pm and had to wait for a table as the small establishment (located within a shopping mall) had maybe 8 tables. As we ate, a large line formed. I wept for the Bostonians and their subpar ramen. 3 people ate three bowls of ramen and three waters for $29 and some change. Not too bad for the price.
(3)Ben K.
Yay ramen! I like this place, kind of a small hole in the wall restaurant whose goal is to cook good food rather than create a nice atmosphere. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen with extra noodles. The broth was thick and not too salty or spicy. The flavor was good and made me want to just drink the soup. The noodles had a smooth texture and firm consistency. I was a little disappointed that there didn't seem to be any "extra" noodles in my dish, but I was still satisfied after finishing. Overall, I would come back if in the area and recommend it to others interested in ramen.
(4)Ruslan K.
Best ramen in Boston. I tried most of the ramen places in the Bay Area around Mountain View, Cupertino and San Jose, and tried most of the ramen places around Boston. This one is the best. Very rich flavor, especially House Ramen, noodles cooked to perfection, soy marinated pork - yummy. 20 minute wait lines, cash-only and table-sharing with other parties are also included but it just makes it more authentic.
(5)Traci K.
Yum. Sapporo Ramen is inside the little food court area of Porter Exchange. It's a max of like 10 tables or so - but the wait wasn't too long on a Saturday night. My dining companion and I both ordered the house ramen with extra noodles and an order of the pork buns. The pork buns were tasty, but a little odd. The bun was good...but it was also slathered in mayo with cucumber and tomato along with the pork. I guess I just wasn't expecting a bun sandwich. The ramen. Broth was very tasty and not too salty. The egg, nori, pork and sprouts were tasty. I wish the egg was less hardboiled - I would have liked a runny yolk, but that's just personal preference. The noodles were perfectly cooked and so easily slurpable. Extra noodles was a great idea - and it was only a buck or 2 extra. Cash only - but it's not expensive, so boo yah. Service was fast and friendly. Definitely making it into my cold-weather-food rotation.
(4)Less H.
I met up with a friend and we decided to go here. I'm making my way through all the Asian food stalls in University Hall. Service was decent enough. We managed to get in during a slow period and get seated fast. Score! We looked over the menus and had our food quickly. I got myself a Miso Ramen. It was delicious. The noodles were just right, the broth tasty, and the pork tender. Happiness. The portion was large, large enough I could barely finish it. I did, every last noodle and drop of broth. I had to be rolled to the train. Yeah. It's loud in here, it's loud in all of the University Hall food stalls. It just is. Quarters are cramped and you may sit next to someone quickly and loudly slurping their noodles. Customer service isn't their specialty. What they do well is quickly serve up delicious noodles pretty fast. This ain't the North End.Once you get past the fast that you aren't going to get your ass kissed here the happier you will be when eating. I'll be back, probably more often than I should. cash only!
(4)Sugar F.
I have probably directly and indirectly brought Sapporo a hundred new customers in the past two years. Big salty delicious bowls of chewy noodles. Yes please. I love it. The curry ramen. Miso ramen. Vegetarian ramen even. DON'T DELAY TRY SAPPORO RAMEN TODAY! During popular times there is always a huge line - don't even worry about it. Chat with your buddies until you enjoy your delicious ramen.
(5)Cristina R.
On a bone-chilling, rain-filled day, I used the ever-trusty Yelp as my guide while on the hunt for foods to warm me up. What do I want? My fingers start typing my desires. "Soup." No. "Noodles." Not quite. Something that combines them both. "Ramen." Amen. Following the address listed, I find myself at Porter and am so very confused. It looks like I'm at the right place, but where is this mysterious Ramen den? After sketchily walking up and down the block a few times, I figure out the hidden entrance: you go in through the Shops at Porter door. I had no idea this place was essentially in a Japenese food court! And what a food court it is. I went a bit after the lunch rush (around 2:30 PM) so was surprised to see a line of about 5 people all waiting for a seat at the tiny, packed Sapporo. With the other Asian restaurants in the hallway completely deserted. I felt a bit bad for them, but that means that Sapporo is the place to be. And I'm already here, so shivering and hungry, I wait. After about 20 minutes, I'm seated and order a Spicy Miso Ramen. Luckily it comes out in a jiffy, steaming and spicy and savory. And so, so perfect. There are noodles and pork and veggies in a delectable broth. If it weren't freezing outside, I probably would have broken a sweat as I slurped. Honestly, I can think of nothing better on a rainy day than this bowl of Japanese love. I scarfed down as much as possible, my mouth and belly thanking me again and again, but still wasn't able to finish it. Even better! I get it packed up and have a scrumptious lunch the next day. Ramen. Amen.
(4)Yixuan C.
I came there at 5/16/2014 because my friend recommended me their ramen is good. BUT, my experience was terrible, I will not suggest anyone go there. Pro: fast, pork dumplings were good Con: Bad service, the waitress was rude and impatient. Ramen was way too salty.
(2)Diana L.
Met up with my yelpy pal Less H. here to get some lunch. I have to say, I thought it was fantastic!! The thought of my hot and sour ramen still makes me salivate - it was absolutely delicious and the noodles were at perfect consistency! I think it's far better than the Ittyo ramen down at the end of this aisle (Tampopo is still my favorite overall). If you're looking for a delicious ramen meal for ~12$ with tip, check this place out for sure. I thought the ramen was fantastic, spicy enough (I've come to accept the fact that food at restaurants will almost never be as spicy as I want), the pork was tender and the ingredients were delish. Right on, Sapporo Ramen!!!! I'll be back to drag my boyfriend here to try it out.
(4)Susan J.
Absolutely love this place. The House Ramen and gyoza are both fantastic and worth waiting in line for. I live down the street and have to resist going every week for my noodle fix.
(4)Carrie L.
I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for Sapporo Ramen. The ramen itself warrants a 2. The service was good overall and could potentially bump it up to a 3 (friendly lady took our order but the server boy was clumsy). But I just remembered the pork belly bun I had, and it was flavorless.. almost. The only thing that stood out was the broth. The thick and delicious broth I had with the Spicy Miso Ramen. Not spicy enough though.. I had to add spices and hot sauce on the side. Again, the texture of the ramen is too stiff for my taste.
(2)Erica R.
This is pretty much an obligatory stop whenever I visit Boston now. It's a small little restaurant tucked away inside the shopping center, yes, and there's been a wait to get seated every time I've visited. That said? The line moves quickly...and, as long as you're either alone or with a small group, getting seated won't be an issue. Someone usually comes through the line early enough and gets orders anyway, so it's a short time from when you're seated to when you ultimately get your ramen. It's a simple place, but efficient - and the food is delicious. I've had both the miso ramen and the house ramen, and both are delicious. The broth is flavorful and smooth...and definitely filling, the pork is delicious and the noodles are tasty. An especially awesome meal for those cold, winter nights when you need something to warm you up. :) Bring on the food coma!
(4)Fancypants X.
3.5 stars upgraded to 4 stars The upside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious that I'd want to eat there weekly. The downside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious. Period. I ordered miso ramen no sprouts, no pork. Add a pat of butter, add bamboo shoots. Got that?! Luckily, my waitress did. Perfectly. Portion is gigantic. I can usually always finish my ramen, but I surrendered long before I could see the bottom of my bowl here. Broth is strangely thick-ish & creamy. Not sure how I feel about that; I'm thinking not good. And the pat of butter (apparently cut by a giant because what normal person considers *that* a pat?!) once melted, added to the viscosity. Noodles were plentiful & not too al dente. Bamboo shoots were tender--yay! Loved the corn, scallions, & seaweed that automatically comes with this bowl. Everything was wonderful, aside from the broth, which was a minor offense. Cash only, but for once, it was o-tay by me; I had the $11.55 + tip in my wallet (a miracle!)
(4)Lisa L.
I have been jonesing for some good ramen, so on a cold night I went to Sapporo at Porter Square. I got the spicy miso ramen to go on the recommendation of the Yelp reviews, and added extra roast pork. It smelled great in the car on the way home, but once I started eating it I was very unimpressed. The broth was not as flavorful as it was fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and the pork was also bland. There was corn in it, which seemed utterly bizarre to me. I would honestly prefer to eat ramen from a packet than from here. The plus sides are that the staff are friendly and the ramen is affordable, but I will not be coming back.
(2)Christina C.
They will take your order when you're still waiting for a seat! Amazing, right? Not only is the ramen fast but it is tasty. The broth is flavorful and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The space is small and cozy tight like if you invited 30 friends to your studio apartment for dinner. The staff and chefs are welcoming and I certainly will welcome their ramen in my tummy any day.
(4)Tom L.
This place USED to be great. However, since it's grown in popularity, the prices have gone up while service and quality have gone down. It's busy but they herd you like cattle. The main hostess snaps at people and audibly bemoans those who are anything but absolutely ready and prepared to eat and leave immediately. The ramen is ok. You need to pay a dollar for the extra noodles to be full and it's already expensive. My main complaint is that nearly everything is reheated and isn't very hot. The noodles are barely hot, the egg is hard boiled and cold, the broth is lukewarm. In the quest to meet demand they've started cutting corners and it's disappointing to say the least. They used to do really nice pork buns but they're now smaller and lower quality. Is it worth trying? Yes. Is it very good. Sadly not.
(2)Carolyn L.
Ramen was fine (although noted the large bag of MSG on the counter next to our table), 40 min wait on a Friday night was expected, but the waitress running after us as we were leaving requesting a larger tip was tacky and extremely unprofessional.
(1)Yvonne C.
I would give their food for 3 stars but I take one star off because their service. When we got there, there was no line waiting but only us (three people). The waitress squeezed us into a table of four which already had two people sitting there. So we asked if we could wait till a table of four. She was unfriendly saying something like they're saving the table for more customers. So we still sat at the table with two other people. And after a while, she gave a table of four to ONE customer. Well... I have nothing to said about that. Just really unhappy about that. As for the food there. We had spicy miso ramen and house ramen. The spicy miso ramen was not spicy at all but the soup was still pretty good. As for the house ramen, my friend said it was ok. Not bad but not special and she thought the soup was a little salty. .
(2)Karin Y.
This is my go-to Ramen place in Boston/Cambridge. I come here pretty regularly LOL, maybe about 2-3 times a month. I've tried the House, Miso, and Tan-Tan. The House Ramen was okay, but the broth was a little too bland for my taste. The Miso is my favorite! I love the thicker broth. I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, so I don't get the Spicy Miso, although I heard that it's very good. But I add some of the spices onto my Miso Ramen to make it more flavorful. I also love that it comes with cha-siu pork ^_^ I recently tried the Tan-tan for the first time, and will definitely be adding that into my rotation. The only thing I wish was different, are the noodles - it's a little bit too soft for me (I like my ramen noodles to be really chewy!). They're closed from 3-5pm everyday, so avoid those times to save yourself from disappointment. Try to come during weekday lunch or 2:30pm or something like that so you don't have to stand in line for a long time. During winters, you might have to wait over an hour. But the staff there is pretty good about taking your orders while you are in line so that your food comes out shortly after sitting down :) If you're really hungry, you can order the Green Tea smoothie from next door (lol) and order gyoza on the side at Sapporo while waiting for your ramen. CASH ONLY!
(4)Theodore T.
This is my favorite ramen place in the area, though mostly because of a lack of alternatives. The broth and noodles are pretty good. We usually get the regular ramen and the spicy miso. I've added the extra meat and butter before but didn't really notice a difference. I would give four stars but for the staff -- I always order takeout, and almost every time upon picking up, the guy or the girl on staff treats me like a criminal or prison inmate. They yell "go stand over there" if the food's not ready, and more than once I got a combination almost-body-block and dirty look because they thought I was trying to cut the line, when all I wanted was to pick up my food.
(3)Hank C.
The worst ramen ever! Actually, I won't even call thing they serve here ramen! I even wonder if those cooks here know what ramen really taste like? And I cannot believe those who gave good review on this..... Could you just go to Harvard sq. and try santouka once? I am not promoting anything here but I really cannot believe this I have lived in AZ where Japanese or Asian population are considerably fewer than Boston but ramen there even taste better than this! Don't be lied by the long waiting line. The reason it is long is because they are SLOW. There were only three people in the store: two cooks and one waiter. However, the service and others are not what I really complain about. It is the FOOD! That's just terrible. My wife and I even wanted to leave before we could finish (after a long waiting...) If you are hungry and just want to eat, then whatever. But if you really want to have some decent ramen, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!!!!
(1)Aynsley C.
3.0-3.5 My first time I was here was 10 years ago when I was 11, and the ramen was so good but it's so different now. I'm pretty sure the owner/main management works at the other Sapporo inside HMart, but I've heard about/experienced their poor ramen there as well (there was a fly once in my miso ramen). Anyways, the portions have definitely gotten smaller and the prices have raised by a few dollars, making it not as appealing anymore. I still really love their type of noodles. The texture and taste is how I like the noodles to be cooked, and I think it soaks up the flavor of the broth. However, the broth isn't as flavorful as it used to be and their pork slices aren't as big as they used to be. They also used to bamboo shoots in the ramen too but they stopped doing it years ago (that's just my own personal liking for them). My parents and I still love coming here once in a while, but I've grown to like other ramen places elsewhere (Pikaichi). Other than that, the service is usually friendly, but one hostess once yelled at my parents because they weren't directly behind the wait sign even though we were the only ones waiting at the time. It wasn't the best welcoming, but other than the staff have been fine.
(3)Desiree G.
This place is supposed to be an authentic noodle place and personally, I could have just opened a packet of ramen and it would have tasted soo much better. Everything was so salty, way to salty to even enjoy! The only reason why I am giving this place two stars is because of how clean the tables were, and how excellent the meat was inside of the dish, it was the only part I liked. Quick tip: If you refrigerate your left overs, they turn sludgy and look gross.
(2)Billie W.
Service here is quick and friendly. We had the House Ramen and Gyoza today. The ramen was made fresh and came in a gigantic bowl for $9.95. It included: - fresh yellow noodles (I liked that they were chewy, but was partial to the plain flavor) - half a boiled egg (I think it was a soy sauce egg - yum) - lots of chives (tasty) - sweet corn (yum) - bean sprouts (which I thought was odd to put in ramen) - beef (which unfortunately was dry and tough) The ramen soup base was rather milky and thick, so look out for a heavier meal, though the flavor was not too strong or salty. The Gyoza (pork) was slightly pricier for the size at $5.95, but still very delicious. I enjoyed both, but gave 3 stars because the flavor of the ramen wasn't exactly suited to my own particular tastes.
(3)Tony J.
Look, there are only so many ramen options in Boston. Given that fact, this place is not so bad compared to the other places in the city. However, Boston is not a ramen city. On average, the ramen here is very poor. Sapporo ramen is meh. The wait is usually really long, and the broth and noodles aren't even that good. It doesn't give you that nice feeling after knocking down a bowl of ramen with extra noodles.
(2)Peter K.
This is the worst ramen I ever ate for its price range (I paid $16 pre-tax). Ippudo in NYC has same price range, but both food and quality are significantly better. I would say $1.50 shin ramen is infinitely better than $14 ramen they sell here. However, they do give a lot of ramen so if you are looking for quantity not quality, this place might suit you.
(1)Helen L.
Expect and prepare for a wait....but it is completely worth it. They give you some menus to look over while you wait and as you get closer to the front they take down your order. Once you're seated the food arrives pretty quickly. I always get the pork buns and the spicy miso ramen. Your body will thank you for this delicious bowl of ramen goodness.
(4)Molly H.
Best ramen in Boston, worth the wait. Get the Miso Ramen.
(5)An L.
Great place for comfort ramen food. Good to see why there is always a line here! The house ramen was very nicely flavored. The ramen noodles are delicious. Miso ramen had an odd wine taste. Next time, I'll probably go with the house ramen and request lower salt. Nice service.
(4)Sandra P.
So sad, either my favorite place is getting worse or Boston Ramen scene is improving my taste buds for the better. I use to eat here a few times a week, then less and less. Now after a three month "break" I gave my old favorite another try. Sorry to say that everything has changed. Slower service, thinner broth, cold tough pork slices, cold eggs with eggs shells on them! Oh yuk! I was nauseous after my ramen tonight. It bothers me to say, but I think the lack of Japanese people making the ramen is having an effect on the quality. The dish washer is now making ramen. Hmmmm maybe that's why it tasted like dish water! Sorry Sapporo, get your act together because those lines won't last much longer if food geeks like myself are turned off. The competition is creeping into Boston and your old customers are creeping out on you!
(1)Nora L.
Checked this place out for lunch today. It was a little bit of a wait but they took our order in line. We got the house ramen, spicy miso ramen and pork goyza. The house ramen had a strong corn flavored broth reminiscent of corn chowder, the pork also was a little on the dry side. The spicy miso ramen had the same corn based soup broth but it was spicy and had ground spicy pork. The noodles were good. The goyza had a tasty filling and a wonderful char on the bottom. Honestly I am not sure if I would come back.
(3)Kelsey E.
Love love love this place! My boyfriend and I travel about 40 minutes by train to get here and enjoy the food. The broth is thick and creamy and the noodles are nice and buttery. Everything in the bowl compliments each other. I always get the house ramen, it's my absolute favorite. My boyfriend orders the spiciest ramen available. We are always super full and super satisfied. There's almost always a line but it's certainly worth it. Most people giving this place such poor reviews sound like a bunch of ramen snobs. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking to spend the day in porter!
(5)Thu T.
From hearing some good reviews of Sapporo, I went and was able to quickly decide for myself that it's really not good, at all. I went with my boyfriend and he even said 'no' to finishing my share, which is UNHEARD OF. The soup base is thick and mucky, so it's hard to get a few swallows out of it. I would much rather go to Yume Wo Katare (only if you're up for this extravanganza of all sorts!!), the new Santouka in Harvard Square, or even Pikaichi in Allston. :( Sad...
(1)Jun G.
My favorite ramen place in boston, highly recommend miso ramen. Always have a line, but worth to wait.
(5)Jay K.
Delicious ramen, just like I used to eat in Japan. I always get the house ramen which is closest to the style I used to eat most. The bowl is huge, I've never been able to empty the whole bowl in one sitting, try as I may. There is almost always a line for tables here. Sometimes I'll get my order to go when the line is too long. Customer service here isn't great but it isn't bad either. I've been coming here for years and will continue to visit when the ramen cravings appear.
(4)Vasken B.
I've been here multiple times and I will say I really enjoy coming here. When I go here with friends I will specifically go just to eat, pay and leave. But eating here proves I don't have to skimp on quality or taste. I've only ordered the House Ramen, (always extra noodle and extra pork) and the Hot & Sour Ramen (same deal, extra for noodle & pork). And they've never disappointed me. I recommend ordering a drink, as the drinking water doesn't seem to be all that good, but honestly, I'd rather have something with flavor to go with my soup in the first place. If you go here at peak times, expect to wait for a minimum of 20 minutes, because it is extremely popular... with good reason
(5)Jessica L.
This place is not a customer friendly establishment. Their hours stated that they close at 9PM. Unlucky for us, the red line was down at the T station so we didn't arrive until roughly 8:30P.M. We would have made it earlier but in the end we still made it 30 minutes before closing time. When we got there, there was still a line waiting to get into the restaurant. My boyfriend and I joined everyone that was waiting and slowly waited as well. About twenty minutes later after the line was still moving and building.......a waitress promptly informed us that they were no longer taking in anymore customers. It wasn't even 9P.M. yet. I feel like an idiot waiting for no reason and I wasted time. They should have at least had the decency to inform us earlier if they were going to stop taking patrons. Instead, they wasted our time and were rude to us for no reason. After examining the menu, I can't say this place is even Japanese. Look at some of their offerings - Shumai (cantonese/chinese dish), kimchi (korean side dish), mabo tofu (chinese again). Maybe I should be thankful that they were so rude and impolite, because they don't look like an authentic ramen shop. Either way, don't bother going out of your way to come here, you might just be turned away without a good reason.
(1)Ali S.
I ordered the House Ramen. The broth is incredible, but everything else is whatever. The noodles were too hard for my tastes. The egg was horribly disappointing; tasted just like a hard boiled egg with the yolk completely solid. The pork was very dry and very sweet. I've never had this type of pork in ramen before. It wasn't good. But that broth was so so good.
(3)Andrea B.
Sapporo does ramen, and it does ramen damn well! I've walked by this place a million and one times at all hours of the day and night, and there's always a line. It's always busy, and for good reason. Finally, I decided I simply had to try them, so I hopped in line and waited. And about 15 minutes later, I was seated. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen. As I was looking around, I saw a cash-only sign, so I skipped on over to the ATM. And by the time I had returned, my steaming bowl of oh-so-delicious ramen was waiting. It was spicy but not overly so. The noodles were delicious enough on their own, but if you add in the pork, various veggies, a fantastic savory broth, and a whole bunch of scallions (my favorite!), you've got something pretty epic. I slurped down every last drop. The only reason I deduct a star is because of the seating arrangements. I was dining solo, so I was seated with another solo diner at a two-top. A complete stranger. I tried to make the best of it, and said hello and attempted to chat with her briefly, but she wasn't into it. I would've gladly waited a little longer to be seated separately, because noisily slurping ramen in complete silence? AWKWARD. But regardless, I think I've definitely found the perfect (and cheap!) pre- or post-class meal.
(4)SR M.
Small place so get here early. There arent many seats and we got lucky we showed up right at 5pm when they opened for dinner on Saturdays. The guy that seated us wasn't the most pleasant but whatever, I'm there to eat ramen not make friends. As for ramem, we ordered the house ramen, bro got the hot and sour, gyoza and pork buns for apps. Well I loved my ramen. I've been to Ippudo a few times so I was able to compare. Although Ippudo wins hands down, this place was as been as good as it gets for me in Boston. Other reviewers have said that it's a little bland and not nearly as salty as it should be. Well I am glad. I liked that it wasn't too salty and that I didn't have to gulp down 3 glasses of water with my ramen. The broth was full and thick which I appreciate. I even like the noodles. I thought it was a perfect mix of the two. You can tell that they simmer the broth for hours. I only wish they the eggs they give you were a little more yolky? Also, more pork couldn't hurt either. Gyoza and pork buns were also good. Not sure what they used for sauce/spread but it helped with the dry pork that was in the buns. My brother enjoyed his hot and sour but it was not hot enough for him Overall I am a fan and will definitely be back.
(4)Tess C.
I read a lot of reviews about long lines, but I guess I got lucky. No line at all!! I had the House Ramen and I LOVED i.! The broth was on point and the noodles were a nice texture. Portion size was good also! A little pricey, but probably as good as it's gonna get around here. I went in not expecting much, but I definitely enjoyed the ramen! I will be coming back again!
(4)Katie C.
It's been about a year since my last review, and I've tried a few more ramen joints in the area. Conclusion? Sapporo is THE place. There really is no other (in Boston at least). And Spicy Miso is still THE dish. Get it. I recently heard about the new location opening up in Central (Hmart! Yesss). Will any of the new menu offerings compare to the Spicy Miso? I'm skeptical, but excited to find out.
(5)Peter K.
A decent ramen place. Only chicken broth, though. Located inside the Porter Square mall.
(3)Gezinha D.
I ordered a house ramen and I loved the broth, it was, for the lack of a better word... succulent. I thought the noodles were just a little bit hard and I wish that the bean sprouts had been cooked, I've never had bean sprouts like that before, every time I had them it was in a stir fry so I was surprised that they were uncooked. I wish they had options such as shrimp or chicken it would really be great. Overall the ramen was really, really good I am going to go back again for sure, and i will order double noodles. I can't wait to try the spicy miso ramen, it was my first time so I was a little bit cautious and I tried the house ramen. The group that was sitting by my table had the tan tan ramen ( I think that's what it's called) and it looked really good and it had shaved pork, which, i think looked more appetizing to me than the slices i got because you could mix up the broth with the shaved pork in the bowl, but the pork i had was really good too. The broth was really filling so I didn't even finish the whole thing. Can't wait to go back with my husband!
(4)Kristina N.
This ramen shop was the only restaurant with a line in the Porter Shops mall. As a ramen lover, I'm making it my goal to try all the ramen places in Cambridge. This store has a good bowl, though, the house special broth tasted surprisingly like creamy chicken soup and my pork slices were cold. Still a satisfying meal to eat on a cold night.
(4)Paul B.
I watch a lot of Japanese movies and anime, yet I had never had authentic ramen. I intended to rectify this on my recent trip to Boston for a Red Sox game. We decided on Sapporo Ramen and overall we were very satisfied. The only real problem we had is that there isn't much seating so it gets crowded very quickly. Unless you are going during an off time, expect a long wait. We were after the lunch rush so we only had a short wait and they do try to save time by taking your order in line. They were seating singles with strangers and couples with other couples at tables for four, so if you aren't comfortable with that this wouldn't be the place for you. We had our own table but we would have been fine sharing with others. Also you will need cash to eat here. Now as I said I've never had authentic ramen before so I don't have anything to compare this to. We both opted for the house ramen and were very satisfied. It was pretty much what we expected, although maybe a little saltier than we imagined. We ordered bottled water and the server said if we wanted we could have tap water for free. We happily accepted that offer. I can't really know how this compares to other ramen restaurants as this was our first, but we would definitely recommend it and plan to return next time we are in the area.
(4)J K.
Really exceptional ramen. I got something with delicious pork and fried Veggies. My partner got miso broth and it was perfect for him but a little too strong for me. I love the bone broth they use. Noms.
(4)Simon L.
Sapporo Ramen does not disappoint. Spicy miso ramen ($8.95) is thick and luscious, ground pork mixed with soft noodles. Tan tan mein ($8.95) is my favorite. Thick, buttery sesame broth with spicy ground pork. Long simmered broth in both cases with plenty of noodles. If you must, add extra meat and a pat of butter to be decadent. Extra pork, ground pork, noodles or double noodles are also available to add. Always busy but worth the wait as the line moves quickly. Pork buns ($6.96) were quite delicious last visit, tender pork, sweet buns, nice spice to the sauce. Shumai and gyoza have all been sampled and prove worth trying on at least one occasion but be warned that an order plus a bowl of soup will be too much for one person.
(5)Jeff K.
I dig this place. It's comfortable, quick and mostly delicious. Especially like having flavor options... curry ramen and tan-tan-men are my favorites, boss lady likes the spicy miso. If you're hungry get double noodles, you don't get a ton here and they're far from the thick, chewy homemade noodles that I not-so-secretly wish they'd switch to. Don't bother with the egg, they end up hard boiled 98% of the time. The plain house ramen leaves something to be desired, especially compared to Yume Wo Katare, but we'll keep coming back to Sapporo for fat bowls of double noodle curry ramen. DO try the gyoza... so good. Try to get there early or late, regular dinner time = line for miles.
(4)Jason M.
Before Sapporo, my knowledge of ramen was limited to two things: 1. Being a poor college kid 2. The short story "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto (no really, look it up) In Kitchen, our protagonist lovingly describes the sensation of slurping the broth, the collagen filling her mouth with a warmth that passes into her body. She describes the lovingly cooked pork, floating above the chewy noodles. The nori adding a special unique flavor to the overall bowl. I didn't understand it until I visited Sapporo. Sapporo Ramen is tucked away in Porter Exchange and seats less than 20. It's intimate, yet comfortable. You may find yourself slurping on a savory broth next to strangers. Most will tell you to try the House Ramen, but that's not my jam. I move to the Tan Tan Men, a sesame and chili ramen. The broth quickly transforms into a nutty and spicy concoction, leaving plenty of spice in your mouth but not enough to make it unbearable. In the story Kitchen, the narrator says she is most comfortable in the presence of people cooking. While sitting at Sapporo, I agree.
(4)Catherine W.
Finally had the time to wait in a 30 minute line to see what the hype is about. They do have a system where you put your order in before you get seated so that by the time you do get one of the tables, your food will be ready. We ordered the house ramen with spicy pork and miso ramen. The homemade ramen noodles are fantastic and chewy. We both found the broth a little salty though, and definitely the miso broth was a little much for me (just my personal taste). Still a fun experience and I'm interested in trying other items in the future.
(3)Daniel K.
I have been a customer here for years because the ramen here are so tasty and delicious. I really cannot understand some of these bad reviews. Anyways, I always get Miso ramen with butter. If I am hungry, I would ask for extra noodle for an additional $2. I really have no room to complain or be critical about this place. The food is really good and addictive. I never experienced bad customer service here. I hope Sapporo Ramen never goes away.
(5)Susan W.
Ramen is okay. Bit salty.
(4)Allison C.
Gotta love the Porter Exchange for their casual eats! Sapporo is a bit pricey for a ramen food stall (house ramen at $8.40), but still cheaper than other ramen options in the greater Boston area and definitely an attractive option for Harvard students just down the street. For the house ramen, be sure to add the table chili sauce to give it a much needed kick. Broth is unfortunately chicken-based, as opposed to typical pork-based, so you'll need some flavor. Noodles are fine. The pork itself is a bit chewy and bland, so beware. Still, it's a heaping bowl of hot ramen. It's really hard to go super wrong with this dish. There can be about a 15 minute wait on Saturday evenings, so try not to come with a group larger than 5 people. They do try to close up shop pretty promptly at 9pm. I'd come back for a quick ramen run sometime, no problem.
(3)Bela S.
I've written a more in depth review, but I wanted to mention that these guys either don't care about their hours or they have changed them and they are outdated here. Once we arrived at 4:00 on a weekday with nobody manning the restaurant. A couple of the cooks were eating at a nearby place and didn't seem bothered that we were looking around aimlessly. A couple days ago we arrive around 4:30 and were told they open at 5:00. We took a short walk, came back at 5:02, and there were already five people seared, two of them eating. Strange... Ramen is the best around, which is why we keep coming back despite the lacking service. It's good enough that I'm still willing to give it four stars despite these annoyances!
(4)Devin F.
I've been here twice. One day and then the next. The first day I had the House Ramen and added butter. Very yummy. The next day I had the Tan Tan Ramen. Wow! It was freaking amazing. Not too spicy. Damn good sesame broth. The line moves fast and the service is pretty quick as well. Not sure how this place could be improved? A whole egg instead of just a half egg? Beer or sake options? I'm not even sure if they have alcohol or not. Maybe a website with hours and menu would be cool. Anyway, the quality, service, speed and prices are all pretty damn perfect. Oh it might be kinda hard to find. I'm an out of towner and my stupidphone's (actually it's me who is too stupid to operate it) gps settings were not as accurate as they could be so I walked past the place. It's inside the little shopping mall.
(5)MooMoo H.
Here is a candid review from a native Japanese ramen lover: The establishment is inside a mall with very few seats. I was lucky to come during off-peak hours, but I can imagine this place being packed. I would definitely stick to off-peak hours, but the flip side is that there are a bunch of other Japanese restaurants close by with similar price points. The service was kind, but it was kind of hot. I had the house ramen since it was my first time. It wasn't for me (what a snob right?), but most people would enjoy it. The noodles were spot on. The egg was OK. The pork was... cold and oddly sweet. The portion size was fairly generous. By itself it would be a solid 3 stars, but considering it's MA I have to bump it up to 4 stars. If they fix their pork and offered some kind of add-on menu (garlic, onions, etc) it would be an additional star for me.
(4)M L.
Solid ramen at decent prices. Expect a long wait if you go during lunch, especially on the weekends.
(3)Anthony B.
This was my first time ever having ramon. It was so good I can't wait to go again. The only thing is there is a long wait. When I go this time I'm going early. Also wish there was a ramon restaurant in the Worcester area.
(5)Stella S.
I don't get the rave. It's decent ramen but not as great at people make it out to be. The miso base is a joke. The miso ramen came out bland and to be honest, it tasted like they mixed the miso base with the water they cooked the ramen in.
(3)Alice L.
The line was really long and the restaurant itself is extremely small. I had high hopes for this place because of how many good reviews it got and how it was the most popular place in the complex. We got the original/house, the miso, and the vegetarian one. First bite into each was delicious, but after about the 5th bite, the soup was too overwhelming. Granted, I've never had "creamy" ramen, but it was just too much for me. I honestly would've preferred staying at home and cooking up some 25 cent ramen from Wal-Mart. In order from best to worst, I would say vegetarian, original, then miso. For a meat lover like me, to say vegetarian was the best means something.
(2)Sushmita M.
Despite my LA ramen adventure, I'll always come back to Sapporo. Case in point, in a one-week visit, I have been here three times to get my fix, and even that's not enough. The tan-tan men sesame pork ramen ALWAYS delights, so creamy, spicy, porky, noodly it is. This is my favorite place to eat in Boston until you convince me otherwise. Get here early with a small group, bring cash & top it off with Miyazaki afterwards. Kawaii!
(5)Ivy F.
Prepare to wait in line if you plan to come here for dinner. Soup is great and creamy.
(3)Ottavio S.
I've been coming to this Ramen shop since I was a teenager. Its never disappointed. The staff is amazing but most of all its a no nonsense spot to get an amazing bowl of ramen. Get the miso ramen. You won't regret it.
(5)Guy R.
It feels like a cheesy, small diner with several wooden benches and tables - the minimal decoration you can think of for a restaurant. But it's perhaps THE ramen place in the Boston / Cambridge area. If you come to this place at dinner time, you will be amazed at how popular it is - people start to form anticipatory line half an hour before it's open. The style feels authentically Japanese - with a little "Sapporo" flag hanging in the corner, and small bottles of Japanese condiments on the tables. Ramen is extremely delicious. What makes it so enticing is the soup - chicken soup stewed for well over 10 hours with a mixture of unique sauce, seasonings, and peppers. It gives out a mild, savory smell. And perhaps because of it, if you are someone who doesn't like salty food, the soup can taste a bit too salty. If so, just eat the noodles and don't drink the soup. Another good point of the diner is that all dishes are made fresh - they do not pre-make any food to facilitate customer flow - it's why there is usually a long line outside. But the wait is totally worth it because when you sit down to start devouring the noodles, you will feel the legendary "ramen experience. " Also, service is good, waiters and waitresses are generally friendly, but at times they can be a bit blunt especially when there's lots of waiting customers. But the strange thing is that the longer you wait, the better the ramen taste. Once my friend and I waited in line for well over 40 minutes, by the time we got our spots, it's already 8:30pm... I swallowed the whole thing like I'd never eaten before; or it could've been our hunger - we could've savored anything in that state.
(5)Carolyn T.
I don't even want to give 1 star because this is how bad this place is. This place has been decent over the years but the food and service have just gone down hill. The waitress is extremely rude. I ordered a spicy miso ramen and came out with miso ramen. I told her this and she said no you ordered miso even though my friend heard me said spicy miso. She didn't not apologize nor bother to give me a new bowl. She bumped into my friend's chair and ordered my friend to move her chair in as if it was her fault. There was plenty of room in the back. Rude rude rude! I only went here because yume was closed and will never come back here again
(1)Jennifer P.
Sapporo is hands down my favorite restaurant in the Cambridge/Boston area. I am almost convinced that this place may sprinkle crack into their food - it's so incredibly addicting. I crave the ramen at Sapporo at least several times per week. The prices are decent, the ambience is gritty, the service is fair - all things that I like about good old asian home-cooking restaurants. I had a friend come into town who lived in Flushing, Queens and I was a bit reluctant to bring him to this restaurant thinking that he would not enjoy this restaurant since he was coming from the Northeast Mecca of Asian food - but he loved it as well! In fact, he requested that we come again the next day (which of course we did). Come rain, sunshine, snow, blizzard, sleet, wintry mix...you can be sure that you will find me at Sapporo. My favorites, in no particular order: Tan Tan Men House Ramen Spicy Miso Ramen P.s. the appetizers all suck. I've already tried all of them and they're terrible. Just stick with the ramen and you can't go wrong!
(5)Zhibo P.
Worth try!
(4)Eunice E.
When the mood hits for a big bowl of hot ramen, this is a nice place to go... but remember to bring your cash, because that's the only currency they'll take. The broth is great, especially when you're feeling under the weather, and you need a warm pick-me-up that will fill you up and calm you down. If you add some chili sauce to your soup, well, I mean, that's just awesome. Especially if you're sick and you need to clear your sinuses. The meat is tender and fatty, but it goes well with the soft, thick ramen noodles. I tried the kimchi ramen, and it was not exactly the Nong Shim ramen I was picturing in my head, but it was nice to have something warm in my belly while recovering from a particularly nasty virus. Overall, solid ramen joint. May come back for more.
(3)Qi G.
I've decided to give this place another try after the unpleasant experience a couple years ago. I ordered the house ramen and shared the roast pork buns with friends. While the ramen was better than the last time I had it, it left something to be desired. I was also disappointed to find out that the egg that came with the ramen was not the marinated soft boiled eggs that typically serve with Japanese ramen but a plain cooked egg. The broth was very average and didn't taste like it had been boiled for hours. Roast pork buns were not bad. Don't think I am coming back here anytime soon. There are better ramen places in Boston area.
(3)Kelsey C.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." But what if we need to cross a bridge just to get there? I'd cross a mountain to get to Sapporo. Momofuku and Baohaus have ruined Pork Buns for me, and I never thought I'd find decent ones in Boston. But at $5.50 for two, Sapporo's are a steal. And better than decent. Done deal. Miso has never been my favorite, but the Spicy Miso Ramen gives me a run for my money. Soft, dense grains of the white stuff glide down your throat, and if you add a red-hot kick of chili, you really start to taste the spicy ground pork. Yum. I've had no broth more perfect than the Kimchee Ramen with its chewy al dente noodles. The kimchee packs some punch, and an addition of spicy ground pork is just perfect. I never want to go to Porter Square, but it takes about the same amount of time to get to as Allston's Super 88, the only food court that rival the Shops so if you say Sapporo I'll come running. So keep up the good work Sapporo, I think you also put Lesley University on the map.
(4)Alex M.
In hindsight, the ramen was good but perhaps not as good as I led myself to believe. Nevertheless it's probably one of the better ramen bowls I've had in the Boston area.
(3)Harri S.
It appears that either something went horribly wrong last time, or amazingly well this time. I got the tantanmen and it was quite satisfying. The Biff got a spicy miso with extra noodles and didn't finish because his eyes are larger than his stomach. The collagenous broth was at the right temperature (Sean-a Paul-a!!!!), and the noodles held up well and did not get soggy. As always this place is cash only. My biggest gripe about this place is that it is deceivingly inexpensive. Sure your bowl starts out at $8.95, but add a hard-boiled egg (I never seem to find me soft boiled ones), and a drink and the bill with tip comes out to about $30 for 2 people. CASH ONLY.
(4)Catherine D.
They know they have us where they want us (as there are so few ramen places around), so they can put in MINIMAL effort and still have good business. First, the quality of the food is not very good. This is probably the worst ramen I have ever had. Second, the service SUCKS. I came in during the week around 2:00pm. There were maybe three other customers. I tell the waitress it was just for one. She glared at me as if my request was completely absurd--how dare I ask for a seat in such an empty restaurant. I walked toward a corner table. She handed me a menu and I took it. However, she did not let go. With me still holding onto the menu, she maneuvered me to different table. Before I was able to take off my coat and sit down she gruffly asked me what I wanted. The food is not good, but the location is convenient. I could have seen myself returning to eat bad ramen, but with this kind of service--NEVER AGAIN.
(1)Bram B.
I'm missing Sapporo Ramen! I only visit the Boston area now during summers. Their house ramen, thick and collagen-y, is ideal for a rainy or cold day (though lines and waits can be very long and it's best to be contrarian and go when others aren't likely to!) You might be shoe-horned into sitting with a stranger in order to keep the soup flowing, but don't be a hermit, it's ok to interact with a stranger, especially when comfort food this comfortable is on the table. The broth makes the soup, but the combination of the pork, seaweed, egg, corn (seemed kind of unusual in ramen to me but now it seems so natural) adds up to more than the sum of its parts and becomes something I miss now living in the South. The other soups are good too, spicy, miso, etc., but the house ramen is my staple.
(5)Emily C.
Was coming down with a cold, the kimchi ramen here was just the right cure. Broth is delicious and thick with collagen, the pork is fork-tender and the veg balance in the soup is just right (corn, nori, half a boiled egg, scallions and more). Had the chicken katsu on the side and it was also delicious. The place is crazy busy and seating's a bit cramped but service is super polite and efficient. The kitchen is open so you can watch everyone work. If you're picking side dishes, have a second choice in mind as some appetizers on the menu aren't available anymore (like the onigiri).
(4)CS L.
They actually close between 3 - 5pm. I arrived around 4:45pm on Sunday and they said it's not open until 5pm so I shop around the Tokai Japanese Gifts shop around the corner and return right at 5pm, and I noticed Sapporo is already half filled so I placed my order of House Ramen as soon as I got a seat to avoid others line up their orders in front of my single bowl ramen order. By 5:10pm, the place is already filled with a couple waiting outside. I ordered the House Ramen with extra ramen (add $1 for extra ramen, add $2 for double ramen, pretty good option for ramen lovers like me). The ramen itself seem a little too hard to make it a good chewy level (I'm not sure if it is because this place is already filled with customers so the chef wanted to cook faster to quickly serve more customers or not). The House ramen come with 2 slices of pork, some bean sprouts, corns, scallion, a piece of nori and egg. Overall the quality is not bad (if they can cook a little longer so the ramen is a little more soft inside so I can get a good chew of ramen).
(3)tammy l.
The soup was good, ramen is also good for its price. There is always a long line cuz the place is very small. Because so many good reviews have set up really high expectations, I still find the ramen a bit greasy and not really sth taste originally from Japan.
(4)Lillybeth B.
Love love love the soup here. There has always been a line but it's worth the wait. Yummmm. I've had the curry and the tantammen. They've both been delicious. I will be going back this weekend. I wish there were other locations nearby. There is parking in the back and it's really cheap.
(5)T T.
Got the spicy miso ramen. It's quite a thick broth and I was imagining an explosion of flavor from the looks of it. Disappointed that the flavor was lackluster. You're really paying for the noodles and bean sprouts--ground pork, really? Your competitors are serving up slabs of it! P.S. If you're gonna eat here, bring your own bottled water. The tap water tastes salty. Not sure if it's the tap or the cleanliness of the glasses. Or even the attitude of the waitress....the way she tells customers off is unbelievably laughable. Eating here was an experience.
(2)Ken S.
House ramen is great! Yasai ramen is okay :\ Seating can be difficult at peak hours and you may have to wait in a long line.
(4)Shuang C.
No matter how many times I eat here, no matter how many different dishes I try, I just can't get myself to like this place. Let me start off with the broth. Their broth is unfortunately thick yet unflavorful. It taste like coagulating water compared to the broth at Ippudo. Everytime I finish a bowl of ramen here I will feel sick, without fail. Mind you, it's not as extreme as the crappy feeling one gets from a bowl of Yume wo katare, but it's still pretty bad. Not to mention Yume is actually worth the pain afterwards, whereas this isn't. Noodles are pretty standard, nothing to say here. The pork, man oh man I thought the pork was meh when I first visited them three years ago, but it has progressively gone downhill. Now they are just cold chewy pieces of lameness that I reluctantly put in my mouth because I just want to eat meat. The egg also has gone downhill. Nowadays the yolk is solid powdery yellow, none of that gooey yolk from a well executed ni-tamago. The outside is tinted brown, not solid brown. Sad. If this restaurant was three stars before, now it's only worth 2 stars. Still, I'm giving it three for nostalgia's sake. I really need to accept the fact that I will never like this place, and just stop coming here.
(3)David W.
It isn't a typical Japanese Ramen, the only special is their soup is extreme thick, Obviously they uses chicken bonds to cook for hours or days. However, the taste is too strong, after I finished my bowl, my tongue was palsied for a while.
(3)Ami M.
Love it. I get my ramen fix going here. The steamed bun was super good too. Totally worth waiting in line.
(5)Eunmi L.
Best Ramen soup ever!!
(5)Mahina K.
There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS a line. I love them though. I had the spicy miso ramen and my sister had the tan tan ramen. Both pleased us immensely. I loved their karaage chicken. It's a very small place like most of the other restaurants in this area. It probably seats around 20, IF that many people. It was kind of weird that there's corn in the ramen, haven't really seen it before, but it was yummy. They use bits of ground pork or beef in the ramen which is very yummy. It's kind of hard to eat all the small pieces if you're not so good at chopsticks. Occasionally I do to go because of the lines and just head home. But it's worth the wait if you're in the mood. Everything is decently priced and so delicious. Like most things in Porter, THIS IS CASH ONLY! Bank of America machine around the corner by City Sports.
(4)Sean D.
I have been here twice while working in Boston this summer. My family and I frequent two Ajisen restaurants in LA fairly frequently, we are big fans of fresh ramen. This place is clearly more popular than it's neighbors in this office bldg/mall setting. There was a long line both times I went. A server comes out and takes your order while you wait so that your food comes quickly after being seated. I found this to be a great idea, for customers as well as the restaurant. The ramen was fantastic! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Admiral A.
The OG of Boston area ramen. This 18 seat noodle stall in the food court of Porter Exchange (now owned by Lesley University) has been around over 20 years. Noodles are medium-thin wavy. Very basic in taste and texture, soft most of the time. There is a wide variety of choices here. Their mother broth is a chicken/vegetable boiled high and long. Nice golden color, just a hint of bubbly sheen, more rich and flavorful than one would expect. On some days a hint of bitterness comes through. Tantan Men arrives looking like a fiery sunset. It is rich with toasted sesame, nuts, and chili powder. Miso is a miss; creamy but lacking in flavor. Spicy Miso has decent heat. Hot & Sour tries hard but needs more vinegar to go with the chili oil. Curry Ramen is blah. Thinly sliced lean pork loin is decent. Fairly tender, you can taste the soy marinade. Skimpy amount of ground pork for bowls that have it. Some stomachs might not be satisfied with the portions here. You can order extra or double noodles if that is the case. Passable ramen for the region. Sapporo has name recognition since they have been in business so long. Expect a bit of a wait most of the time. Also note they close for their traditional break between 3-5pm. Cash only.
(3)Cindy K.
MmMm salty goodness. I like this place a lot. Its located right inside the Porter Exchange food court. If you go here in the winter time, expect a line around the corner hall for this place. I always get the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and salty. The noodles have a nice chew to them. I also add the house pepper and hot oil to make things even spicier. My husband always gets the house ramen. That brother is a chicken base broth that is also very thick in a good way. It comes with 3 slices of roast pork and an egg. Very delicious as well.
(5)Mike B.
I thought this place would satisfy my hunger, but all it did was give me a stomach ache for hours. The broth was very murky and Ramen wasn't cooked right for my taste. The service wasn't that great either, The waitress just asked us what we wanted and that's it. Took about 15mins to actually come around and give me my change back. Never coming here again, I wouldn't recommend this place for anyone.
(1)Matt L.
Overall, the food is decent. I would probably give it four stars. Nothing here is bad, and as long as you come often enough, you'll find something you like. The biggest problem here is the service. The people who run the shop aren't that friendly, and are pretty bad about seating. There's always a line, and they don't really do their best to make food quickly. Also, this place still doesn't take cards- cash only.
(3)Pe V.
Don't read any review that doesn't give Sapporo Ramen 5 stars. * FORGIVABLY Small Yes, the restaurant has limited seating (and ever since being featured on NPR and the book "Where Chefs Eat" there has been massive line every time), limited drink options (no hot tea, only cold canned tea, but at least they have oolong), they only have one server, they only take cash, and they might not have a menu option that perfectly satisfies your food aversion/allergy/proclivities. * The REAL Reason To Go: Authentic House ramen. I crave it the way others crave chicken noodle soup. The chicken broth is thick and full of flavor. The pork is marinated well (albeit fatty at times), the noodles have a wonderful chewiness (al dente), and an egg on top. 1) Bring cash. Your Hamilton and stomach will high five -- twice. 2) Don't look at the menu. Order the house ramen and never look back. 3) Become a regular. ** PROTIP ** Expect a long wait! Buuuuut, if you abhor waiting like I do, cut the line and order "to go" at the register. You likely receive your order before the first person in line gets seated. Then, you can then buy a ceramic Japanese bowl at a shop on the same floor and eat at a free table downstairs. And if you're on a date, your date will think, "What a clever, and whimsical person I have just met. When we get back to my place I will [verb] him/her vigorously with my [noun]". You're welcome :)
(5)Julia L.
First time at Porter Square - what a cute little treasure! I'm a ramen lover, and I'm so glad I found this so I'm not stuck with only Wagamama. Pork buns - loved the pork, fatty and flavorful just the way it's supposed to be. Disappointed at the buns - too chewy, like it's been made since morning and sitting out for a few hours. If I came earlier at opening time, it might have been different. House ramen - broth was excellent, very rich and savory. Noodles were kind of skimpy, hidden by the large amounts of broth. I think extra noodles are $2 so definitely doing that next time (**I'm a 5' Asian girl so anyone bigger than me, hence everyone, should probably get the extra noodles). One other thing, the half egg is fully cooked, not the semi-cooked kind that I like but that's all due to preference. Overall, best ramen so far in Boston, but still on the hunt!
(4)Sara M.
I have had a change of heart. Ken broke mine by moving back to Japan so I decided to give Sapporo another try. I was pleasantly surprised! I recently had Mentei and it confirmed my earlier sentiments of blaaah. We came around 1pm on a Sunday and waited for about 15 minutes but the server was just so friendly. I ordered the pork gyoza and the house ramen with spicy ground pork. The gyoza was not fried properly - the pan was too hot so the outside burned and without crisping all around. The broth was...sticky. You could definitely tell it was chicken and not pork but it was still pretty tasty. They could have given me a bit more ground pork (as well as not just one sad little piece of nori) and it could have been spicier but that's what the chili is for I guess. The noodles were not as springy and chewy as I would have liked but they had a good mouth feel. The ramen was much better than what I remembered and a decent substitute for Ken's. I enjoyed it quite a bit and was happy that this place has come along nicely! The bowl was decently sized and I did not need to order extra noodles. The spicy miso ramen was deemed good as well. I will definitely be back for the kimchi ramen and more house ramen as often as I can!
(4)Phil C.
I tried the miso ramen and it was okay. The broth is, admittedly, rich and flavorful. It might be a little too rich for some, with the high amount of collagen in the soup. The noodles are decent, as it wasn't too soft. While I know the noodles and broth are the centerpieces of the meal, there sliced pork (the very few that was there) and vegetables lacked quantity and quality. Had I been hungry that meal, the miso ramen would've been insufficient to satisfy me. But it was fine for me that day. If you're in the mood for ramen, this place will sufficiently address that need. n.b. - very few seats and cash only
(3)Bailey Z.
How can you not try a ramen place that advertises that their broth is supplemented with NATURAL collagen. Boy, I sure do prefer that natural collagen in my ramen as opposed to the artificial stuff. I do love a good ramen place though and Sapporo has the good stuff. The wait is insanely long because their dining area is insanely small and limited. Don't come here with a large group because it's a bad idea. In fact, they are so limited in space that many times you might have to end up sharing your meal with a complete stranger, which can lead to some major awkwardness. But, I guess once you have that huge bowl of ramen in front of you, nothing else matters. I got the tantanmen (sesame oil flavored) ramen with ground pork with extra noodles because I love the texture of ramen noodles. The broth was thick, warm, rich, but comforting. Mmm, gotta love that natural collagen. The noodles were cooked perfectly (slightly al dente, just the way I like it). I also tasted some of the spicy miso ramen, which wasn't spicy at all, but you could definitely taste the strong miso flavor. I wish they had more ground pork and added some other things to my ramen like seaweed or an egg. Both broths are quite salty so I recommend having some water in hand. Unfortunately the water they give to you is from the tap and they don't even make it discrete. It's disgusting that you can see particulates floating in your tap water. The only other issue I have with this place is that their service is extremely slow. They take orders while you're in line so one would think that everything would be ready by the time you sit down. Wrong. Apparently you still have to wait even longer because their 10 hour boiled broth is not yet ready for you. Doesn't make much sense to me, but whatever, they make good ramen.
(4)Jeremy K.
Hi my name is Jeremy and I am a ramen addict. Wow, that felt good; I had to say it and get it out. It's been a recent problem of mine and, well... it's been a long road to get here. Leighann recommended I try this place and I made my way there the very next day, hustling like a crack head to get my fix. I've since made quite a few trips there and have enjoyed every single one of them greatly. Even took my parents there. While I started off by ordering their house ramen which features noodles, a clear chicken broth, a half an egg, scallions, corn and soy sprouts, I've lately switched over to the Kim-Chi ramen because kim-chi is delicious and adds a bit more depth to the ramen. At $8-$9 bucks for a big bowl that most can't finish easily the place is affordable and the service is quick. Cash only though, so be warned. The ramen here will open your eyes and will make you realize that there's more to ramen then that packaged crap you see on the supermarket shelves that is loaded with sodium. The place is modest, but yeah, I am a a big fan, so much so that I'll give it a generous four stars because it's clean, quick and the prices are good and also because I've had many quiet, enjoyable lunches there both with and without company!
(4)Thien N.
I'm not really sure what authentic Japanese ramen is really supposed to taste like since this was my first time. After waiting for about 10-15 minutes, we finally sat down and ramen was served up 5 minutes later. It's great that they take your order while you're in line to avoid the extra wait time. I opted for the hot and sour ramen and my friend opted for their house ramen. The house ramen was really good. The broth was flavorful and noodles were cooked just right! However, once you get half way through, it starts to become too thick with the gelatinous. It slows you down. My hot and sour soup did the same. I couldn't finish the broth but did finish my noodles. The noodles were delicious! I'd definitely go for the house ramen next time. What to try: House Ramen Warning: this is CASH only. Luckily there is a BOA ATM nearby.
(4)Henry Z.
One of the best ramen in Boston area!
(5)Han F.
I love their ramens, the house ramen, the miso ramen and the hot & sour ramen. I never get anything else here because the soups are SO FILLING. If I know that I'm going to Sapporo, I try to eat a very light meal before, just so that I can make sure to slurp down every last sip! Staff are always courteous and if you want extras of anything, there always willing to accommodate. On top of that, they're next to Cafe Mami, my other all time favorite at Porter Exchange. =) YUM!
(5)Allison B.
Wow. Just wow. Rich, creamy broth that is made by some special bone-soaking process. Homemade noodles. So full. So delicious. Go here and order the Kim Chi Ramen. Oh my gosh.
(5)Michael S.
Been doing the Ramen rounds around the boston area and this IS the best.
(5)Peter P.
At times there are long lines, only because its so darn good! Not five star as in fine dining, but man is this place a gem. Great size portions - I usually go with the hot and sour or tan tan men but the spicy miso ramen is also another go-to great. Small little joint in the Porter Square food court/Lesley University building...PRO TIP: cash only.
(5)Julie V.
A consistent winner. I've been going here for lunch every so often for the past three years, and it never fails to satisfy. The wait can seem intimidating, but it is more than worth it for the delicious bowl of rich broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and tender pork. I always go for the kimchi version, but I've gone with friends who take the house or miso and love them just as much.
(5)Ivy G.
Back Sep. 2011, I had my first taste of this Ramen with pork noodle. I did not think very special or worth recommending. So my second taste was last Tuesday , I ordered spicy miso ramen. It came with little spicy actually. To be honest, I almost added all the spicy pepper on the table to my noodle. Still not satisfied with the spice. Yes, it would be a good choice to try once. since it is so hard to find any right Ramen in Boston. Moreover, the soup is too oily for me~
(3)Skye R.
I was craving Ramen and so Yelp helped me find the best place within walking distance. Unfortunately this was a let-down. I found that the broth was way too heavy, too much fat and umami and missing that crucial "zing" as a counterpoint. A splash of ponzu or even the fermented taste of bonito would have mde a world of difference. Instead, I felt like I was drowning in a pool of collagen. I tried adding a side of spicy pork, but that was also just fat, and then dousing my bowl with sriracha (just made it taste like spicy fat). I was also disappointed with the included bits-- two slices of pork, some corn and bean sprouts. Where were other interesting add-ins, like fish cake or seaweed? Overall, if you want a good bowl of hot fatty soup, this is the place. If you are looking for a "real" authentic ramen, don't come here.
(3)Kari C.
This is a small restaurant inside of Porter Exchange. I come here often for other restaurants as well and I always see a line for this place! Boyfriend ordered a spicy miso ramen and I ordered the house ramen. He says that it is not great but it IS the best ramen he has ever had. However, for someone like me who prefers lighter foods and has a small appetite, I would personally not come back. The soup base was much too thick for me and did not taste very good. I felt a little bit sick after and could not finish half of it. The service was average but of course, it is to be expected from a small and busy place so I don't blame them. We were also in line before these two guys and even though I wasn't ready to order when she came to us in line, she ended up taking their order first and it came about 5-7min before ours even though she brought the orders in at the same time.
(3)Lauren S.
I have not had ramen in Japan. But in my sample size of various packages and other Asian restaurants, I have not had ramen better than this. Holy crap, it's cheap, AND it's delicious. Some folks have told me they don't like the noodle consistency, but if we're going for personal preference: if I've been prepping for a visit, I can clean out a bowl in 15 minutes (the size of a small trough) if I have to handle conversation while eating. [ambiance: a little weird. the venue is like, 3-4 long tables. You get tap water in a cup-- it's okay since your mission is to shovel ramen-- and there can be a line. Bring cash-- there's an ATM in the building, and they don't accept credit cards here] My favorite is the kimchi ramen, but I've enjoyed miso with butter (unabashedly, I love butter and I love fat.). I pour a bunch of chili oil (from the ridonkulously adorable little cat condiment bowls), and go to town. Th kimchi ramen comes with sliced roasted pork, sprouts, corn, seaweed, hard boiled tea egg (and kimchi, naturally)-- I noticed some folks have had cold pork and egg. I haven't had that happen to me, but I somehow doubt that it would phase me if it did. The reality is, the broth is what keeps me coming back. Finding delicious broth is freaking hard around here, and I would drink this broth through a straw if I didn't think I would possibly pop my stomach from over consumption. I do really like runny eggs in my udon, but I've got no complaints about the tea egg here. Also, make sure you check out the cat cartoons stenciled on the wall. Under each overly expressive cat (one is bursting into tears of joy), there's a phrase. "Growl. mmm. that! try. OH! my god." While you're deep in ramen consumption, it almost makes sense. Yes, my God. Try the ramen. If you don't like it, it's only about $8.50, so you won't be out much for your adventure.
(4)Lisa W.
Not bad.. but I think we'll try all the other food stalls in the building before coming back. We had: - house ramen (would get extra pork next time) - tantanmen - kimchi - 2 pork buns = $25 after tax before tip (CASH ONLY) The broth is rich and tasty, but the noodles are just OK compared to my favorite ramen place in LA. The pork buns though.. wow! The bun was soft and fresh, and the pork slice was large and juicy. It comes with two different variations. Mine had a cucumber slice and some soy-based sauce which I loved. The other had lettuce, tomato, and some sort of mayo-based sauce. It was pretty busy, but it seems like the tables turn over fast. I did hear the waitress allow some people to sit at the empty cafe across the hall, so it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's super crowded.
(3)Prem A.
Didn't think the ramen here was anything special. Had much better ramen in New York. I had the soy sauce ramen. The broth was good, but didn't enjoy the noodles. I chose to go here because it was one of the few ramen spots open on Sundays.
(3)Michelle J.
I am not a soup person and the first 2 times I came here it was in-between it's closed for lunch phase. So unfortunately I didn't get to try them my first few trips here. But it was cold and I am nothing if not determined. I figured I would stop here for an early dinner after missing my bus a couple hours before. I was frustrated and it was cold. So when I got to Sapporo at 4:30 and the guy told me they actually open back at 5pm I was a little bit sad. However as the saying goes 3 times the charm I wasn't going to let that discourage me. If anything I wouldn't have to wait on line like so many people choose to when they come here. The lines don't get super long but there is limited seating so I imagine if I did choose to wait for an opening it would be at least half an hour to 40mins depending on the crowd. So when I returned at 5pm I took a seat at an open table and the waiter (I feel funny using the term waiter for a ramen shop) brought me a water and took my order. They only serve about 6 kinds of ramen and the menu has pictures so you know exactly what you'd be getting. I ordered the Tan Tan Men and their pork buns. About 10 minutes later I get my steaming hot bowl of ramen. Looks just like the picture and I dig in... well as much as a person can dig into a bowl of soup. The soup was hearty, the noodles though I felt could have been a little more were good. The ground pork and other toppings were very flavorful. On a cold winter evening I couldn't ask for anything more. This was the perfect meal. And even though there was a line forming while I ate I never felt rushed by the waiter. He didn't even bring the check until he noticed my soup was almost done. I will say though that this place was a little more expensive than I would want to spend for dinner.The bowl of ramen itself cost about $10 but the food was so good and the bowl pretty big I think it was worth it.
(3)Peter P.
I've been to a lot of ramen shops, and most of the time they're over-hyped. You pay an arm and a leg for something that tastes about the same as what you ate to get you through your college days. But this is not your average 4-for-a-dollar ramen, this is some real quality stuff. Food alone merits this establishment 4/5. Food: We had the pork buns as the appetizer. For some reason though, mine didn't have mayo or a slice of tomato. It actually had a thin spread of what appeared to be black bean paste, which I felt made it taste better compared to what my friends had. For the entree, I had the house ramen with double noodles (because I'm so used to getting a dismal amount elsewhere). It definitely pushed my eating limits, and I think next time I'll just settle for extra instead of double noodles. The broth was thick, and I'm not sure if it's because of the egg noodles or how they cook it. I feel like they must have taken egg yolk and mixed it in with miso broth or something. It's not a bad thing, it just felt very heavy afterwards. The pork slices were nice and tender with a roasted soy taste to them, however I think it's a little expensive to get extra pork. They have plenty of seasoning on the table if you don't like the taste, or if you need a little more spice. Atmosphere: There's about 20 seats total in a small area. Lines form randomly in the hall, but luckily you can "pre-order" while you're waiting. Staff: N/A - mostly because they just drop off the food, and come back for the check. Final Thoughts Sapporo is a terrific place for ramen, and you definitely get the most bang for your buck here. However, the wait time can fluctuate a lot so plan accordingly.
(4)Shing Yiing O.
I am hesitating on giving 3 stars or 4 stars... well.. to be honest.. the house ramen's soup is one of the best soup i have ever had.. Yes.. it's thick and tasty.. I still prefer the ramen that I had in NYC.. Totto and Ippudo.. well.. But I am in a different city.. I will definitely return to get a ramen if I am living in Cambridge... It's different kind of ramen.. It was not the ramen I expected.. That's why it's more like a 3.5 stars instead... but because of the soup.. 4 stars with no comment... It will be perfect if I can have the house ramen soup and the noodles from Totto Ramen.. lol.. the pork in the soup wasn't as crispy as I will get.. We also ordered a bbq pork bun.. This is the reason I was hesitating on giving higher ratings... the bbq pork bun is a little too greasy.. and it was not crispy at all.. instead.. there was too much fat in it... I am just having a really high expectation since I love ramen so much.. but.. it's pretty good to enjoy here and it's cheap!
(3)R S.
I LOVE this place. The ramen that is. The lineups, the sharing of tables, etc. -- not as great. But I often come here two or three lunch hours a week. Amazing spicy miso ramen. Very yummy! Check it out!
(5)Joanna H.
I give 5 stars for the service. As busy as they were, there was only one waiter. Yet, he was so smiley and accommodating; that is very consoling for hungry souls waiting in long lines. Anyways, I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen because of all the rave. Definitely yummy, but personally, I can't handle drinking the thick broth. Noodles had the perfect smooth texture, not too mushy or too undercooked. Broth was creamy and barely spicy. The wait wasn't too long, and they've got an efficient system going. It was a happy & satisfying experience.
(5)Sheila N.
The ramen here doesn't disappoint in terms of quality and quantity. When my friends think about ordering extra noodles I tell them that there is no need because I find myself having trouble finishing up my own bowl! Last time I came here I ordered the house ramen which had a hard boiled egg, seaweed, corn, sliced pork, and bean sprouts. I liked the broth because it was creamy and tasty. If you think it tastes plain, just had a dash of soy sauce. The noodles were soft yet a bit chewy. My friends and I did not have to wait but it was three in the afternoon when it was not busy. This place seats about 15-20 people at a time so sometimes you would have to wait to be seated. If your thinking of giving this place a try, I definitely recommend visiting this place!
(5)Judith C.
I came here on a Saturday after 11:30am when a bunch of other shops in the area were starting to open up for lunch. We were told it was a 15 minute wait and got to order while we waited online, but we ended up hungrily waiting a bit longer than expected. The place is small with a few tables and is seemingly popular as it formed a line not long after it opened. I ordered the miso ramen which ended up being too salty and almost overbearing as I finished. I couldn't get rid of the saltiness lingering in my mouth minutes after eating and drinking more water. I liked the miso flavor and enjoyed eating it at the first few bites, but it bothers me when a shop makes their ramen saltier than it needs to be. The pork seemed like the typical kind that comes with Japanese ramen, but the pieces I got at Sapporo were thickly cut. Instead of the usual thin layer of fat that adds flavor to the meat, this pork had chunks of fat which were too much to eat. Ultimately, it was a quick and satisfying meal to eat ramen here despite the bit of wait, but given the number of Japanese shops in Porter Exchange, I think I would enjoy eating at some other place better.
(2)Marisol C.
Not impressed with the ramen. Neither the broth nor the noodles had any flavor. I was looking forward to this restaurant due to the reviews, but it was a disappointment.
(2)Guillermo M.
Last time we got the house ramen soup and didn't love it but we had to find what brought so many people to this place (other than the great prices). It is the miso ramen soup! This is what I was looking for, lot of flavor! Would have this one again and again and again.
(4)Chris H.
The ramen is very good--not the best ever, but good. Beware that they close early, and at least the last several times I went, they chased the patrons out right at closing time, even if they had just gotten their food. There's also a long line, so between the line and the iron fisted closing policy, make sure to arrive with plenty of time.
(4)Yue Z.
Service: 3 Food: 3 Ambiance: 2 I'm a huge ramen fan, and the search for great ramen in Boston has been a disappointing experience. Sapporo ranks among the best that I've tried thus far. Sapporo is located inside the shopping center at porter square, and has ~30 seats. There's usually a line around dinner time, and the waitress takes your order while you're waiting in line. I've never waited more than 30 minutes as the turnaround of this place is quite fast. They have all the basic options of soup base, including miso, salt, and spicy. The tonkatsu is great, and the ramen is of great quality. The soup is on the creamy side, and may not be to everyone's taste. The noodles are on the harder end, though still quality noodles. The spicy miso isn't that spicy, so I would often ask for extra spicy. There's also the usual option of a rice bowl on the side, which makes it a bit too much food. They have a very simple set of options, and ramen is served within 5, at most 10 minutes of you sitting down. The ramen also gets cold quickly, so it really shortens the amount of time you have to eat. I've never found it to be a great place to catch up with people, as between the line right at where you're eating and the speed of the food service, you're almost expected to be in and out in 30 minutes. In one sense that is why ramen places exist, on the other, I would've prefered to enjoy my food a bit more.
(3)Thomas H.
We just went there this afternoon. The broth was not seasoned very well. I had to add soy sauce. The grounded pork was like a meatball of refrigerated meat. You can tell the cook took no pride in his craft. It wasn't worth the wait. This would be the last time we go there.
(1)Jack L.
I don't like giving out 1 stars, but after trying this place out twice with two different people who shared similar opinions as me, yah... Apparently a lot of people enjoy eating here, maybe it's the mainstream American idea of what Asian food is. For example, most Chinese restaurants in the USA aren't authentic Chinese food. Same thing with Sapporo... it's not real ramen! What I don't like about this place: 1. Their soup base is disgusting! It's thick and and nasty tasting. It taste nothing like Japanese ramen soup bases! Wagamama is UK-based ramen, and they seem to somewhat get the concept of ramen soup bases... Sapporo Ramen does not! 2. Their noodles are... ... egg noodles? fried noodles? cup ramen instant noodles??? definitely NOT TRUE RAMEN noodles which require the chef to actually make it with his hands and stretch it out to a springy texture with substance. The kanji characters for ramen mean "pulled noodles," describing the process for how real ramen is made. 3. The meat portions in the noodles are nothing like the generous meat portions in your average Japanese noodle stall! All I can say, cheap noodles, cheap food, cheap taste... I don't understand why so many people line up here every day every hour wait 15-20 minutes to be seated to order such unauthentic and nasty-tasting soup noodles... Sighz!
(1)Philip H.
Homemade Broth with Anti-Inflammatory Effects There is nothing like a homemade chicken bone broth, rich and fragrant and glistening with circles of golden colored natural fat. Plus, this stuff has minerals galore! Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and others that can be easily absorbed by the body. Sapporo Ramen EXCELS at their version 2.0 homemade broth. I agree with Leighann and Tatsu that change is for the better. In the past, Sapporo Ramen was nothing to scream for. Since they changed their broth to the 10 hour-boiled, poultry-based, collagen-saturated goodness, I jump out of bed for a bowl of Sapporo Ramen. Especially when I'm sick, I love to blast my system with this stuff after taking some cold medicine and cough drops. Last week, my trifecta of pills, broth, and Ricola did the trick for my sore throat. It was awesome. It is critical to get here on time or be prepared for the wait. During the winter time (which is like 75% of the year in Boston), Sapporo Ramen is usually the busiest restaurant at Porter Exchange, . Limited seating, high demand, and short supply are all factors. If you get their at peak times, you'll most likely need to wait and probably share a table with another party. A natural line forms outside the Korean joint right across from them and follows along the wall toward Cafe Mami. When it's really busy, they will take your order from the line prior to seating you. By short supply, I mean they can run out of ramen or broth. Yes, I've seen people come after they had finished the lunchtime supply of broth. So I mentioned the amazing broth that can magically heal a sore throat. Why else do I love this place? The menu is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is decide what flavor of ramen you are going to get, house, miso, kimchi etc... If this is your first time, get the house ramen. It's what most people get. And I recommend getting it with extra vegetables for $2. They will load the bowl with crunchy, chopped cabbage, which I feel rounds the sliced pork, corn, green onion, nori flake, sprouts, and 1/2 boiled egg. The gyozas here have great flavor but are a tad bit oily. The pork belly bun was a pretty major fail. Way too dry. It falls short of the glory of Jojo Taipei's pork belly bun. In the summer time, they have a summer ramen that is cold and a must-try in hot weather. The people that work at Sapporo are very warm and friendly, so I always leave them a nice tip. So go now. And if you are feeling a sore throat coming, GOGOGOGOGO NOW!!! Blast your system with their magical broth.
(4)Cy K.
Very sub par ramen. The pork and egg were clearly not fresh - since they were still cold when I tried to eat them. The half egg is hard boiled (not soft and gooey as it should be. The pork was just ok - not horrible, but certainly not the melt in your mouth tender it should be. Lastly, the broth was very thin and not creamy (potentially just personal preference). The one saving grace was the noodles were just al dente and a bit chewy - which was very nice. Service was quick and kind. However, the food itself was just lazy. Some good noodles with a lot of not good stuff around it. What a shame!
(2)Paul L.
I first went on a Wednesday evening. An hour-long queue waiting to this small place. Gave up. Came back on Saturday at 5pm. Still a small line even at this hour. But I waited and made it in this second time. Frankly I was expecting a lot from this place because of the ever-present line. I ordered a House Ramen with extra noodles all for $10.60. Regarding the portion, with the extra noodles it would have been a regular size. Then the "full of collagen" broth that they tout on posters and menus. They say it's made from chicken. I don't taste any chicken. They say it's rich... Well, it's thick, but definitely not rich. There's a soapy taste. The broth tastes flat. There's no depth in the flavor at all. Disappointed. Then the ramen. These don't seem like handmade from the total lack of chewiness. I'm guessing they were frozen. The ramen is better than good instant noodles but no where close to handmade ones I've had in Japan or London. I don't know. Perhaps I don't know what's good for me. But I am not coming back to this place. I am confused as to why there are always so many people lining up to this mediocre ramen store.
(1)Ethics G.
This is one of my favorite ramen places in Boston. I regularly order the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and delicious with no shortage of flavor. The noodles are the typical thin ramen, which are very comforting, especially on a cold day. I enjoy the additions of the spicy ground pork, tofu, seaweed, sprouts, and corn, and I regularly order extra noodles and tofu or seaweed. The sliced pork add-on is so-so, and could be better flavored, more tender, and more moist. See yume wo katare for some truly excellent pork. The restaurant is in the Porter Exchange Bld with a number of other Japanese eateries. Don't go for the decor, as it is strictly utilitarian. Moreover, don't go there and expect to chat after your meal, because you should move on so that others can sit and eat. This is a typical Asian no-nonsence, sit down eat and get out type of place. One of the waitresses can be a bit abrupt, but what's important to me is that I get my food quickly and efficiently. The proximity of this restaurant to yume wo katare gives rise to inevitable comparisons. But the two are like comparing apples and oranges. at yume, they serve only one flavor of noodles, the noodles are thick, and it's all about the pork. At Sapporo, there are more choices, the noodles are thin, and there are more to add. Either way, you can't really go wrong. Mostly, I wish that Sapporo Ramen would open a branch in downtown Boston. I would go every week.
(5)Rob S.
I've been eating at this place for many years and it alwasy still a tough decision between Sapporo Ramen or Tampopo because I love both so much equally. I love getting the miso vegetable ramen. It's not like any other ramen I have ever tasted and always make a trip to this place a couple times every winter. The area is great and does have its busy hours.
(5)Matthew S.
I love this place. I have been going there since I was in college and have not been disappointed yet. I really enjoy getting the Spicy Miso with extra noodle and butter. The portions are huge and it tastes so good. The only downside to this place is the lack of seating, but it is worth the wait.
(5)Jing Z.
I love the toasted pork bun more than the ramen! But ramen is also very good! I will go and try some other ramen next time.
(3)Fat G.
Fat G. coming with a review about a place that I heard rave reviews about. Naturally, I had to go in order to check out the hub-bub. Anyways, Sapporo Ramen is located inside a plaza along with a whole bunch of other food places. There are Korean, Chinese, mochi restaurants, and all have their own draws of bringing people there. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. When we first got there, there was a line in which we had to wait about 15 minutes or so. One of the persons who worked there gave us a menu to look at and order from. It's a small menu but has much variety, in terms of additions and flavors. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. I ended up ordering the same thing my friend did, which was basically the standard Ramen dish with extra noodles. It came out to around $11. In it was the soup, the ramen, some meat (3 pieces) and veggies.More of the flavor comes from the broth mix concoction than the noodles themselves. All in all, I was satisfied in terms of taste, but not really wowed by it, nor was I completely full either. The experience of authentic cuisine is what they're trying to convey. Recommended for: noodles, "diamond in the rough."
(3)Jeff M.
Sapporo Ramen managed to both excite me and let me down. First, tasting the broth excited me because I definitely could tell this is not a can chicken stock from China Town. But then I was let down by the pork slices and egg which were both cool. The broth did not re-heat either enough. My recommendation is to get double meat and double vegetables to not end up with a bowl of broth. The sticky pork buns were gross and you could definitely tell the bun was from some company mass producing them like chips. I'd give Sapporo another try only because of its price point.
(2)Sara R.
The problem I have is that, while I was in Japan, I had Ichiran Ramen and there is seriously nothing like it. I've tried to make ramen myself and understand how difficult it is to do from scratch. The flavour of their broth is seriously undeveloped .. It's too bad,because the noodles were perfectly chewy
(2)Anna C.
I absolutely LOVE Saporro Ramen. I tried so many ramen shops in the boston area and this is still my favorite place to go. My favorite is the House ramen and I get that one every time I go. There's always a line when I go but the line moves very quickly and you get to order when you're in line! They give you water when you sit down but it's probably just tap water. The pork bun is pretty good too but they sometimes run out of it. I tried getting it to go before, but the noodles just molded in the shape of the container so it is definitely better to sit in and eat.
(5)Burry B.
the ramen at Sapporo, is not bad but is not the best that I've had. generally with ramen you have your usual cuts of pork, but at sapporo there is an extra charge. I guess the easy way to describe the ramen here is that it doesn't taste add if it had simmered for enough hours. the flavors are under developed and have not matured. in saying that...I'm sure if the same recipe was allowed to simmer for another 8 hours the broth here could be amazing written 1/12/12 as a draft, but now posted.
(2)Emily H.
Meh. That's really just it. The last time I had ramen was in Japan and the time before that was in San Mateo, CA- so I may be extremely biased, but this ramen was just okay. We waited about 15 minutes in line and got the House Ramen. For $10 a pop, I expected a bigger bowl with more fixin's. Generous (thicker) slices of pork but it wasn't tender, the broth wasn't flavorless, but it wasn't flavorful either. I realized I was adding stuff to it (chili, togarashi) because I just didn't get that *oomph* that I wanted from the broth. Bad sign. The service was fine, its no frills, but they know there is a line so they try to get your food to you quick! Overall, I was just not very impressed and would not go again. I would go to Cafe Mami (right next door!) any day over this ramen joint.
(2)Scott N.
I had never truly had authentic ramen before, and after coming up here with a friend; someone who *always* goes out of their way to visit Sapporo when they're in the area, I think I'm going to have to do the same. It was just...wow. Great. I'm not the biggest fan of tofu, or even hot and sour soup for that matter, but the fact that the pork was just so tender and warm, and the tofu just absorbed all of the spices and flavor that the spicy broth gave it. The scallions were the perfect size, and the table had lots of fixins, if that's your thing (two different types of pepper, spicy sauce, salt, ketchup, strangely enough.) The place itself is kind of hard to find; you have to go into this tiny college bookstore building, and it's down the back hall where all of the other Japanese style restaurants are located. They only have seating for a couple of tables; maybe 15 people total, so a line quickly forms around the key dining points of the day (noon, 5, 7, etc). They also hold weird hours, and have no qualms with just closing in the middle of the day with no ETA on when they'll reopen. There's plenty to do in the surrounding Harvard Square area, at least, so enjoy the day! I give this place 4 stars for a couple reasons. The food was delicious, and cheap too, but it was lacking a certain soul that you get at more intimate dining places. The portions were gigantic, and for only 2 or 3 dollars more, you can get double, or triple the portions (I went with the 2$ add-on, and definitely don't regret it.) If you're shopping at the plaza, and not a student, you can get your parking validated for a small fee; take the T at all possible (red line to Harvard Square drops you off about 1/2 a mile away, I believe).
(4)Isabella C.
The BEST Japanese ramen!!!!! The texture of the noodles is amazing. Well my favorite is the spicy miso ramen which is a little spicy, comes with ground pork and corn and the soup is sooooo tasty. I do have to say that their regular miso ramen is not that great (the broth)- I thought it was kinda salty but otherwise not that flavorful. Their hot and sour soup ramen is decent. The portions are pretty large and def enough to fill u up and give you food coma but I usually add an extra batch of noodles ($1) and ground pork ($2) just bc they're so delicious. (The roast pork is nothing special in my opinion). I've never ordered appetizers from them so can't comment on that. It's about $8 I think per bowl which I think is totally worth it. It's a small shop in a mall so don't expect anything fancy and there's always a long line but definitely worth the wait. We usually try to get there when it opens so that we don't have to wait. There's metered street parking and a Parking lot which is just $1 to park if you get ur ticket stamped by the restaurant.
(4)James S.
This is where I go for ramen. I had family in Toronto who took me for ramen where they were raving about. It was really good, bey Sapporo was still better
(5)Chenkai L.
This is hands down my favorite ramen place in Boston and I have tried a lot of ramen places in the city. The ramen is freshly made and chewy, the ingredients are fresh and the most amazing part of it is the incredibly creamy broth thats sets it apart from all the other ramen places in Boston. Beware of the waiting time when coming here though, the first time I came here, I had to wait 30mins and the second time 45mins, both times around 7pm on a weekday, since they have very limited seating, the line moves slowly. I tried the spicy miso and tan tan ramen, both were delicious. You can also request extra noodle for $1 more or double noodle for $2 more, which is really worth it if you have a bigger than normal appetite and it comes in larger bowls as well. A must try ramen restaurant!
(5)Gong L.
This place used to be good, thats why i came back today. Soup is still good. Nothing else stand out anymore. $2.50 extra pork means i can find a little meat.... Dunno whats wrong with ppl staying in line for this place. Service is bad and slow too. Not coming back anymore.
(2)Brie P.
Returned here (yet again ) last night and I have to update my review. A few weeks ago I got to try pork broth ramen compared to the chicken broth ramen that they serve here. I still love the style noodles that they serve here (I order double noodle) and I usually go for either the curry ramen or the miso ramen (miso usually wins the battle) Last night there was a part of 9 ahead of us,but they had to wait for seating to clean. Instead of waiting behind them, the waitress grabbed our party of 2 and another party of 2. We ended up sharing a table for 4,and had a nice little conversation. My husband got the spicy miso ramen with extra noodles. It took a few mins for them to get our bowls out because (as usual) they were packed. Our bowls came out and looked delicious. Noodles, a small sqaure of seaweed, pork placed just right onto of the pile of noodles, corn and bean sprouts. The broth here is smooth and not too heavy. The Noodles are always soft and delicious. I am a fan of corn in my ramen, I think it adds a delightful crunchy texture,along with the beat sprouts. The pork is a bit on the sweeter side,when you get a bit of the fat. But it works so well along side everything in the bowl, or brings out more flavor. I tried a spoon of my husband's ramen (I am not a fan of spicy foods) and his broth was spicy and yummy. I would not order it,but I know why he likes it. By them time we both needed our bowls,we were warmed up and full. also, I'd like to note that the staff here has always been very nice. Can't wait to return again!
(5)Victoria H.
I've been here twice before-- once on my first visit to Boston, and second after I moved. I love this place... It's a bit of a trek for me to get here and it's literally the only reason I'd end up in that area. There's not a whole lot going around Sapporo. It's in an oddly arranged strip mall. You'll easily find it with the line of people waiting to be seated. But don't fret, my trusty Yelp friends. They turn over tables with lightning speed, and you'll never feel like they've forgotten about you or your wait. This place is tiny. Like literally, ~6 tables. You have to be comfy with sharing tables with strangers in closer quarters. You'll easily get over that once the food comes. First off, their broth here is the smoothest, creamiest concoction ever. This and the cheaper prices are the reason I keep coming back for more! I've tried quite a few ramen places before and no other broth or value compares to here. The only thing that could use improvement are the noodles. I usually like my noodles chewier, so that's easy to change with cooking it a bit longer.
(5)Linda T.
First time coming here with my boyfriend and it was horrible. It was suppose to reopened at 5pm so we stand in line till 5:20pm, the girl skip us and ask the people behind us "how many people?" Did she not see us in line? I told her anyways that there two of us here. I feel that her customer service was bad, but I didn't mind about it. When the food came out, my boyfriend said it tasted horrible. Maybe something was wrong with it. I can't even eat mine, it tasted funny. So we pay and left. We will not come back here to eat again.
(1)Jennifer G.
If you're planning to have dinner here, get here early and factor in some wait time. Don't be that group of four in line trying to grab a quick bite when you have to be at the airport in an hour -- witnessed that firsthand. The restaurant opens for dinner at 5pm, so I would suggest getting there around that time if you can. It's worth the wait, trust me. There's limited amount of seating here, probably about 10 tables max. You get to look at the menu while you're still in line so you can decide what you want and put in your order before you sit down, which is nice. My go-to here is always the pork buns as an appetizer (comes with 2) and the spicy miso ramen. The broth is delicious and the ramen has a good consistency to it too. Very flavorful, but the "spicy" definitely isn't that spicy (in my opinion, at least) but you can add your own spice to it. One thing that I'm used to at other ramen places is the thick cut pieces of fatty pork that sit at the side of your bowl. So delicious! But...Sapporo doesn't do that. They have ground pork, so it's not the same. Most of it sort of hides and sinks to the bottom of your bowl, so it goes unforgotten until you're almost done with your ramen. Other than that, love this place. Note: cash only!
(4)G U.
There is always a line no matter what time - we ate at 1:30/2pm today. The wait can be long depending on your party size. I did appreciate that they ask small groups to share tables. The ramen was good but since we are from CA, it doesn't compare to those ramen shops. But it is the best we've had so far in boston. Ate the house and vegetarian ramen. Both were decent. And the veg broth did not have a strong mushroom flavor which I appreciated. Service was good and attentive. FYI cash only! But there is a BOA nearby
(4)Miles H.
Let me clarify something first: this five star rating is not solely based upon the food at Sapporo Ramen. Rather, it's recognizing this place as an institution. The ramen here is very good, particularly the spicy miso. The noodles are plentiful and chewy, the pork is tasty, and most important of all, the broth is rich while not too heavy on the fat or salt. Is it the best ramen I've ever had? No, but could I eat it any day? Absolutely. That's why I visit Sapporo more than Yume Wo Katare, despite harboring a slight preference for the latter ramen. Sapporo's ramen goes down easy, it's satisfying, and at $10 per bowl, it's a bargain. Also, I'm a big fan of the staff here. Like most ramen joints, it's pretty crazy during peak lunch and dinner hours, but I've always been seated and served within a reasonable amount of time. Make no mistake, the folks here are on top of their ****. They even put aside my iPhone when I accidentally left it behind after a dinner at Sapporo and I was able to pick it up the next morning. Long story short, Sapporo might not have the flash and bang of other ramen joints, but it's a very reliable restaurant and I'd be quite sad if they ever closed.
(5)Christine J.
YUM. House ramen, yummy noodles and pork and corn.. best you can get in boston. good price too. Gyoza is pretty good also.
(4)Lyndsey C.
Ok, so we went here and were going to sit outside and have a couple small plates and drinks... the service = terrible... I said "there is something sticky/greasy on the table, can I get a wet rag or something to clean it"... any normal response from a waitress, she would bring a wet towel and wipe it off, she literally said nothing, went inside and 5 minutes brought back a dry, rag, threw it on the table in front of me and walked back inside. I couldn't help but laugh. We ordered the steamed crab wontons and they were fine, but they brought yellow mustard with them, literally, just yellow mustard squeezed into a bowl. I understand spicy mustard, or anything, but really? So in conclusion... it looked nice enough, even the menu seemed nice enough. My husband says people rave about lunch there, but we were unimpressed... Maybe it was just our server, but service is a lot of the experience and ours wasn't great. We probably won't return.
(2)RONALD W.
I don't have any experience with Boston ramen, but Sapporo would definitely fall in the bottom tier of Seattle based ramen shops. I see someone else scored it 4 stars with the caveat that it doesn't compare with LA based ramen shops, so maybe Boston doesn't have better. My House Special was assembled of precooked ingredients with the pork overcooked (dry and not enough fat) and along with the egg (completely hard boiled) a little chilled if you don't wait before eating it. At this price point I would expect tonkotsu broth and the chicken just didn't measure up and provided a bit of a strange taste profile.
(2)alwyn v.
Sapporo Ramen had been a destination at the Porter Exchange Building (Porter Square, Cambridge) for over 20 years. Although their portions have been reduced, their assortment of soup choices has increased. Sapporo Ramen is still one of the best places to get a good Ramen in Beantown.
(4)Ross G.
I got the hot and sour ramen and yes the hype is real! We did have to wait in line for quite some time, but it was well worth it. I'll definitely be back. We got a side of rice, and I got my ramen with double noodles (very feeling) definitely try out the extras that you can add to your soup. My friend made fun of me for eating mine with a fork like a gringo... oh well it happens. Definitely want to try some of their other ramen dishes because the hot and sour was the best ramen i've ever had. I have tried several other local ramen places and this was by far the best. For a reasonable price on a chilly day this is the place to go to warm you up.
(5)Katie H.
This is my ramen home. The portions are amazing for the money and you can taste the time that went into the broth. Be prepared to wait 45 min to an hour during any days dinner rush, even on weekdays. You also should be friendly and open to sharing a table with people or else the wait can get longer. It is CASH ONLY but there's a Bank of America ATM near by. The house ramen is great and so is the spicy pork. I can't recommend this place enough!! It's good old traditional ramen!
(5)Graceypoo M.
Thick chicken-based broth. I had the spicy miso ramen with the spicy ground pork. Since my friend was going to catch a flight, I ate my hot ramen with the quickness. We also had the delicious kurobota sausages, which were served with a small dollop of mayo and spicy mustard. This is probably the 2nd bowl of ramen I almost finished to completion. The wait was almost an hour--the place is cash only and very popular (there was a line, the place seats probably no more than 20 folks)--so have something to entertain you or have a friend to save your spot in line while you peruse other places in the building (like the cute Japanese store next door, and the other places in the food court). Will try Tan-Tan Men or the House Ramen, plus the pork bun or chicken karaage next time. Great value (each ramen bowl is under $10, and for $2.50 --you have the option to get extra noodles, nori, corn, butter, etc.). CASH ONLY!
(4)Maggie A.
Boyfriend and I went here on a weeknight. We were kind of excited because the place has a lot of reviews, and the line went out the door. He ordered the house, I ordered the spicy miso... and unfortunately we both agree that the broth here is really one-dimensional, and the noodles taste frozen. Maybe we're just spoiled by some better joints in Manhattan, but this place hits the spot for a ramen craving for about three bites before the bowl starts feeling like an ordeal.
(2)Zachary M.
Food is a 4-star, IF you can ever get a seat here. Sopporo suffers from the same fatal flaw as SO many ramen joints: too little seating. Arrive 5 minutes after they open and you have to wait for 30-45 minutes minimum to get a seat. My main frustration is that what they serve is essentially 'quick good' in that all the elements are already cooked and ready, the chef assembles the ramen and cooks the noodles ten plates it, so how can it take 30 minutes to make? The House Ramen is the reason to go. The broth is pretty solid, rich chicken broth that is far less salty than nearby Yume Wo Katore which challenged even my healthy 20-something blood pressure. A side of kimchee gives it a nice acidic component that it is normally missing. If your willing to wait for it, it's a good bowl of ramen.
(3)Dave P.
Their direct competitor is Snappy Ramen in Davis Square. Both restaurants serve similar style ramen as opposed to Yume Wo Katare who serves a different kind of ramen. The prices are similar but I like that it's owned and operated by real Japanese people whereas Snappy Ramen is operated by Hispanics behind the counter. I got their House Ramen and the broth was delicious. Each table has soy sauce, hot sauce, and other ingredients you can add to your broth. I like that. Snappy Ramen doesn't offer that (though you can if you ask for extra money). Wasn't a big fan of the noodles though. They were undercooked and had the texture of a packaged ramen noodles. But compared to Snappy Ramen, both places offer the same quality of noodles -- and that's not a good thing. Cash only. Limited number of tables and you're in a little hallway with other restaurants next to each other so if and when it gets busy, you'll need to wait. I'd come back here again especially when I need my ramen fix. I prefer this place over Snappy Ramen for the simple fact that it's actually run by Japanese people.
(3)Francis C.
I know that sometimes ethnic food is acculturated so it can be a bit different from the country of origin (case in point: chinese food). But I think ramen is one of those things that has translated well outside of Japan. With that said, I was extremely disappointed with this place because it didn't meet my expectations. I think the food is good if you don't have a reference point, and could even pass as really good. But just from reading other negative reviews, if you know what you're looking for, it's not this. The flavors just weren't there and it just wasn't that great. I felt like they were taking advantage of the fact that there weren't that many ramen places around Boston so they could get by with so-so food. Well, for their sake, I hope that changes because they can't even compete with some of the new places that have opened up. I would easily recommend Pikaichi in Super 88 (Allston) and Totto Ramen (Allston) over this place.
(1)Max G.
This and piakichi ramen in Allston are the best ramen around boston for sure! The broth here so delightfully thick and creamy, I loveeee it. I've had almost all them soups And the best in my opinion are house and hot and sour ramen. They are so flavorful. House is basically the best chicken soup I've ever had, the noodles are perfect and the pork is sweet but a perfect touch. My only suggestion would be the hard boiled egg, it is always way over done! The line for me has never been too bad, but there is usually one. Get a green tea smoothie from the place its next to, they're really good and flavorful. I'd give this place a 9.5/10 and if they could figure out how to make the egg like pefectly runny it'd be a perfect 10!
(5)Margaret P.
Took my mom and the hubby out to eat here one day and we lucked out on timing because we were the third in line and it was 10 minutes to opening for dinner. Usually there's a line at the end of the hall for Sapporo, but it goes by quick since eating ramen doesn't take an hour, and preparation isn't time-consuming either. They ask the first few at the top of the line what they'd like to order so that it's ready for them when they're seated. Ordered the pork buns and dumplings, mom had the miso ramen, boyfriend had the house, and I opted for the spicy miso. I thought it could be spicer, but the flavor was wonderful and had the taste of hours of labor mixed into it. Boyfriend and mom loved theirs as well. Pork was tender enough that it just fell apart (and I NEVER eat pork). Noodles were fresh and delicious and the pork buns...THE PORK BUNS. I kid you not when I say I eat pork maybe once a year - and I would go back every week for this food. Service was quick.Space only holds about 8-10 tables, each hosting 4 at most to be comfortable. Cash only, parking on the street or there's a lot in the back you can pay for.
(5)Jake G.
I know I'm just a white guy, and I admit that I've only been to Japan once for a week, but Sapporo is as close to real Japanese ramen as it gets in the Boston area. The portions are great, the prices reasonable, the flavors outstanding, and the noodles toothsome. The place has a decidedly divey feel to it, but that's because ramen isn't supposed to be a grand affair. It's comfort food at its finest, and I'll wait in line every time to have it.
(5)Pam C.
Short version: Sapporo Ramen is pretty alright - its mediocre ramen, which is only worse when you have to wait 30 minutes in line for it. However, it's probably the best you're getting in Boston, and it does the job. Long version: Sapporo is located inside the Lesley shopping center outside of the Porter subway stop. It's a dinky little booth with seating for maybe 15 people, and it's pretty minimal on decoration or really anything. We arrived at 7:30 and there was still a line wrapping around the corner - quite a few people waiting to get in. Believe me, this is not a place to go if you have a group bigger than 4, because there's just going to be no way you'll get seating soon. The line does move fairly fast though, especially if you have larger groups. The waitresses are pretty good about seating people immediately. Additionally, you'll get menus when you're in line, and before you're seated the waitress will approach you in line to take your order, so it'll be there almost immediately when you sit down. All in all, we waited 30 minutes as a group of two to be seated, but there was definitely still a line when we left at around 9:0pm. Something that annoyed me was that they brought out the food very sporadically - people received their bowls way before others, so there was a lot of awkward sitting as we waited for everyone to get their food. I got the house ramen, which was ok. Honest truth: Sapporo Ramen isn't that great. I can't imagine waiting in line for that long in LA, New York, or even Toronto for the quality of ramen that I got, but in Boston you gotta do what you gotta do. The broth was very thick and creamy, which I'm not used to. It was also quite salty - prepare to go through multiple cups of water when you're chowing down. The noodles were actually great - perfectly al dente, nice spring when you bit into them. The toppings? Not so much. I was a little irked that even though their menu showed the proper ramen marinated soft boiled eggs that are supposed to come with ramen, my bowl definitely came with a straight hard boiled egg. Tsk tsk tsk, to shame. The pork was very tender, but it wasn't the rolled pork belly that you're supposed to get - it was definitely just a slice of pork. Overall, it's an alright bowl of ramen. Prices are right (all bowls are less than $10) and I would come to Sapporo every day if I didn't have to wait in line. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely not. Do you have any other options if you want ramen? Not in Boston, nope.
(3)Lannie L.
A long line is always a telling sign that you're in for something good. Located in one of Lesley's buildings, it's an interesting eatery with a number of Asian options. If it's busy, they're efficient with taking your order while you're waiting. I assumed that the food would have come out quicker once I was seated but it felt like a standard waiting time. I went with the house ramen which has everything I love. Pork, egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallion. YUM. The first bite is so tasty but admittedly as I continue digging into it, I realize how bland everything tasted. The broth is very rich but really lacked something. I love simple, basic flavors but it became less tasty with each bite. The noodles, however, I do enjoy. I also prefer a more high quality meat but for the price and setting of this place, it was satisfactory. He got the spicy pork ramen which was definitely more flavorful and not very spicy, in case you're wondering. Everyone has differing levels of spice but it's a standard level imo. The kimchi is good and we're convinced it's just bought from Hmart. I need that refreshing crunch while eating ramen even if paying for a side of kimchi feels ridiculous.
(4)Talmo P.
Hands down the best ramen place I've ever been to. The line is usually long, but the wait is always worth it. I like to go there with people who have never had authentic ramen because they inevitably let go of their skepticism about ramen. I prefer the miso, but the house ramen is also fantastic.
(5)Nina S.
Had the spicy miso ramen. The noodles were pretty good, I think the culinary term would be toothsome? The broth was meh, I don't really ever drink the soup cause it's pretty salty and too filling. But the pork and corn were nice. The seaweed fell in the soup on is way to me so it was soggy, and wasn't exactly spicy, but overall not bad for$10.
(3)seven f.
Now that I've had ramen from a variety of eateries, I can say that at the moment Sapporo is my favorite. On my first visit here, and first time eating ramen ever, I ate both lunch and dinner here. House noodle both time, double noodles at dinner. Have since tried the spicy miso a couple times. Wonderful. Rich broth. Luxurious aroma. Chewy noodles. A pleasant waitstaff staff and very accommodating. Sure, theres a line, but bring a book, it's worth the wait.
(4)Chan C.
Broth is gourmetly sweet, which I like it. I have never drunk a entire bowl of broth, cuz everywhere else their broth tastes salty. But Sapporo's doesn't. I like the noodle, because they absorbed flavor and easy to slurp, but the portion is kinda small for me so you need to order extra if you are a big eater. However, the meat was cold! I didn't know why, but I think it was unnatural. Even the heat of broth couldn't warm it up. I will go again, and hopefully next time their meat is gonna be hot.
(4)Yuka Y.
FYI- Yasai Ramen (vegetable ramen) is not for vegetarians, there are pork chunks in there. If you like stir fried cabbage and can't get enough of bean sprouts, I recommend it. I wish they used tonkotsu soup (pork base) instead of some peppery-cornstarch-soy sauce like mixture as their broth. Noodles were decent- the yellow and thin kind. Be forewarned, the boyfriend and I were thirsty as heck by the end of the night so you might want to skip downing that bowl of MSG (?) laden broth. With the advent of Pikaichi and Inaka, Sapporo Ramen will be ranked 3rd on my list of ramen places in Boston. It's cramped, as with the rest of the food stalls in Lesley. Eaves dropping into other people's conversation is easy here. They still take in customers for a while after 9pm, their purported closing time. The broth is really the soul to the ramen and it's a miss here, neither thick or flavorful.
(3)Matt K.
Not thrilled with my experience here. There's not enough seating there but they can be forgiven for that by itself. My main problems are two... (1) The noodles in my spicy miso ramen were very chewy. It was a workout for my jaw getting them down. (2) There wasn't enough protein in the spicy miso. It just comes with a little bit of ground pork and it just didn't satisfy. The broth is nice, though it is chicken based and not pork based like so many other classic ramen broth recipes. I think that, despite the broth just being decent and not amazing, fixing the other two issues that I mentioned would have made the meal so much better.
(2)John B.
I love Sapporo Ramen because it was the first ramen house I used to frequent in the Greater Boston area. I liked the small shop feel they gave, the server / waitress who would be a bit gruff but gentle at the same time - never rushing you, but the line would always tell you otherwise. Tables always were taken but rotated fairly consistently. I think the only downside to availability was the early closing time - 8pm or so on most nights. As for the ramen, I've since found some other places that have high quality ramen, however, Sapporo offers a vegetarian miso version which is nice. Over time (a few years) their servings, including toppings, seemed to diminish - so less corn, less mushroom, spring onion, etc. However, the ramen was consistently tasty and they did make their broth overnight, so it was a more stewey, thicker version (although I wouldn't call it thick, necessarily, just thicker than the other broth's I've tried). We also always go for the veggie gyoza, which are a good hearty addition to any bowl of ramen. I give them a 3-star rating because I am a hard grader, but they are in the top three ramen shops I frequent (on either coast). *Unfortunately, the ramen houses in the west coast have dissappointed thus far, especially the chefs who are standoff-ish and unwilling to bend.
(3)Mei T.
Great Ramen!!! The bowls are huge! Long wait though
(4)Catarina D.
The house ramen is amazing. The silky broth is so thick that it's a meal in itself. The additions of meat, egg, chopped green onions and corn make the ramen complete. The only problem with Sapporo is the lack of sufficient seating space. Every single time I've been here (weekend afternoons) I've had to wait on line, and wait times can get pretty bad. This restaurant is surrounded by others of similar size that are nowhere near as popular. I guess you can't fault them for their success!
(4)Lt H.
I love coming here! Spicy miso ramen is my go to! Always consistent and warms my belly. Noodles are perfect every time and broth is so many levels of richness.
(5)Karen X.
One of my all time favorite things ever is the hot and sour ramen from Sapporo. I like it so much that in the dozens of times I've been here, I haven't even bothered trying anything else. If you are a lover of hot and sour soup or spicy foods in general, the hot and sour is the choice for you. I've never eaten anything like it at any other ramen place so it is truly unique!
(4)Robert S.
On a day where my beloved Pikiachi was closed for summer vacay, I had an insatiable craving for ramen (it's been happening a lot these days...I might want to consider rehab). My sources (read:Yelp) indicated that I should try this spot out. The ambiance is nothing to write home about, and I absolutely despise that Sapporo is cash only...it is 2014, everyone uses credit or debit cards in this country, please accommodate to the times (or pay your fair share of taxes, if the cash only is with the intention of cooking the books). The ramen itself, while not as good as my favorite in the city, served as a more than adequate substitution. If you have the option of going to Pikiachi, then I would do so, otherwise, this isn't a bad place to stop in.
(3)Karin Y.
This is my go-to Ramen place in Boston/Cambridge. I come here pretty regularly LOL, maybe about 2-3 times a month. I've tried the House, Miso, and Tan-Tan. The House Ramen was okay, but the broth was a little too bland for my taste. The Miso is my favorite! I love the thicker broth. I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, so I don't get the Spicy Miso, although I heard that it's very good. But I add some of the spices onto my Miso Ramen to make it more flavorful. I also love that it comes with cha-siu pork ^_^ I recently tried the Tan-tan for the first time, and will definitely be adding that into my rotation. The only thing I wish was different, are the noodles - it's a little bit too soft for me (I like my ramen noodles to be really chewy!). They're closed from 3-5pm everyday, so avoid those times to save yourself from disappointment. Try to come during weekday lunch or 2:30pm or something like that so you don't have to stand in line for a long time. During winters, you might have to wait over an hour. But the staff there is pretty good about taking your orders while you are in line so that your food comes out shortly after sitting down :) If you're really hungry, you can order the Green Tea smoothie from next door (lol) and order gyoza on the side at Sapporo while waiting for your ramen. CASH ONLY!
(4)Theodore T.
This is my favorite ramen place in the area, though mostly because of a lack of alternatives. The broth and noodles are pretty good. We usually get the regular ramen and the spicy miso. I've added the extra meat and butter before but didn't really notice a difference. I would give four stars but for the staff -- I always order takeout, and almost every time upon picking up, the guy or the girl on staff treats me like a criminal or prison inmate. They yell "go stand over there" if the food's not ready, and more than once I got a combination almost-body-block and dirty look because they thought I was trying to cut the line, when all I wanted was to pick up my food.
(3)Hank C.
The worst ramen ever! Actually, I won't even call thing they serve here ramen! I even wonder if those cooks here know what ramen really taste like? And I cannot believe those who gave good review on this..... Could you just go to Harvard sq. and try santouka once? I am not promoting anything here but I really cannot believe this I have lived in AZ where Japanese or Asian population are considerably fewer than Boston but ramen there even taste better than this! Don't be lied by the long waiting line. The reason it is long is because they are SLOW. There were only three people in the store: two cooks and one waiter. However, the service and others are not what I really complain about. It is the FOOD! That's just terrible. My wife and I even wanted to leave before we could finish (after a long waiting...) If you are hungry and just want to eat, then whatever. But if you really want to have some decent ramen, STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE!!!!
(1)Aynsley C.
3.0-3.5 My first time I was here was 10 years ago when I was 11, and the ramen was so good but it's so different now. I'm pretty sure the owner/main management works at the other Sapporo inside HMart, but I've heard about/experienced their poor ramen there as well (there was a fly once in my miso ramen). Anyways, the portions have definitely gotten smaller and the prices have raised by a few dollars, making it not as appealing anymore. I still really love their type of noodles. The texture and taste is how I like the noodles to be cooked, and I think it soaks up the flavor of the broth. However, the broth isn't as flavorful as it used to be and their pork slices aren't as big as they used to be. They also used to bamboo shoots in the ramen too but they stopped doing it years ago (that's just my own personal liking for them). My parents and I still love coming here once in a while, but I've grown to like other ramen places elsewhere (Pikaichi). Other than that, the service is usually friendly, but one hostess once yelled at my parents because they weren't directly behind the wait sign even though we were the only ones waiting at the time. It wasn't the best welcoming, but other than the staff have been fine.
(3)Desiree G.
This place is supposed to be an authentic noodle place and personally, I could have just opened a packet of ramen and it would have tasted soo much better. Everything was so salty, way to salty to even enjoy! The only reason why I am giving this place two stars is because of how clean the tables were, and how excellent the meat was inside of the dish, it was the only part I liked. Quick tip: If you refrigerate your left overs, they turn sludgy and look gross.
(2)Billie W.
Service here is quick and friendly. We had the House Ramen and Gyoza today. The ramen was made fresh and came in a gigantic bowl for $9.95. It included: - fresh yellow noodles (I liked that they were chewy, but was partial to the plain flavor) - half a boiled egg (I think it was a soy sauce egg - yum) - lots of chives (tasty) - sweet corn (yum) - bean sprouts (which I thought was odd to put in ramen) - beef (which unfortunately was dry and tough) The ramen soup base was rather milky and thick, so look out for a heavier meal, though the flavor was not too strong or salty. The Gyoza (pork) was slightly pricier for the size at $5.95, but still very delicious. I enjoyed both, but gave 3 stars because the flavor of the ramen wasn't exactly suited to my own particular tastes.
(3)Tony J.
Look, there are only so many ramen options in Boston. Given that fact, this place is not so bad compared to the other places in the city. However, Boston is not a ramen city. On average, the ramen here is very poor. Sapporo ramen is meh. The wait is usually really long, and the broth and noodles aren't even that good. It doesn't give you that nice feeling after knocking down a bowl of ramen with extra noodles.
(2)Peter K.
This is the worst ramen I ever ate for its price range (I paid $16 pre-tax). Ippudo in NYC has same price range, but both food and quality are significantly better. I would say $1.50 shin ramen is infinitely better than $14 ramen they sell here. However, they do give a lot of ramen so if you are looking for quantity not quality, this place might suit you.
(1)Helen L.
Expect and prepare for a wait....but it is completely worth it. They give you some menus to look over while you wait and as you get closer to the front they take down your order. Once you're seated the food arrives pretty quickly. I always get the pork buns and the spicy miso ramen. Your body will thank you for this delicious bowl of ramen goodness.
(4)Molly H.
Best ramen in Boston, worth the wait. Get the Miso Ramen.
(5)An L.
Great place for comfort ramen food. Good to see why there is always a line here! The house ramen was very nicely flavored. The ramen noodles are delicious. Miso ramen had an odd wine taste. Next time, I'll probably go with the house ramen and request lower salt. Nice service.
(4)Sandra P.
So sad, either my favorite place is getting worse or Boston Ramen scene is improving my taste buds for the better. I use to eat here a few times a week, then less and less. Now after a three month "break" I gave my old favorite another try. Sorry to say that everything has changed. Slower service, thinner broth, cold tough pork slices, cold eggs with eggs shells on them! Oh yuk! I was nauseous after my ramen tonight. It bothers me to say, but I think the lack of Japanese people making the ramen is having an effect on the quality. The dish washer is now making ramen. Hmmmm maybe that's why it tasted like dish water! Sorry Sapporo, get your act together because those lines won't last much longer if food geeks like myself are turned off. The competition is creeping into Boston and your old customers are creeping out on you!
(1)Nora L.
Checked this place out for lunch today. It was a little bit of a wait but they took our order in line. We got the house ramen, spicy miso ramen and pork goyza. The house ramen had a strong corn flavored broth reminiscent of corn chowder, the pork also was a little on the dry side. The spicy miso ramen had the same corn based soup broth but it was spicy and had ground spicy pork. The noodles were good. The goyza had a tasty filling and a wonderful char on the bottom. Honestly I am not sure if I would come back.
(3)Kelsey E.
Love love love this place! My boyfriend and I travel about 40 minutes by train to get here and enjoy the food. The broth is thick and creamy and the noodles are nice and buttery. Everything in the bowl compliments each other. I always get the house ramen, it's my absolute favorite. My boyfriend orders the spiciest ramen available. We are always super full and super satisfied. There's almost always a line but it's certainly worth it. Most people giving this place such poor reviews sound like a bunch of ramen snobs. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking to spend the day in porter!
(5)Thu T.
From hearing some good reviews of Sapporo, I went and was able to quickly decide for myself that it's really not good, at all. I went with my boyfriend and he even said 'no' to finishing my share, which is UNHEARD OF. The soup base is thick and mucky, so it's hard to get a few swallows out of it. I would much rather go to Yume Wo Katare (only if you're up for this extravanganza of all sorts!!), the new Santouka in Harvard Square, or even Pikaichi in Allston. :( Sad...
(1)Jun G.
My favorite ramen place in boston, highly recommend miso ramen. Always have a line, but worth to wait.
(5)Jay K.
Delicious ramen, just like I used to eat in Japan. I always get the house ramen which is closest to the style I used to eat most. The bowl is huge, I've never been able to empty the whole bowl in one sitting, try as I may. There is almost always a line for tables here. Sometimes I'll get my order to go when the line is too long. Customer service here isn't great but it isn't bad either. I've been coming here for years and will continue to visit when the ramen cravings appear.
(4)Vasken B.
I've been here multiple times and I will say I really enjoy coming here. When I go here with friends I will specifically go just to eat, pay and leave. But eating here proves I don't have to skimp on quality or taste. I've only ordered the House Ramen, (always extra noodle and extra pork) and the Hot & Sour Ramen (same deal, extra for noodle & pork). And they've never disappointed me. I recommend ordering a drink, as the drinking water doesn't seem to be all that good, but honestly, I'd rather have something with flavor to go with my soup in the first place. If you go here at peak times, expect to wait for a minimum of 20 minutes, because it is extremely popular... with good reason
(5)Jessica L.
This place is not a customer friendly establishment. Their hours stated that they close at 9PM. Unlucky for us, the red line was down at the T station so we didn't arrive until roughly 8:30P.M. We would have made it earlier but in the end we still made it 30 minutes before closing time. When we got there, there was still a line waiting to get into the restaurant. My boyfriend and I joined everyone that was waiting and slowly waited as well. About twenty minutes later after the line was still moving and building.......a waitress promptly informed us that they were no longer taking in anymore customers. It wasn't even 9P.M. yet. I feel like an idiot waiting for no reason and I wasted time. They should have at least had the decency to inform us earlier if they were going to stop taking patrons. Instead, they wasted our time and were rude to us for no reason. After examining the menu, I can't say this place is even Japanese. Look at some of their offerings - Shumai (cantonese/chinese dish), kimchi (korean side dish), mabo tofu (chinese again). Maybe I should be thankful that they were so rude and impolite, because they don't look like an authentic ramen shop. Either way, don't bother going out of your way to come here, you might just be turned away without a good reason.
(1)Ali S.
I ordered the House Ramen. The broth is incredible, but everything else is whatever. The noodles were too hard for my tastes. The egg was horribly disappointing; tasted just like a hard boiled egg with the yolk completely solid. The pork was very dry and very sweet. I've never had this type of pork in ramen before. It wasn't good. But that broth was so so good.
(3)James S.
This is where I go for ramen. I had family in Toronto who took me for ramen where they were raving about. It was really good, bey Sapporo was still better
(5)Chenkai L.
This is hands down my favorite ramen place in Boston and I have tried a lot of ramen places in the city. The ramen is freshly made and chewy, the ingredients are fresh and the most amazing part of it is the incredibly creamy broth thats sets it apart from all the other ramen places in Boston. Beware of the waiting time when coming here though, the first time I came here, I had to wait 30mins and the second time 45mins, both times around 7pm on a weekday, since they have very limited seating, the line moves slowly. I tried the spicy miso and tan tan ramen, both were delicious. You can also request extra noodle for $1 more or double noodle for $2 more, which is really worth it if you have a bigger than normal appetite and it comes in larger bowls as well. A must try ramen restaurant!
(5)Gong L.
This place used to be good, thats why i came back today. Soup is still good. Nothing else stand out anymore. $2.50 extra pork means i can find a little meat.... Dunno whats wrong with ppl staying in line for this place. Service is bad and slow too. Not coming back anymore.
(2)Brie P.
Returned here (yet again ) last night and I have to update my review. A few weeks ago I got to try pork broth ramen compared to the chicken broth ramen that they serve here. I still love the style noodles that they serve here (I order double noodle) and I usually go for either the curry ramen or the miso ramen (miso usually wins the battle) Last night there was a part of 9 ahead of us,but they had to wait for seating to clean. Instead of waiting behind them, the waitress grabbed our party of 2 and another party of 2. We ended up sharing a table for 4,and had a nice little conversation. My husband got the spicy miso ramen with extra noodles. It took a few mins for them to get our bowls out because (as usual) they were packed. Our bowls came out and looked delicious. Noodles, a small sqaure of seaweed, pork placed just right onto of the pile of noodles, corn and bean sprouts. The broth here is smooth and not too heavy. The Noodles are always soft and delicious. I am a fan of corn in my ramen, I think it adds a delightful crunchy texture,along with the beat sprouts. The pork is a bit on the sweeter side,when you get a bit of the fat. But it works so well along side everything in the bowl, or brings out more flavor. I tried a spoon of my husband's ramen (I am not a fan of spicy foods) and his broth was spicy and yummy. I would not order it,but I know why he likes it. By them time we both needed our bowls,we were warmed up and full. also, I'd like to note that the staff here has always been very nice. Can't wait to return again!
(5)Victoria H.
I've been here twice before-- once on my first visit to Boston, and second after I moved. I love this place... It's a bit of a trek for me to get here and it's literally the only reason I'd end up in that area. There's not a whole lot going around Sapporo. It's in an oddly arranged strip mall. You'll easily find it with the line of people waiting to be seated. But don't fret, my trusty Yelp friends. They turn over tables with lightning speed, and you'll never feel like they've forgotten about you or your wait. This place is tiny. Like literally, ~6 tables. You have to be comfy with sharing tables with strangers in closer quarters. You'll easily get over that once the food comes. First off, their broth here is the smoothest, creamiest concoction ever. This and the cheaper prices are the reason I keep coming back for more! I've tried quite a few ramen places before and no other broth or value compares to here. The only thing that could use improvement are the noodles. I usually like my noodles chewier, so that's easy to change with cooking it a bit longer.
(5)Jake G.
I know I'm just a white guy, and I admit that I've only been to Japan once for a week, but Sapporo is as close to real Japanese ramen as it gets in the Boston area. The portions are great, the prices reasonable, the flavors outstanding, and the noodles toothsome. The place has a decidedly divey feel to it, but that's because ramen isn't supposed to be a grand affair. It's comfort food at its finest, and I'll wait in line every time to have it.
(5)Talmo P.
Hands down the best ramen place I've ever been to. The line is usually long, but the wait is always worth it. I like to go there with people who have never had authentic ramen because they inevitably let go of their skepticism about ramen. I prefer the miso, but the house ramen is also fantastic.
(5)Jennifer G.
If you're planning to have dinner here, get here early and factor in some wait time. Don't be that group of four in line trying to grab a quick bite when you have to be at the airport in an hour -- witnessed that firsthand. The restaurant opens for dinner at 5pm, so I would suggest getting there around that time if you can. It's worth the wait, trust me. There's limited amount of seating here, probably about 10 tables max. You get to look at the menu while you're still in line so you can decide what you want and put in your order before you sit down, which is nice. My go-to here is always the pork buns as an appetizer (comes with 2) and the spicy miso ramen. The broth is delicious and the ramen has a good consistency to it too. Very flavorful, but the "spicy" definitely isn't that spicy (in my opinion, at least) but you can add your own spice to it. One thing that I'm used to at other ramen places is the thick cut pieces of fatty pork that sit at the side of your bowl. So delicious! But...Sapporo doesn't do that. They have ground pork, so it's not the same. Most of it sort of hides and sinks to the bottom of your bowl, so it goes unforgotten until you're almost done with your ramen. Other than that, love this place. Note: cash only!
(4)G U.
There is always a line no matter what time - we ate at 1:30/2pm today. The wait can be long depending on your party size. I did appreciate that they ask small groups to share tables. The ramen was good but since we are from CA, it doesn't compare to those ramen shops. But it is the best we've had so far in boston. Ate the house and vegetarian ramen. Both were decent. And the veg broth did not have a strong mushroom flavor which I appreciated. Service was good and attentive. FYI cash only! But there is a BOA nearby
(4)Miles H.
Let me clarify something first: this five star rating is not solely based upon the food at Sapporo Ramen. Rather, it's recognizing this place as an institution. The ramen here is very good, particularly the spicy miso. The noodles are plentiful and chewy, the pork is tasty, and most important of all, the broth is rich while not too heavy on the fat or salt. Is it the best ramen I've ever had? No, but could I eat it any day? Absolutely. That's why I visit Sapporo more than Yume Wo Katare, despite harboring a slight preference for the latter ramen. Sapporo's ramen goes down easy, it's satisfying, and at $10 per bowl, it's a bargain. Also, I'm a big fan of the staff here. Like most ramen joints, it's pretty crazy during peak lunch and dinner hours, but I've always been seated and served within a reasonable amount of time. Make no mistake, the folks here are on top of their ****. They even put aside my iPhone when I accidentally left it behind after a dinner at Sapporo and I was able to pick it up the next morning. Long story short, Sapporo might not have the flash and bang of other ramen joints, but it's a very reliable restaurant and I'd be quite sad if they ever closed.
(5)Christine J.
YUM. House ramen, yummy noodles and pork and corn.. best you can get in boston. good price too. Gyoza is pretty good also.
(4)Lyndsey C.
Ok, so we went here and were going to sit outside and have a couple small plates and drinks... the service = terrible... I said "there is something sticky/greasy on the table, can I get a wet rag or something to clean it"... any normal response from a waitress, she would bring a wet towel and wipe it off, she literally said nothing, went inside and 5 minutes brought back a dry, rag, threw it on the table in front of me and walked back inside. I couldn't help but laugh. We ordered the steamed crab wontons and they were fine, but they brought yellow mustard with them, literally, just yellow mustard squeezed into a bowl. I understand spicy mustard, or anything, but really? So in conclusion... it looked nice enough, even the menu seemed nice enough. My husband says people rave about lunch there, but we were unimpressed... Maybe it was just our server, but service is a lot of the experience and ours wasn't great. We probably won't return.
(2)RONALD W.
I don't have any experience with Boston ramen, but Sapporo would definitely fall in the bottom tier of Seattle based ramen shops. I see someone else scored it 4 stars with the caveat that it doesn't compare with LA based ramen shops, so maybe Boston doesn't have better. My House Special was assembled of precooked ingredients with the pork overcooked (dry and not enough fat) and along with the egg (completely hard boiled) a little chilled if you don't wait before eating it. At this price point I would expect tonkotsu broth and the chicken just didn't measure up and provided a bit of a strange taste profile.
(2)alwyn v.
Sapporo Ramen had been a destination at the Porter Exchange Building (Porter Square, Cambridge) for over 20 years. Although their portions have been reduced, their assortment of soup choices has increased. Sapporo Ramen is still one of the best places to get a good Ramen in Beantown.
(4)Ross G.
I got the hot and sour ramen and yes the hype is real! We did have to wait in line for quite some time, but it was well worth it. I'll definitely be back. We got a side of rice, and I got my ramen with double noodles (very feeling) definitely try out the extras that you can add to your soup. My friend made fun of me for eating mine with a fork like a gringo... oh well it happens. Definitely want to try some of their other ramen dishes because the hot and sour was the best ramen i've ever had. I have tried several other local ramen places and this was by far the best. For a reasonable price on a chilly day this is the place to go to warm you up.
(5)Katie H.
This is my ramen home. The portions are amazing for the money and you can taste the time that went into the broth. Be prepared to wait 45 min to an hour during any days dinner rush, even on weekdays. You also should be friendly and open to sharing a table with people or else the wait can get longer. It is CASH ONLY but there's a Bank of America ATM near by. The house ramen is great and so is the spicy pork. I can't recommend this place enough!! It's good old traditional ramen!
(5)Graceypoo M.
Thick chicken-based broth. I had the spicy miso ramen with the spicy ground pork. Since my friend was going to catch a flight, I ate my hot ramen with the quickness. We also had the delicious kurobota sausages, which were served with a small dollop of mayo and spicy mustard. This is probably the 2nd bowl of ramen I almost finished to completion. The wait was almost an hour--the place is cash only and very popular (there was a line, the place seats probably no more than 20 folks)--so have something to entertain you or have a friend to save your spot in line while you peruse other places in the building (like the cute Japanese store next door, and the other places in the food court). Will try Tan-Tan Men or the House Ramen, plus the pork bun or chicken karaage next time. Great value (each ramen bowl is under $10, and for $2.50 --you have the option to get extra noodles, nori, corn, butter, etc.). CASH ONLY!
(4)Maggie A.
Boyfriend and I went here on a weeknight. We were kind of excited because the place has a lot of reviews, and the line went out the door. He ordered the house, I ordered the spicy miso... and unfortunately we both agree that the broth here is really one-dimensional, and the noodles taste frozen. Maybe we're just spoiled by some better joints in Manhattan, but this place hits the spot for a ramen craving for about three bites before the bowl starts feeling like an ordeal.
(2)Zachary M.
Food is a 4-star, IF you can ever get a seat here. Sopporo suffers from the same fatal flaw as SO many ramen joints: too little seating. Arrive 5 minutes after they open and you have to wait for 30-45 minutes minimum to get a seat. My main frustration is that what they serve is essentially 'quick good' in that all the elements are already cooked and ready, the chef assembles the ramen and cooks the noodles ten plates it, so how can it take 30 minutes to make? The House Ramen is the reason to go. The broth is pretty solid, rich chicken broth that is far less salty than nearby Yume Wo Katore which challenged even my healthy 20-something blood pressure. A side of kimchee gives it a nice acidic component that it is normally missing. If your willing to wait for it, it's a good bowl of ramen.
(3)Dave P.
Their direct competitor is Snappy Ramen in Davis Square. Both restaurants serve similar style ramen as opposed to Yume Wo Katare who serves a different kind of ramen. The prices are similar but I like that it's owned and operated by real Japanese people whereas Snappy Ramen is operated by Hispanics behind the counter. I got their House Ramen and the broth was delicious. Each table has soy sauce, hot sauce, and other ingredients you can add to your broth. I like that. Snappy Ramen doesn't offer that (though you can if you ask for extra money). Wasn't a big fan of the noodles though. They were undercooked and had the texture of a packaged ramen noodles. But compared to Snappy Ramen, both places offer the same quality of noodles -- and that's not a good thing. Cash only. Limited number of tables and you're in a little hallway with other restaurants next to each other so if and when it gets busy, you'll need to wait. I'd come back here again especially when I need my ramen fix. I prefer this place over Snappy Ramen for the simple fact that it's actually run by Japanese people.
(3)Francis C.
I know that sometimes ethnic food is acculturated so it can be a bit different from the country of origin (case in point: chinese food). But I think ramen is one of those things that has translated well outside of Japan. With that said, I was extremely disappointed with this place because it didn't meet my expectations. I think the food is good if you don't have a reference point, and could even pass as really good. But just from reading other negative reviews, if you know what you're looking for, it's not this. The flavors just weren't there and it just wasn't that great. I felt like they were taking advantage of the fact that there weren't that many ramen places around Boston so they could get by with so-so food. Well, for their sake, I hope that changes because they can't even compete with some of the new places that have opened up. I would easily recommend Pikaichi in Super 88 (Allston) and Totto Ramen (Allston) over this place.
(1)Max G.
This and piakichi ramen in Allston are the best ramen around boston for sure! The broth here so delightfully thick and creamy, I loveeee it. I've had almost all them soups And the best in my opinion are house and hot and sour ramen. They are so flavorful. House is basically the best chicken soup I've ever had, the noodles are perfect and the pork is sweet but a perfect touch. My only suggestion would be the hard boiled egg, it is always way over done! The line for me has never been too bad, but there is usually one. Get a green tea smoothie from the place its next to, they're really good and flavorful. I'd give this place a 9.5/10 and if they could figure out how to make the egg like pefectly runny it'd be a perfect 10!
(5)Linda T.
First time coming here with my boyfriend and it was horrible. It was suppose to reopened at 5pm so we stand in line till 5:20pm, the girl skip us and ask the people behind us "how many people?" Did she not see us in line? I told her anyways that there two of us here. I feel that her customer service was bad, but I didn't mind about it. When the food came out, my boyfriend said it tasted horrible. Maybe something was wrong with it. I can't even eat mine, it tasted funny. So we pay and left. We will not come back here to eat again.
(1)Margaret P.
Took my mom and the hubby out to eat here one day and we lucked out on timing because we were the third in line and it was 10 minutes to opening for dinner. Usually there's a line at the end of the hall for Sapporo, but it goes by quick since eating ramen doesn't take an hour, and preparation isn't time-consuming either. They ask the first few at the top of the line what they'd like to order so that it's ready for them when they're seated. Ordered the pork buns and dumplings, mom had the miso ramen, boyfriend had the house, and I opted for the spicy miso. I thought it could be spicer, but the flavor was wonderful and had the taste of hours of labor mixed into it. Boyfriend and mom loved theirs as well. Pork was tender enough that it just fell apart (and I NEVER eat pork). Noodles were fresh and delicious and the pork buns...THE PORK BUNS. I kid you not when I say I eat pork maybe once a year - and I would go back every week for this food. Service was quick.Space only holds about 8-10 tables, each hosting 4 at most to be comfortable. Cash only, parking on the street or there's a lot in the back you can pay for.
(5)Pam C.
Short version: Sapporo Ramen is pretty alright - its mediocre ramen, which is only worse when you have to wait 30 minutes in line for it. However, it's probably the best you're getting in Boston, and it does the job. Long version: Sapporo is located inside the Lesley shopping center outside of the Porter subway stop. It's a dinky little booth with seating for maybe 15 people, and it's pretty minimal on decoration or really anything. We arrived at 7:30 and there was still a line wrapping around the corner - quite a few people waiting to get in. Believe me, this is not a place to go if you have a group bigger than 4, because there's just going to be no way you'll get seating soon. The line does move fairly fast though, especially if you have larger groups. The waitresses are pretty good about seating people immediately. Additionally, you'll get menus when you're in line, and before you're seated the waitress will approach you in line to take your order, so it'll be there almost immediately when you sit down. All in all, we waited 30 minutes as a group of two to be seated, but there was definitely still a line when we left at around 9:0pm. Something that annoyed me was that they brought out the food very sporadically - people received their bowls way before others, so there was a lot of awkward sitting as we waited for everyone to get their food. I got the house ramen, which was ok. Honest truth: Sapporo Ramen isn't that great. I can't imagine waiting in line for that long in LA, New York, or even Toronto for the quality of ramen that I got, but in Boston you gotta do what you gotta do. The broth was very thick and creamy, which I'm not used to. It was also quite salty - prepare to go through multiple cups of water when you're chowing down. The noodles were actually great - perfectly al dente, nice spring when you bit into them. The toppings? Not so much. I was a little irked that even though their menu showed the proper ramen marinated soft boiled eggs that are supposed to come with ramen, my bowl definitely came with a straight hard boiled egg. Tsk tsk tsk, to shame. The pork was very tender, but it wasn't the rolled pork belly that you're supposed to get - it was definitely just a slice of pork. Overall, it's an alright bowl of ramen. Prices are right (all bowls are less than $10) and I would come to Sapporo every day if I didn't have to wait in line. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely not. Do you have any other options if you want ramen? Not in Boston, nope.
(3)Lannie L.
A long line is always a telling sign that you're in for something good. Located in one of Lesley's buildings, it's an interesting eatery with a number of Asian options. If it's busy, they're efficient with taking your order while you're waiting. I assumed that the food would have come out quicker once I was seated but it felt like a standard waiting time. I went with the house ramen which has everything I love. Pork, egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallion. YUM. The first bite is so tasty but admittedly as I continue digging into it, I realize how bland everything tasted. The broth is very rich but really lacked something. I love simple, basic flavors but it became less tasty with each bite. The noodles, however, I do enjoy. I also prefer a more high quality meat but for the price and setting of this place, it was satisfactory. He got the spicy pork ramen which was definitely more flavorful and not very spicy, in case you're wondering. Everyone has differing levels of spice but it's a standard level imo. The kimchi is good and we're convinced it's just bought from Hmart. I need that refreshing crunch while eating ramen even if paying for a side of kimchi feels ridiculous.
(4)Nina S.
Had the spicy miso ramen. The noodles were pretty good, I think the culinary term would be toothsome? The broth was meh, I don't really ever drink the soup cause it's pretty salty and too filling. But the pork and corn were nice. The seaweed fell in the soup on is way to me so it was soggy, and wasn't exactly spicy, but overall not bad for$10.
(3)Cindy H.
Worth the wait. Service is awesome for such a chaotic crowd. While the pork in the pork buns are a bit on the fatty side, the ramen (and that's what you should be there for) is awesome. The miso soup is too salty for my liking, but my go to is the tantanmen. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are bomb. Note: cash only.
(4)Andrew P.
I come here on a semi regular basis. It's right off of the red line and they have parking readily available just in case you wanna drive in. There is almost always a wait and there will usually be a 15 minute wait. They'll take your order while your in line so make sure you get a menu and go through their menu whole you're waiting. I've gotten the curry ramen and the soy sauce ramen. Both are really good. Good amount of noodles that have a nice consistency to them. The broth has a good flavor to it and comes out piping hot. The toppings are pretty on point so nothing I can complain overall. My girlfriend got the Pork Katsu curry. Once again it was pretty good. However if I were to get a rice dish I'd rather go to cafe mami which is directly it's neighbor. Overall if you want to get your ramen fix then this is a solid place to go. I wouldn't say it warrants the constant long wait they always have. For Boston ramen however, it's one of the better places.
(4)Ron P.
After seeing numerous cooking shows where chefs venture to Japan and sit down in these awesome little Ramen bars for what looks like the most satisfying lunch they've ever had, I made a conscious decision to find a Ramen noodle spot in the area. This place did not let me down, in fact since ordering here for the first time a few months ago, my coworker and I have been back on average twice a week - I like it that much. I haven't had much experience with Ramen, so if you've been to Tokyo, you may have a more informed opinion, but if you're not picky, and looking for an awesome lunch, do yourself a favor, stop in here, and try the Miso Ramen. Cash only, though...
(4)Melissa M.
My first foray into all things Ramen. Came here for a quick lunch on Christmas Eve. The place was friggin packed! We waited in line and the waitress gave us our menu in line while we waited. I ordered the hot and sour ramen at her request since I had no clue what to get. It was very good! I liked to add the chili paste they have on the table. Got a canned diet coke (LOVE). Quick, efficient, tasty, cheap, and just really good. Excellent food on a cold day or if you are feeling under the weather! I shall return!
(4)Anna Q.
Big portion... But the soup base is what I really care about.. It is really random some days it will be okay some days it will be really salty.. Going will be a huge risk... Which is why I would rather prefer cafe mami right next door better.. The ramen is just alright.
(3)Mary H.
This place was pretty busy when we got there. Customer service is not bad. They could be a little more attentive for an 18 seating place. The roasted pork buns were yummy. One had mayo with a slice of tomato slice and the other one had a black beanish sauce in it. I was very surprised it came in two different styles. Both had big pieces of pork in it. The spicy miso ramen was soooo spicy! It was great. It was spicy ground pork that made the dish even better. The house ramen was good. It wasn't too salty or too bland. It had nice slices of pork, corn, and bean sprouts. Both broths were on the thick side. There was plenty of al dente noodles.
(4)Jasmine B.
I really don't know what the hype is all about here. Sure, the ramen is a reasonable price. But it's not all that good. The noodles seem to be out of a package, and while the chicken broth is thick, it's not especially flavorful. The veggie broth is really, really thin and tasteless. The add-ins are a bit meager and the egg was completely hard boiled. I also took half of mine to go (I have a tiny stomach), and the broth/meat/noodle mixture turned into this thoroughly solid gelatinous chunk overnight. It was so icky that I just threw it out. The add-ins are really basic, the tables aren't especially clean, and you're under a lot of pressure to eat quickly and get out. Also - a big pet peeve is that it's cash only, but it's not posted ANYWHERE. Not on the website, not on the menu, not on the walls; really, I scoured the place. It seemed almost like a cash only when I walked in, but I didn't ask when I sat down, partly because there's one server and they were rushing around but also because usually, it's posted somewhere! I really think that Boston could use a top notch ramen place that really takes the time to make their noodles right (or at least source them better). In the meantime, I'll stick with Totto. fwiw - I am spoiled by Momi Ramen in Miami and various ramen places in NY.
(2)Corey L.
3 of us visited on a Saturday night, waiting in the line in the hallway, as one does. After about 20 minutes (3rd party in line, it got MUCH longer after we sat down), we sat down and enjoyed our food (they took our order while we waited - set up for efficiency). My friend who's been here a LOT, loves their Ramen (grew up in CA) and always orders the house ramen dish. Which I tried and found quite tasty. I started w a seaweed salad (a little seaweed on top of lettuce w a dressing), which I (and my girlfriend) both found disappointing. Next, I had a yasai ramen dish w extra veggies and extra spicy ground pork. I added spicy sauce to it. I'm not a huge fan of noodles (one reason ramen isn't my go-to dish) and there were a lot of them - typical for ramen - but the dish itself was very flavorful. Even w extra veggies, they were difficult to find, which was disappointing. The broth was quite good. My girlfriend got the egg drop ramen, which quite salty, as is typical, and had a bunch of eggs. Cans of soda were $1, which was nice as they weren't crazily overcharging us. Doubt I'll go back. If you really like ramen, definitely give it a try.
(3)Judy H.
Spicy Miso Ramen was just okay for me. It was lacking flavor but my boyfriend enjoyed the Tan Tan-Man Ramen! It reminded him of Japan and he was missing it very much! I don't see us coming back anytime soon, I have found a better Ramen Shop.
(4)Yun-Young L.
Really not worth going there at all... It always beats me why theres always a line-up at this cramped, dirty, and overhyped place ( I dont mind the size of the place if the food was good, but it wasnt unfortunately). The waitress was really unfriendly when she sat us, and then while we were waiting for our orders, we saw a mouse running around... but that didnt seem to bother the cook and owner much. Apparently, we Bostonians are supposed to just accept the fact that there are mice in Boston and learn to live, eat and sleep with them... Since it was our first try, we ended up staying and eating their "famous" ramen for the first time, and likely for the last time as well. It was so plain and mediocre... doesnt live up to the hype at all. There are better ramen places in Boston without the sight of rodents so unless you are a hardcore fan of mickey mouse, i suggest you avoid this place.
(1)Tong W.
x'D love this place! My friends and I come here every time after badminton at MIT - the portions are great and it is definitely my favorite ramen in boston! So authentic and the broth so richhhh~ the house ramen and spicy miso and tan tan mein are all incredible!! No one does it like Sapporo!
(5)Moses P.
If you are AzN you will probably enjoy this place, especially compared to other ramen shops in Boston. If you are not AzN then PREPARE TO BE AMAZED, WESTERNER!!! To be honest with you I enjoyed this place a lot but my wife has higher standards than I do and said it deserves a 3-star review so I'm giving it a 3. The pork buns are fantastic. Very delicious. The ramen is great as well- I highly recommend spicy miso! The service is funny. There is one AzN lady who runs the show. She will seat you and feed you and take your money and kick you out. And she does it all by herself. TIGER MOM FTW! It's the AzN...
(3)Jonathan N.
There alway a long line waiting at this place. The restaurant was small with a few tables and chairs but the reman noodle are super good! I love their ramen noodle so much!!! Especially the hot and sour and kim chi one. Their noodles are so chewy and their soup are so sweet and tender. I like mine with extra vegetable and egg.
(4)Elly F.
A big disappointment for me. The egg was overcooked, broth was too starchy and meat was thick and chunky. Thankfully the meat was flavourful and tender but you would not have thought so by looking at it!
(1)Tim Y.
Our favorite ramen stop in Boston hands down. Our go to dishes are the miso and the spicy miso ramen; we highly recommend getting extra noodles and extra pork; even if you can't finish it in one sitting, this is one of the best "day after" work lunches I can imagine. Go early on weekends or you'll be standing in line for a long time. On second thought, we don't need any more competition... avoid Sapporo Ramen like the plague.
(5)Tiffany L.
BEST RAMEN IN BOSTON! Cant compare to anything in LA but I've been here twice and will gladly go back anytime. It's located right by Leslie college in that shopping center with all the Japanese nomz - makes me miss Little Tokyo in LA :( also CASH ONLY ! People are always in line...I've been here twice at 2 pm and they're always been some line of people. They close at 3 pm but if you're in line by 3, you'll get a table for sure. They take your order while you wait so food comes as soon as you're seated. Efficiency! Same waiter each time I go. She's a bit pushy and eager to get you to eat and leave. Decor is simple, which I think is a good sign. From my eating adventures in Asian restaurants - less fancy decor = more legit nomz. I always order the spicy miso ramen - it's reallyy good. Despite it being super red, I don't think it's that spicy. It tastes even better with the shichimi (Japanese spicy 7 spice powder- you know it's legit Japanese food when they have a jar of this stuff) The broth is so rich, I love it. I never drink noodle soup but I can easily chug down a bowl of this stuff- downside: I food coma pretty hard afterwards cause the broth is so heavy. The noodles are good and chewy. When my friends came with me last time, they shared a miso ramen, which tasted pretty bland to me, but they liked it. They could barely finish it but to me, the serving size seemed...not big haha. I was satisfied eating one bowl but could probably finish a second one if I was super hungry. Toppings are simple - egg, seaweed, beansprouts, green onion. Def would go back for ramen on a cold day (which seems like everyday in Boston ...)
(4)Katie Y.
We decided to try traditional ramen out but it was kind of disappointing. The lines were very long but the owner seemed very nice. We totally get why the lines are long but really, the wait might be around 30 minutes since there are only like 6 tables. Also the set up really brings back memories of authentic ramen shops when we were in Japan. We ordered the spicy miso ramen, house ramen and the Yasai ramen. The noodles were a bit chewy and there is definitely not enough pork nor vegetables to go along with the extremely bland soup base. For the spicy miso ramen, the pork bits were amazing but it was more of a garnish. For both the house and Yasai ramen, we thought the soup base was kind of glutinous when it went down the throat. After eating the ramen, we all felt extremely thirsty. Also the pricing of the dishes weren't that satisfying. We might come back but probably not since we have to drive 30 minutes to get there.
(2)Danielle W. L.
I come here with a big appetite and order extra noodles + extra meat. I love the spicy miso ramen, although I always add extra spice, available at the table. This to me is comfort food. Thick broth, packed with robust flavor. If I go too long without this ramen, I really, REALLY miss it. Don't expect great service, although who comes here to schmooze with the staff anyway? You come here with only one purpose in mind: to stick your face deep into a bowl and fall in love with noodles. That's it. End of story. You will have to resist the urge to slurp it directly from the bowl. Wear a shirt that can handle a few splatters. Expect to be seated at the same table with random strangers since real estate is clearly at a premium. It's not fancy. Ambiance is crap. Decent prices. Fast. Small selection of sodas. Cash only (ATM in the same building.) No line when I got there at 5:30pm on a Monday. Shut up and get some.
(5)Sidi L.
Place is small, and always need to wait a line. A good place to have lunch nearby, but it doesn't worth coming all the way. Better than the one in hmart
(3)Nina N.
Tip #1 CASH ONLY!!! This is my favorite restaurant in Porter Square. My only complaint is the not so great selection of appetizers. Of the selections, my favorite is the roast pork bun. If cooked right, this is a great starter, soft sweet bun, refreshing slice of tomato with juicy roasted pork and mayo....delicious. Yum yum. Next appetizer I would recommend you try is the sausages. Nice and crispy casting and juicy inside. The other appetizers are just expensive for what they are, gyoza and edamame. Maybe I am just cheap when it comes to appetizers that I can easily make in huge portion for the price that they sell at restaurants. After trying four different flavored broths, I think my favorite has to be the curry ramen although I am now leaning toward the Tantan Men after many years of not liking it. Initially, I wasn't too excited about the sesame flavored broth. But then 10 years later after trying it again one day, wow, could be my favorite broth now. I just might not go back to curry ramen for several years. In fact, this was the first broth I tried which made me not want to give this place a second try. Mediocre at best was my initial review of Sapporo Ramen. But somehow, for some reason, my husband convinced me to give this place another try. Moral of the story, give a place a second try. We've tried the spicy miso ramen which is okay and so is the miso ramen. The spicy miso ramen is my husband's favorite broth. There is spicy ground pork topping for this bowl of ramen choice. Tried the hot and sour soup ramen and kimchi ramen. Something about those flavors made me uneasy. And rightfully so. For what hot and sour soup is and kimchi also, you would expect sour and spicy for both broths. But both broths were neither. They were bland. I'll give them a try again one day, maybe I will be a fan the second time around. But I would try the other broths if this is your first time. As with all of the ramen, I recommend ordering extra roasted prok as it doesn't come with it. The other toppings are way too pricey for what they are. For example, $2.00 for corn or even extra cabbage/veggies is really too expensive. When it comes to adding toppings, the roast pork was really dry the first time I tried this place. Which was why I was so hesitant to come back for many years. But in the past few years, it has grown consistently good. It has a strange wine-like flavor to it, and is soft and juicy. The spicy pork ground pork is another topping that I would recommend if you want to add a little bit of saltiness and minced meat to your bowl. Extra noodle wouldn't hurt if you are extra hungry. See my pictures.
(4)Claire H.
I can only speak for the vegetarian ramen here but I can tell you that I love everything about this place except for the line. It usually moves pretty quickly though, so it is almost always worth waiting. Really good ramen, casual environment, and quick (once you finally sit down). I've only ever gone with one other person at a time. They can accommodate groups but it is a tight squeeze and you should expect to be able to hear your neighbors' conversations.
(4)Rebecca Y.
The spicy miso ramen here hits the spot when you're craving ramen on a cold winter's day. It's definitely not the best I've ever had, but it's one of the better places in Boston. The restaurant is very small so you'll most likely have to wait in line for a bit before you can sit down and eat.
(3)Henry P.
Recently stopped by Sapporo Ramen the other day with the lady and some friends after hearing so many rave reviews. A small 15 - 20 seater restaurant located within the little food court area of the Porter Exchange, We went in around 1pm for lunch saw a line stretching down to the end of the food court. We stood and waited for our turn and munch of some sweet snacks from a local Japanese bakery nearby to curb our appetite. As we were waiting in line a kind waitress came by and gave us the menu to decide on what we'd like before sitting down to our table. For such a small space I thought that this was a pretty efficient way of taking down orders and turning over customers. I had the Spicy Miso Ramen with whole egg and extra noodles while the misses had the House Ramen. The noodles were fantastically springy and chewy with lots of delicious toppings but sadly, both myself as well as my girlfriend found our broth to be a little bit on the bland side, perhaps because they were so close to being closed for lunch and were low on ramen stock but we found ourselves reaching for the vinegar and shichimi seasoning to give it that extra flavor. Thought quick service and perfectly made noodles, I was sad that Sapporo, for myself personally, did not live up to its hype. Perhaps I just came on a bad day? I'll be looking to stop by again on a different date to try it's ramen once again
(3)T N.
The waitress was really pushy when it comes to ordering food. I just dont understand the praise for the soup here, everything we ordered was either really bland or salty--i would suggest going to Pikaichi in Brighton. Their ramen soup is sooo much better! ALSO BE CAREFUL when you get the receipt. They include the tip in it and doesn't state it in there at all! Overall it was a sad experience :(
(2)Lorena O.
Because I'm obsessed with ramen these days, I was dead-set on trying it out in another city. So, I hit Yelp and Google search to point me to THE place for ramen in Beantown. Several articles I read via Google pointed to this place as a standout for Ramen, and so we went. I got the house ramen, with pork, egg, scallions and corn. It was just okay. I had to add soy sauce and chili paste and oil to give this bowl some kick. And the egg that came with it was nothing like the scrumptious eggs that adorn my bowls at Michi or Tatsu-Ya. This egg was hard-boiled and the white of the egg had zero flavor. Boo! My sister went for the Tan-Tan ramen. It had spicy ground pork in it, not the pork belly. This bowl was the clear winner. Lots of flavor from the spicy pork helped out the broth. If I were to go again, I'd order this. We also tried the curry ramen. Pretty much like the name says, it was like the house ramen with a serving of curry sauce added. Nothing inventive or knock your socks off here. But, the crowds lined up for this place anyway. We got there about 6pm and had to wait for a table as the small establishment (located within a shopping mall) had maybe 8 tables. As we ate, a large line formed. I wept for the Bostonians and their subpar ramen. 3 people ate three bowls of ramen and three waters for $29 and some change. Not too bad for the price.
(3)Ben K.
Yay ramen! I like this place, kind of a small hole in the wall restaurant whose goal is to cook good food rather than create a nice atmosphere. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen with extra noodles. The broth was thick and not too salty or spicy. The flavor was good and made me want to just drink the soup. The noodles had a smooth texture and firm consistency. I was a little disappointed that there didn't seem to be any "extra" noodles in my dish, but I was still satisfied after finishing. Overall, I would come back if in the area and recommend it to others interested in ramen.
(4)Ruslan K.
Best ramen in Boston. I tried most of the ramen places in the Bay Area around Mountain View, Cupertino and San Jose, and tried most of the ramen places around Boston. This one is the best. Very rich flavor, especially House Ramen, noodles cooked to perfection, soy marinated pork - yummy. 20 minute wait lines, cash-only and table-sharing with other parties are also included but it just makes it more authentic.
(5)Traci K.
Yum. Sapporo Ramen is inside the little food court area of Porter Exchange. It's a max of like 10 tables or so - but the wait wasn't too long on a Saturday night. My dining companion and I both ordered the house ramen with extra noodles and an order of the pork buns. The pork buns were tasty, but a little odd. The bun was good...but it was also slathered in mayo with cucumber and tomato along with the pork. I guess I just wasn't expecting a bun sandwich. The ramen. Broth was very tasty and not too salty. The egg, nori, pork and sprouts were tasty. I wish the egg was less hardboiled - I would have liked a runny yolk, but that's just personal preference. The noodles were perfectly cooked and so easily slurpable. Extra noodles was a great idea - and it was only a buck or 2 extra. Cash only - but it's not expensive, so boo yah. Service was fast and friendly. Definitely making it into my cold-weather-food rotation.
(4)Less H.
I met up with a friend and we decided to go here. I'm making my way through all the Asian food stalls in University Hall. Service was decent enough. We managed to get in during a slow period and get seated fast. Score! We looked over the menus and had our food quickly. I got myself a Miso Ramen. It was delicious. The noodles were just right, the broth tasty, and the pork tender. Happiness. The portion was large, large enough I could barely finish it. I did, every last noodle and drop of broth. I had to be rolled to the train. Yeah. It's loud in here, it's loud in all of the University Hall food stalls. It just is. Quarters are cramped and you may sit next to someone quickly and loudly slurping their noodles. Customer service isn't their specialty. What they do well is quickly serve up delicious noodles pretty fast. This ain't the North End.Once you get past the fast that you aren't going to get your ass kissed here the happier you will be when eating. I'll be back, probably more often than I should. cash only!
(4)Sugar F.
I have probably directly and indirectly brought Sapporo a hundred new customers in the past two years. Big salty delicious bowls of chewy noodles. Yes please. I love it. The curry ramen. Miso ramen. Vegetarian ramen even. DON'T DELAY TRY SAPPORO RAMEN TODAY! During popular times there is always a huge line - don't even worry about it. Chat with your buddies until you enjoy your delicious ramen.
(5)Cristina R.
On a bone-chilling, rain-filled day, I used the ever-trusty Yelp as my guide while on the hunt for foods to warm me up. What do I want? My fingers start typing my desires. "Soup." No. "Noodles." Not quite. Something that combines them both. "Ramen." Amen. Following the address listed, I find myself at Porter and am so very confused. It looks like I'm at the right place, but where is this mysterious Ramen den? After sketchily walking up and down the block a few times, I figure out the hidden entrance: you go in through the Shops at Porter door. I had no idea this place was essentially in a Japenese food court! And what a food court it is. I went a bit after the lunch rush (around 2:30 PM) so was surprised to see a line of about 5 people all waiting for a seat at the tiny, packed Sapporo. With the other Asian restaurants in the hallway completely deserted. I felt a bit bad for them, but that means that Sapporo is the place to be. And I'm already here, so shivering and hungry, I wait. After about 20 minutes, I'm seated and order a Spicy Miso Ramen. Luckily it comes out in a jiffy, steaming and spicy and savory. And so, so perfect. There are noodles and pork and veggies in a delectable broth. If it weren't freezing outside, I probably would have broken a sweat as I slurped. Honestly, I can think of nothing better on a rainy day than this bowl of Japanese love. I scarfed down as much as possible, my mouth and belly thanking me again and again, but still wasn't able to finish it. Even better! I get it packed up and have a scrumptious lunch the next day. Ramen. Amen.
(4)Yixuan C.
I came there at 5/16/2014 because my friend recommended me their ramen is good. BUT, my experience was terrible, I will not suggest anyone go there. Pro: fast, pork dumplings were good Con: Bad service, the waitress was rude and impatient. Ramen was way too salty.
(2)Diana L.
Met up with my yelpy pal Less H. here to get some lunch. I have to say, I thought it was fantastic!! The thought of my hot and sour ramen still makes me salivate - it was absolutely delicious and the noodles were at perfect consistency! I think it's far better than the Ittyo ramen down at the end of this aisle (Tampopo is still my favorite overall). If you're looking for a delicious ramen meal for ~12$ with tip, check this place out for sure. I thought the ramen was fantastic, spicy enough (I've come to accept the fact that food at restaurants will almost never be as spicy as I want), the pork was tender and the ingredients were delish. Right on, Sapporo Ramen!!!! I'll be back to drag my boyfriend here to try it out.
(4)Susan J.
Absolutely love this place. The House Ramen and gyoza are both fantastic and worth waiting in line for. I live down the street and have to resist going every week for my noodle fix.
(4)Carrie L.
I was torn between 2 and 3 stars for Sapporo Ramen. The ramen itself warrants a 2. The service was good overall and could potentially bump it up to a 3 (friendly lady took our order but the server boy was clumsy). But I just remembered the pork belly bun I had, and it was flavorless.. almost. The only thing that stood out was the broth. The thick and delicious broth I had with the Spicy Miso Ramen. Not spicy enough though.. I had to add spices and hot sauce on the side. Again, the texture of the ramen is too stiff for my taste.
(2)Erica R.
This is pretty much an obligatory stop whenever I visit Boston now. It's a small little restaurant tucked away inside the shopping center, yes, and there's been a wait to get seated every time I've visited. That said? The line moves quickly...and, as long as you're either alone or with a small group, getting seated won't be an issue. Someone usually comes through the line early enough and gets orders anyway, so it's a short time from when you're seated to when you ultimately get your ramen. It's a simple place, but efficient - and the food is delicious. I've had both the miso ramen and the house ramen, and both are delicious. The broth is flavorful and smooth...and definitely filling, the pork is delicious and the noodles are tasty. An especially awesome meal for those cold, winter nights when you need something to warm you up. :) Bring on the food coma!
(4)Fancypants X.
3.5 stars upgraded to 4 stars The upside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious that I'd want to eat there weekly. The downside is Sapporo's ramen isn't so delicious. Period. I ordered miso ramen no sprouts, no pork. Add a pat of butter, add bamboo shoots. Got that?! Luckily, my waitress did. Perfectly. Portion is gigantic. I can usually always finish my ramen, but I surrendered long before I could see the bottom of my bowl here. Broth is strangely thick-ish & creamy. Not sure how I feel about that; I'm thinking not good. And the pat of butter (apparently cut by a giant because what normal person considers *that* a pat?!) once melted, added to the viscosity. Noodles were plentiful & not too al dente. Bamboo shoots were tender--yay! Loved the corn, scallions, & seaweed that automatically comes with this bowl. Everything was wonderful, aside from the broth, which was a minor offense. Cash only, but for once, it was o-tay by me; I had the $11.55 + tip in my wallet (a miracle!)
(4)Lisa L.
I have been jonesing for some good ramen, so on a cold night I went to Sapporo at Porter Square. I got the spicy miso ramen to go on the recommendation of the Yelp reviews, and added extra roast pork. It smelled great in the car on the way home, but once I started eating it I was very unimpressed. The broth was not as flavorful as it was fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and the pork was also bland. There was corn in it, which seemed utterly bizarre to me. I would honestly prefer to eat ramen from a packet than from here. The plus sides are that the staff are friendly and the ramen is affordable, but I will not be coming back.
(2)Christina C.
They will take your order when you're still waiting for a seat! Amazing, right? Not only is the ramen fast but it is tasty. The broth is flavorful and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The space is small and cozy tight like if you invited 30 friends to your studio apartment for dinner. The staff and chefs are welcoming and I certainly will welcome their ramen in my tummy any day.
(4)Tom L.
This place USED to be great. However, since it's grown in popularity, the prices have gone up while service and quality have gone down. It's busy but they herd you like cattle. The main hostess snaps at people and audibly bemoans those who are anything but absolutely ready and prepared to eat and leave immediately. The ramen is ok. You need to pay a dollar for the extra noodles to be full and it's already expensive. My main complaint is that nearly everything is reheated and isn't very hot. The noodles are barely hot, the egg is hard boiled and cold, the broth is lukewarm. In the quest to meet demand they've started cutting corners and it's disappointing to say the least. They used to do really nice pork buns but they're now smaller and lower quality. Is it worth trying? Yes. Is it very good. Sadly not.
(2)Carolyn L.
Ramen was fine (although noted the large bag of MSG on the counter next to our table), 40 min wait on a Friday night was expected, but the waitress running after us as we were leaving requesting a larger tip was tacky and extremely unprofessional.
(1)Yvonne C.
I would give their food for 3 stars but I take one star off because their service. When we got there, there was no line waiting but only us (three people). The waitress squeezed us into a table of four which already had two people sitting there. So we asked if we could wait till a table of four. She was unfriendly saying something like they're saving the table for more customers. So we still sat at the table with two other people. And after a while, she gave a table of four to ONE customer. Well... I have nothing to said about that. Just really unhappy about that. As for the food there. We had spicy miso ramen and house ramen. The spicy miso ramen was not spicy at all but the soup was still pretty good. As for the house ramen, my friend said it was ok. Not bad but not special and she thought the soup was a little salty. .
(2)Dan P.
Ramen noodles sounds like no big deal, but this place is simply the best. If you like noodles than you have to try it out.
(5)Andrea B.
Sapporo does ramen, and it does ramen damn well! I've walked by this place a million and one times at all hours of the day and night, and there's always a line. It's always busy, and for good reason. Finally, I decided I simply had to try them, so I hopped in line and waited. And about 15 minutes later, I was seated. I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen. As I was looking around, I saw a cash-only sign, so I skipped on over to the ATM. And by the time I had returned, my steaming bowl of oh-so-delicious ramen was waiting. It was spicy but not overly so. The noodles were delicious enough on their own, but if you add in the pork, various veggies, a fantastic savory broth, and a whole bunch of scallions (my favorite!), you've got something pretty epic. I slurped down every last drop. The only reason I deduct a star is because of the seating arrangements. I was dining solo, so I was seated with another solo diner at a two-top. A complete stranger. I tried to make the best of it, and said hello and attempted to chat with her briefly, but she wasn't into it. I would've gladly waited a little longer to be seated separately, because noisily slurping ramen in complete silence? AWKWARD. But regardless, I think I've definitely found the perfect (and cheap!) pre- or post-class meal.
(4)SR M.
Small place so get here early. There arent many seats and we got lucky we showed up right at 5pm when they opened for dinner on Saturdays. The guy that seated us wasn't the most pleasant but whatever, I'm there to eat ramen not make friends. As for ramem, we ordered the house ramen, bro got the hot and sour, gyoza and pork buns for apps. Well I loved my ramen. I've been to Ippudo a few times so I was able to compare. Although Ippudo wins hands down, this place was as been as good as it gets for me in Boston. Other reviewers have said that it's a little bland and not nearly as salty as it should be. Well I am glad. I liked that it wasn't too salty and that I didn't have to gulp down 3 glasses of water with my ramen. The broth was full and thick which I appreciate. I even like the noodles. I thought it was a perfect mix of the two. You can tell that they simmer the broth for hours. I only wish they the eggs they give you were a little more yolky? Also, more pork couldn't hurt either. Gyoza and pork buns were also good. Not sure what they used for sauce/spread but it helped with the dry pork that was in the buns. My brother enjoyed his hot and sour but it was not hot enough for him Overall I am a fan and will definitely be back.
(4)Tess C.
I read a lot of reviews about long lines, but I guess I got lucky. No line at all!! I had the House Ramen and I LOVED i.! The broth was on point and the noodles were a nice texture. Portion size was good also! A little pricey, but probably as good as it's gonna get around here. I went in not expecting much, but I definitely enjoyed the ramen! I will be coming back again!
(4)Katie C.
It's been about a year since my last review, and I've tried a few more ramen joints in the area. Conclusion? Sapporo is THE place. There really is no other (in Boston at least). And Spicy Miso is still THE dish. Get it. I recently heard about the new location opening up in Central (Hmart! Yesss). Will any of the new menu offerings compare to the Spicy Miso? I'm skeptical, but excited to find out.
(5)Peter K.
A decent ramen place. Only chicken broth, though. Located inside the Porter Square mall.
(3)Gezinha D.
I ordered a house ramen and I loved the broth, it was, for the lack of a better word... succulent. I thought the noodles were just a little bit hard and I wish that the bean sprouts had been cooked, I've never had bean sprouts like that before, every time I had them it was in a stir fry so I was surprised that they were uncooked. I wish they had options such as shrimp or chicken it would really be great. Overall the ramen was really, really good I am going to go back again for sure, and i will order double noodles. I can't wait to try the spicy miso ramen, it was my first time so I was a little bit cautious and I tried the house ramen. The group that was sitting by my table had the tan tan ramen ( I think that's what it's called) and it looked really good and it had shaved pork, which, i think looked more appetizing to me than the slices i got because you could mix up the broth with the shaved pork in the bowl, but the pork i had was really good too. The broth was really filling so I didn't even finish the whole thing. Can't wait to go back with my husband!
(4)Kristina N.
This ramen shop was the only restaurant with a line in the Porter Shops mall. As a ramen lover, I'm making it my goal to try all the ramen places in Cambridge. This store has a good bowl, though, the house special broth tasted surprisingly like creamy chicken soup and my pork slices were cold. Still a satisfying meal to eat on a cold night.
(4)MooMoo H.
Here is a candid review from a native Japanese ramen lover: The establishment is inside a mall with very few seats. I was lucky to come during off-peak hours, but I can imagine this place being packed. I would definitely stick to off-peak hours, but the flip side is that there are a bunch of other Japanese restaurants close by with similar price points. The service was kind, but it was kind of hot. I had the house ramen since it was my first time. It wasn't for me (what a snob right?), but most people would enjoy it. The noodles were spot on. The egg was OK. The pork was... cold and oddly sweet. The portion size was fairly generous. By itself it would be a solid 3 stars, but considering it's MA I have to bump it up to 4 stars. If they fix their pork and offered some kind of add-on menu (garlic, onions, etc) it would be an additional star for me.
(4)M L.
Solid ramen at decent prices. Expect a long wait if you go during lunch, especially on the weekends.
(3)Anthony B.
This was my first time ever having ramon. It was so good I can't wait to go again. The only thing is there is a long wait. When I go this time I'm going early. Also wish there was a ramon restaurant in the Worcester area.
(5)Stella S.
I don't get the rave. It's decent ramen but not as great at people make it out to be. The miso base is a joke. The miso ramen came out bland and to be honest, it tasted like they mixed the miso base with the water they cooked the ramen in.
(3)Jeff K.
I dig this place. It's comfortable, quick and mostly delicious. Especially like having flavor options... curry ramen and tan-tan-men are my favorites, boss lady likes the spicy miso. If you're hungry get double noodles, you don't get a ton here and they're far from the thick, chewy homemade noodles that I not-so-secretly wish they'd switch to. Don't bother with the egg, they end up hard boiled 98% of the time. The plain house ramen leaves something to be desired, especially compared to Yume Wo Katare, but we'll keep coming back to Sapporo for fat bowls of double noodle curry ramen. DO try the gyoza... so good. Try to get there early or late, regular dinner time = line for miles.
(4)Alice L.
The line was really long and the restaurant itself is extremely small. I had high hopes for this place because of how many good reviews it got and how it was the most popular place in the complex. We got the original/house, the miso, and the vegetarian one. First bite into each was delicious, but after about the 5th bite, the soup was too overwhelming. Granted, I've never had "creamy" ramen, but it was just too much for me. I honestly would've preferred staying at home and cooking up some 25 cent ramen from Wal-Mart. In order from best to worst, I would say vegetarian, original, then miso. For a meat lover like me, to say vegetarian was the best means something.
(2)Sushmita M.
Despite my LA ramen adventure, I'll always come back to Sapporo. Case in point, in a one-week visit, I have been here three times to get my fix, and even that's not enough. The tan-tan men sesame pork ramen ALWAYS delights, so creamy, spicy, porky, noodly it is. This is my favorite place to eat in Boston until you convince me otherwise. Get here early with a small group, bring cash & top it off with Miyazaki afterwards. Kawaii!
(5)Ivy F.
Prepare to wait in line if you plan to come here for dinner. Soup is great and creamy.
(3)Ottavio S.
I've been coming to this Ramen shop since I was a teenager. Its never disappointed. The staff is amazing but most of all its a no nonsense spot to get an amazing bowl of ramen. Get the miso ramen. You won't regret it.
(5)Guy R.
It feels like a cheesy, small diner with several wooden benches and tables - the minimal decoration you can think of for a restaurant. But it's perhaps THE ramen place in the Boston / Cambridge area. If you come to this place at dinner time, you will be amazed at how popular it is - people start to form anticipatory line half an hour before it's open. The style feels authentically Japanese - with a little "Sapporo" flag hanging in the corner, and small bottles of Japanese condiments on the tables. Ramen is extremely delicious. What makes it so enticing is the soup - chicken soup stewed for well over 10 hours with a mixture of unique sauce, seasonings, and peppers. It gives out a mild, savory smell. And perhaps because of it, if you are someone who doesn't like salty food, the soup can taste a bit too salty. If so, just eat the noodles and don't drink the soup. Another good point of the diner is that all dishes are made fresh - they do not pre-make any food to facilitate customer flow - it's why there is usually a long line outside. But the wait is totally worth it because when you sit down to start devouring the noodles, you will feel the legendary "ramen experience. " Also, service is good, waiters and waitresses are generally friendly, but at times they can be a bit blunt especially when there's lots of waiting customers. But the strange thing is that the longer you wait, the better the ramen taste. Once my friend and I waited in line for well over 40 minutes, by the time we got our spots, it's already 8:30pm... I swallowed the whole thing like I'd never eaten before; or it could've been our hunger - we could've savored anything in that state.
(5)Carolyn T.
I don't even want to give 1 star because this is how bad this place is. This place has been decent over the years but the food and service have just gone down hill. The waitress is extremely rude. I ordered a spicy miso ramen and came out with miso ramen. I told her this and she said no you ordered miso even though my friend heard me said spicy miso. She didn't not apologize nor bother to give me a new bowl. She bumped into my friend's chair and ordered my friend to move her chair in as if it was her fault. There was plenty of room in the back. Rude rude rude! I only went here because yume was closed and will never come back here again
(1)Jennifer P.
Sapporo is hands down my favorite restaurant in the Cambridge/Boston area. I am almost convinced that this place may sprinkle crack into their food - it's so incredibly addicting. I crave the ramen at Sapporo at least several times per week. The prices are decent, the ambience is gritty, the service is fair - all things that I like about good old asian home-cooking restaurants. I had a friend come into town who lived in Flushing, Queens and I was a bit reluctant to bring him to this restaurant thinking that he would not enjoy this restaurant since he was coming from the Northeast Mecca of Asian food - but he loved it as well! In fact, he requested that we come again the next day (which of course we did). Come rain, sunshine, snow, blizzard, sleet, wintry mix...you can be sure that you will find me at Sapporo. My favorites, in no particular order: Tan Tan Men House Ramen Spicy Miso Ramen P.s. the appetizers all suck. I've already tried all of them and they're terrible. Just stick with the ramen and you can't go wrong!
(5)Zhibo P.
Worth try!
(4)Eunice E.
When the mood hits for a big bowl of hot ramen, this is a nice place to go... but remember to bring your cash, because that's the only currency they'll take. The broth is great, especially when you're feeling under the weather, and you need a warm pick-me-up that will fill you up and calm you down. If you add some chili sauce to your soup, well, I mean, that's just awesome. Especially if you're sick and you need to clear your sinuses. The meat is tender and fatty, but it goes well with the soft, thick ramen noodles. I tried the kimchi ramen, and it was not exactly the Nong Shim ramen I was picturing in my head, but it was nice to have something warm in my belly while recovering from a particularly nasty virus. Overall, solid ramen joint. May come back for more.
(3)Kelsey C.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there." But what if we need to cross a bridge just to get there? I'd cross a mountain to get to Sapporo. Momofuku and Baohaus have ruined Pork Buns for me, and I never thought I'd find decent ones in Boston. But at $5.50 for two, Sapporo's are a steal. And better than decent. Done deal. Miso has never been my favorite, but the Spicy Miso Ramen gives me a run for my money. Soft, dense grains of the white stuff glide down your throat, and if you add a red-hot kick of chili, you really start to taste the spicy ground pork. Yum. I've had no broth more perfect than the Kimchee Ramen with its chewy al dente noodles. The kimchee packs some punch, and an addition of spicy ground pork is just perfect. I never want to go to Porter Square, but it takes about the same amount of time to get to as Allston's Super 88, the only food court that rival the Shops so if you say Sapporo I'll come running. So keep up the good work Sapporo, I think you also put Lesley University on the map.
(4)Alex M.
In hindsight, the ramen was good but perhaps not as good as I led myself to believe. Nevertheless it's probably one of the better ramen bowls I've had in the Boston area.
(3)Harri S.
It appears that either something went horribly wrong last time, or amazingly well this time. I got the tantanmen and it was quite satisfying. The Biff got a spicy miso with extra noodles and didn't finish because his eyes are larger than his stomach. The collagenous broth was at the right temperature (Sean-a Paul-a!!!!), and the noodles held up well and did not get soggy. As always this place is cash only. My biggest gripe about this place is that it is deceivingly inexpensive. Sure your bowl starts out at $8.95, but add a hard-boiled egg (I never seem to find me soft boiled ones), and a drink and the bill with tip comes out to about $30 for 2 people. CASH ONLY.
(4)Catherine D.
They know they have us where they want us (as there are so few ramen places around), so they can put in MINIMAL effort and still have good business. First, the quality of the food is not very good. This is probably the worst ramen I have ever had. Second, the service SUCKS. I came in during the week around 2:00pm. There were maybe three other customers. I tell the waitress it was just for one. She glared at me as if my request was completely absurd--how dare I ask for a seat in such an empty restaurant. I walked toward a corner table. She handed me a menu and I took it. However, she did not let go. With me still holding onto the menu, she maneuvered me to different table. Before I was able to take off my coat and sit down she gruffly asked me what I wanted. The food is not good, but the location is convenient. I could have seen myself returning to eat bad ramen, but with this kind of service--NEVER AGAIN.
(1)Bram B.
I'm missing Sapporo Ramen! I only visit the Boston area now during summers. Their house ramen, thick and collagen-y, is ideal for a rainy or cold day (though lines and waits can be very long and it's best to be contrarian and go when others aren't likely to!) You might be shoe-horned into sitting with a stranger in order to keep the soup flowing, but don't be a hermit, it's ok to interact with a stranger, especially when comfort food this comfortable is on the table. The broth makes the soup, but the combination of the pork, seaweed, egg, corn (seemed kind of unusual in ramen to me but now it seems so natural) adds up to more than the sum of its parts and becomes something I miss now living in the South. The other soups are good too, spicy, miso, etc., but the house ramen is my staple.
(5)Emily C.
Was coming down with a cold, the kimchi ramen here was just the right cure. Broth is delicious and thick with collagen, the pork is fork-tender and the veg balance in the soup is just right (corn, nori, half a boiled egg, scallions and more). Had the chicken katsu on the side and it was also delicious. The place is crazy busy and seating's a bit cramped but service is super polite and efficient. The kitchen is open so you can watch everyone work. If you're picking side dishes, have a second choice in mind as some appetizers on the menu aren't available anymore (like the onigiri).
(4)CS L.
They actually close between 3 - 5pm. I arrived around 4:45pm on Sunday and they said it's not open until 5pm so I shop around the Tokai Japanese Gifts shop around the corner and return right at 5pm, and I noticed Sapporo is already half filled so I placed my order of House Ramen as soon as I got a seat to avoid others line up their orders in front of my single bowl ramen order. By 5:10pm, the place is already filled with a couple waiting outside. I ordered the House Ramen with extra ramen (add $1 for extra ramen, add $2 for double ramen, pretty good option for ramen lovers like me). The ramen itself seem a little too hard to make it a good chewy level (I'm not sure if it is because this place is already filled with customers so the chef wanted to cook faster to quickly serve more customers or not). The House ramen come with 2 slices of pork, some bean sprouts, corns, scallion, a piece of nori and egg. Overall the quality is not bad (if they can cook a little longer so the ramen is a little more soft inside so I can get a good chew of ramen).
(3)tammy l.
The soup was good, ramen is also good for its price. There is always a long line cuz the place is very small. Because so many good reviews have set up really high expectations, I still find the ramen a bit greasy and not really sth taste originally from Japan.
(4)Lillybeth B.
Love love love the soup here. There has always been a line but it's worth the wait. Yummmm. I've had the curry and the tantammen. They've both been delicious. I will be going back this weekend. I wish there were other locations nearby. There is parking in the back and it's really cheap.
(5)Qi G.
I've decided to give this place another try after the unpleasant experience a couple years ago. I ordered the house ramen and shared the roast pork buns with friends. While the ramen was better than the last time I had it, it left something to be desired. I was also disappointed to find out that the egg that came with the ramen was not the marinated soft boiled eggs that typically serve with Japanese ramen but a plain cooked egg. The broth was very average and didn't taste like it had been boiled for hours. Roast pork buns were not bad. Don't think I am coming back here anytime soon. There are better ramen places in Boston area.
(3)T T.
Got the spicy miso ramen. It's quite a thick broth and I was imagining an explosion of flavor from the looks of it. Disappointed that the flavor was lackluster. You're really paying for the noodles and bean sprouts--ground pork, really? Your competitors are serving up slabs of it! P.S. If you're gonna eat here, bring your own bottled water. The tap water tastes salty. Not sure if it's the tap or the cleanliness of the glasses. Or even the attitude of the waitress....the way she tells customers off is unbelievably laughable. Eating here was an experience.
(2)Ken S.
House ramen is great! Yasai ramen is okay :\ Seating can be difficult at peak hours and you may have to wait in a long line.
(4)Shuang C.
No matter how many times I eat here, no matter how many different dishes I try, I just can't get myself to like this place. Let me start off with the broth. Their broth is unfortunately thick yet unflavorful. It taste like coagulating water compared to the broth at Ippudo. Everytime I finish a bowl of ramen here I will feel sick, without fail. Mind you, it's not as extreme as the crappy feeling one gets from a bowl of Yume wo katare, but it's still pretty bad. Not to mention Yume is actually worth the pain afterwards, whereas this isn't. Noodles are pretty standard, nothing to say here. The pork, man oh man I thought the pork was meh when I first visited them three years ago, but it has progressively gone downhill. Now they are just cold chewy pieces of lameness that I reluctantly put in my mouth because I just want to eat meat. The egg also has gone downhill. Nowadays the yolk is solid powdery yellow, none of that gooey yolk from a well executed ni-tamago. The outside is tinted brown, not solid brown. Sad. If this restaurant was three stars before, now it's only worth 2 stars. Still, I'm giving it three for nostalgia's sake. I really need to accept the fact that I will never like this place, and just stop coming here.
(3)David W.
It isn't a typical Japanese Ramen, the only special is their soup is extreme thick, Obviously they uses chicken bonds to cook for hours or days. However, the taste is too strong, after I finished my bowl, my tongue was palsied for a while.
(3)Ami M.
Love it. I get my ramen fix going here. The steamed bun was super good too. Totally worth waiting in line.
(5)Eunmi L.
Best Ramen soup ever!!
(5)Mahina K.
There is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS a line. I love them though. I had the spicy miso ramen and my sister had the tan tan ramen. Both pleased us immensely. I loved their karaage chicken. It's a very small place like most of the other restaurants in this area. It probably seats around 20, IF that many people. It was kind of weird that there's corn in the ramen, haven't really seen it before, but it was yummy. They use bits of ground pork or beef in the ramen which is very yummy. It's kind of hard to eat all the small pieces if you're not so good at chopsticks. Occasionally I do to go because of the lines and just head home. But it's worth the wait if you're in the mood. Everything is decently priced and so delicious. Like most things in Porter, THIS IS CASH ONLY! Bank of America machine around the corner by City Sports.
(4)Sean D.
I have been here twice while working in Boston this summer. My family and I frequent two Ajisen restaurants in LA fairly frequently, we are big fans of fresh ramen. This place is clearly more popular than it's neighbors in this office bldg/mall setting. There was a long line both times I went. A server comes out and takes your order while you wait so that your food comes quickly after being seated. I found this to be a great idea, for customers as well as the restaurant. The ramen was fantastic! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Admiral A.
The OG of Boston area ramen. This 18 seat noodle stall in the food court of Porter Exchange (now owned by Lesley University) has been around over 20 years. Noodles are medium-thin wavy. Very basic in taste and texture, soft most of the time. There is a wide variety of choices here. Their mother broth is a chicken/vegetable boiled high and long. Nice golden color, just a hint of bubbly sheen, more rich and flavorful than one would expect. On some days a hint of bitterness comes through. Tantan Men arrives looking like a fiery sunset. It is rich with toasted sesame, nuts, and chili powder. Miso is a miss; creamy but lacking in flavor. Spicy Miso has decent heat. Hot & Sour tries hard but needs more vinegar to go with the chili oil. Curry Ramen is blah. Thinly sliced lean pork loin is decent. Fairly tender, you can taste the soy marinade. Skimpy amount of ground pork for bowls that have it. Some stomachs might not be satisfied with the portions here. You can order extra or double noodles if that is the case. Passable ramen for the region. Sapporo has name recognition since they have been in business so long. Expect a bit of a wait most of the time. Also note they close for their traditional break between 3-5pm. Cash only.
(3)Cindy K.
MmMm salty goodness. I like this place a lot. Its located right inside the Porter Exchange food court. If you go here in the winter time, expect a line around the corner hall for this place. I always get the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and salty. The noodles have a nice chew to them. I also add the house pepper and hot oil to make things even spicier. My husband always gets the house ramen. That brother is a chicken base broth that is also very thick in a good way. It comes with 3 slices of roast pork and an egg. Very delicious as well.
(5)Pe V.
Don't read any review that doesn't give Sapporo Ramen 5 stars. * FORGIVABLY Small Yes, the restaurant has limited seating (and ever since being featured on NPR and the book "Where Chefs Eat" there has been massive line every time), limited drink options (no hot tea, only cold canned tea, but at least they have oolong), they only have one server, they only take cash, and they might not have a menu option that perfectly satisfies your food aversion/allergy/proclivities. * The REAL Reason To Go: Authentic House ramen. I crave it the way others crave chicken noodle soup. The chicken broth is thick and full of flavor. The pork is marinated well (albeit fatty at times), the noodles have a wonderful chewiness (al dente), and an egg on top. 1) Bring cash. Your Hamilton and stomach will high five -- twice. 2) Don't look at the menu. Order the house ramen and never look back. 3) Become a regular. ** PROTIP ** Expect a long wait! Buuuuut, if you abhor waiting like I do, cut the line and order "to go" at the register. You likely receive your order before the first person in line gets seated. Then, you can then buy a ceramic Japanese bowl at a shop on the same floor and eat at a free table downstairs. And if you're on a date, your date will think, "What a clever, and whimsical person I have just met. When we get back to my place I will [verb] him/her vigorously with my [noun]". You're welcome :)
(5)Julia L.
First time at Porter Square - what a cute little treasure! I'm a ramen lover, and I'm so glad I found this so I'm not stuck with only Wagamama. Pork buns - loved the pork, fatty and flavorful just the way it's supposed to be. Disappointed at the buns - too chewy, like it's been made since morning and sitting out for a few hours. If I came earlier at opening time, it might have been different. House ramen - broth was excellent, very rich and savory. Noodles were kind of skimpy, hidden by the large amounts of broth. I think extra noodles are $2 so definitely doing that next time (**I'm a 5' Asian girl so anyone bigger than me, hence everyone, should probably get the extra noodles). One other thing, the half egg is fully cooked, not the semi-cooked kind that I like but that's all due to preference. Overall, best ramen so far in Boston, but still on the hunt!
(4)Sara M.
I have had a change of heart. Ken broke mine by moving back to Japan so I decided to give Sapporo another try. I was pleasantly surprised! I recently had Mentei and it confirmed my earlier sentiments of blaaah. We came around 1pm on a Sunday and waited for about 15 minutes but the server was just so friendly. I ordered the pork gyoza and the house ramen with spicy ground pork. The gyoza was not fried properly - the pan was too hot so the outside burned and without crisping all around. The broth was...sticky. You could definitely tell it was chicken and not pork but it was still pretty tasty. They could have given me a bit more ground pork (as well as not just one sad little piece of nori) and it could have been spicier but that's what the chili is for I guess. The noodles were not as springy and chewy as I would have liked but they had a good mouth feel. The ramen was much better than what I remembered and a decent substitute for Ken's. I enjoyed it quite a bit and was happy that this place has come along nicely! The bowl was decently sized and I did not need to order extra noodles. The spicy miso ramen was deemed good as well. I will definitely be back for the kimchi ramen and more house ramen as often as I can!
(4)Mike B.
I thought this place would satisfy my hunger, but all it did was give me a stomach ache for hours. The broth was very murky and Ramen wasn't cooked right for my taste. The service wasn't that great either, The waitress just asked us what we wanted and that's it. Took about 15mins to actually come around and give me my change back. Never coming here again, I wouldn't recommend this place for anyone.
(1)Matt L.
Overall, the food is decent. I would probably give it four stars. Nothing here is bad, and as long as you come often enough, you'll find something you like. The biggest problem here is the service. The people who run the shop aren't that friendly, and are pretty bad about seating. There's always a line, and they don't really do their best to make food quickly. Also, this place still doesn't take cards- cash only.
(3)Phil C.
I tried the miso ramen and it was okay. The broth is, admittedly, rich and flavorful. It might be a little too rich for some, with the high amount of collagen in the soup. The noodles are decent, as it wasn't too soft. While I know the noodles and broth are the centerpieces of the meal, there sliced pork (the very few that was there) and vegetables lacked quantity and quality. Had I been hungry that meal, the miso ramen would've been insufficient to satisfy me. But it was fine for me that day. If you're in the mood for ramen, this place will sufficiently address that need. n.b. - very few seats and cash only
(3)Bailey Z.
How can you not try a ramen place that advertises that their broth is supplemented with NATURAL collagen. Boy, I sure do prefer that natural collagen in my ramen as opposed to the artificial stuff. I do love a good ramen place though and Sapporo has the good stuff. The wait is insanely long because their dining area is insanely small and limited. Don't come here with a large group because it's a bad idea. In fact, they are so limited in space that many times you might have to end up sharing your meal with a complete stranger, which can lead to some major awkwardness. But, I guess once you have that huge bowl of ramen in front of you, nothing else matters. I got the tantanmen (sesame oil flavored) ramen with ground pork with extra noodles because I love the texture of ramen noodles. The broth was thick, warm, rich, but comforting. Mmm, gotta love that natural collagen. The noodles were cooked perfectly (slightly al dente, just the way I like it). I also tasted some of the spicy miso ramen, which wasn't spicy at all, but you could definitely taste the strong miso flavor. I wish they had more ground pork and added some other things to my ramen like seaweed or an egg. Both broths are quite salty so I recommend having some water in hand. Unfortunately the water they give to you is from the tap and they don't even make it discrete. It's disgusting that you can see particulates floating in your tap water. The only other issue I have with this place is that their service is extremely slow. They take orders while you're in line so one would think that everything would be ready by the time you sit down. Wrong. Apparently you still have to wait even longer because their 10 hour boiled broth is not yet ready for you. Doesn't make much sense to me, but whatever, they make good ramen.
(4)Jeremy K.
Hi my name is Jeremy and I am a ramen addict. Wow, that felt good; I had to say it and get it out. It's been a recent problem of mine and, well... it's been a long road to get here. Leighann recommended I try this place and I made my way there the very next day, hustling like a crack head to get my fix. I've since made quite a few trips there and have enjoyed every single one of them greatly. Even took my parents there. While I started off by ordering their house ramen which features noodles, a clear chicken broth, a half an egg, scallions, corn and soy sprouts, I've lately switched over to the Kim-Chi ramen because kim-chi is delicious and adds a bit more depth to the ramen. At $8-$9 bucks for a big bowl that most can't finish easily the place is affordable and the service is quick. Cash only though, so be warned. The ramen here will open your eyes and will make you realize that there's more to ramen then that packaged crap you see on the supermarket shelves that is loaded with sodium. The place is modest, but yeah, I am a a big fan, so much so that I'll give it a generous four stars because it's clean, quick and the prices are good and also because I've had many quiet, enjoyable lunches there both with and without company!
(4)Thien N.
I'm not really sure what authentic Japanese ramen is really supposed to taste like since this was my first time. After waiting for about 10-15 minutes, we finally sat down and ramen was served up 5 minutes later. It's great that they take your order while you're in line to avoid the extra wait time. I opted for the hot and sour ramen and my friend opted for their house ramen. The house ramen was really good. The broth was flavorful and noodles were cooked just right! However, once you get half way through, it starts to become too thick with the gelatinous. It slows you down. My hot and sour soup did the same. I couldn't finish the broth but did finish my noodles. The noodles were delicious! I'd definitely go for the house ramen next time. What to try: House Ramen Warning: this is CASH only. Luckily there is a BOA ATM nearby.
(4)Paul B.
I watch a lot of Japanese movies and anime, yet I had never had authentic ramen. I intended to rectify this on my recent trip to Boston for a Red Sox game. We decided on Sapporo Ramen and overall we were very satisfied. The only real problem we had is that there isn't much seating so it gets crowded very quickly. Unless you are going during an off time, expect a long wait. We were after the lunch rush so we only had a short wait and they do try to save time by taking your order in line. They were seating singles with strangers and couples with other couples at tables for four, so if you aren't comfortable with that this wouldn't be the place for you. We had our own table but we would have been fine sharing with others. Also you will need cash to eat here. Now as I said I've never had authentic ramen before so I don't have anything to compare this to. We both opted for the house ramen and were very satisfied. It was pretty much what we expected, although maybe a little saltier than we imagined. We ordered bottled water and the server said if we wanted we could have tap water for free. We happily accepted that offer. I can't really know how this compares to other ramen restaurants as this was our first, but we would definitely recommend it and plan to return next time we are in the area.
(4)J K.
Really exceptional ramen. I got something with delicious pork and fried Veggies. My partner got miso broth and it was perfect for him but a little too strong for me. I love the bone broth they use. Noms.
(4)Simon L.
Sapporo Ramen does not disappoint. Spicy miso ramen ($8.95) is thick and luscious, ground pork mixed with soft noodles. Tan tan mein ($8.95) is my favorite. Thick, buttery sesame broth with spicy ground pork. Long simmered broth in both cases with plenty of noodles. If you must, add extra meat and a pat of butter to be decadent. Extra pork, ground pork, noodles or double noodles are also available to add. Always busy but worth the wait as the line moves quickly. Pork buns ($6.96) were quite delicious last visit, tender pork, sweet buns, nice spice to the sauce. Shumai and gyoza have all been sampled and prove worth trying on at least one occasion but be warned that an order plus a bowl of soup will be too much for one person.
(5)Jason M.
Before Sapporo, my knowledge of ramen was limited to two things: 1. Being a poor college kid 2. The short story "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto (no really, look it up) In Kitchen, our protagonist lovingly describes the sensation of slurping the broth, the collagen filling her mouth with a warmth that passes into her body. She describes the lovingly cooked pork, floating above the chewy noodles. The nori adding a special unique flavor to the overall bowl. I didn't understand it until I visited Sapporo. Sapporo Ramen is tucked away in Porter Exchange and seats less than 20. It's intimate, yet comfortable. You may find yourself slurping on a savory broth next to strangers. Most will tell you to try the House Ramen, but that's not my jam. I move to the Tan Tan Men, a sesame and chili ramen. The broth quickly transforms into a nutty and spicy concoction, leaving plenty of spice in your mouth but not enough to make it unbearable. In the story Kitchen, the narrator says she is most comfortable in the presence of people cooking. While sitting at Sapporo, I agree.
(4)Catherine W.
Finally had the time to wait in a 30 minute line to see what the hype is about. They do have a system where you put your order in before you get seated so that by the time you do get one of the tables, your food will be ready. We ordered the house ramen with spicy pork and miso ramen. The homemade ramen noodles are fantastic and chewy. We both found the broth a little salty though, and definitely the miso broth was a little much for me (just my personal taste). Still a fun experience and I'm interested in trying other items in the future.
(3)Daniel K.
I have been a customer here for years because the ramen here are so tasty and delicious. I really cannot understand some of these bad reviews. Anyways, I always get Miso ramen with butter. If I am hungry, I would ask for extra noodle for an additional $2. I really have no room to complain or be critical about this place. The food is really good and addictive. I never experienced bad customer service here. I hope Sapporo Ramen never goes away.
(5)Susan W.
Ramen is okay. Bit salty.
(4)Allison C.
Gotta love the Porter Exchange for their casual eats! Sapporo is a bit pricey for a ramen food stall (house ramen at $8.40), but still cheaper than other ramen options in the greater Boston area and definitely an attractive option for Harvard students just down the street. For the house ramen, be sure to add the table chili sauce to give it a much needed kick. Broth is unfortunately chicken-based, as opposed to typical pork-based, so you'll need some flavor. Noodles are fine. The pork itself is a bit chewy and bland, so beware. Still, it's a heaping bowl of hot ramen. It's really hard to go super wrong with this dish. There can be about a 15 minute wait on Saturday evenings, so try not to come with a group larger than 5 people. They do try to close up shop pretty promptly at 9pm. I'd come back for a quick ramen run sometime, no problem.
(3)Bela S.
I've written a more in depth review, but I wanted to mention that these guys either don't care about their hours or they have changed them and they are outdated here. Once we arrived at 4:00 on a weekday with nobody manning the restaurant. A couple of the cooks were eating at a nearby place and didn't seem bothered that we were looking around aimlessly. A couple days ago we arrive around 4:30 and were told they open at 5:00. We took a short walk, came back at 5:02, and there were already five people seared, two of them eating. Strange... Ramen is the best around, which is why we keep coming back despite the lacking service. It's good enough that I'm still willing to give it four stars despite these annoyances!
(4)Devin F.
I've been here twice. One day and then the next. The first day I had the House Ramen and added butter. Very yummy. The next day I had the Tan Tan Ramen. Wow! It was freaking amazing. Not too spicy. Damn good sesame broth. The line moves fast and the service is pretty quick as well. Not sure how this place could be improved? A whole egg instead of just a half egg? Beer or sake options? I'm not even sure if they have alcohol or not. Maybe a website with hours and menu would be cool. Anyway, the quality, service, speed and prices are all pretty damn perfect. Oh it might be kinda hard to find. I'm an out of towner and my stupidphone's (actually it's me who is too stupid to operate it) gps settings were not as accurate as they could be so I walked past the place. It's inside the little shopping mall.
(5)Henry Z.
One of the best ramen in Boston area!
(5)Han F.
I love their ramens, the house ramen, the miso ramen and the hot & sour ramen. I never get anything else here because the soups are SO FILLING. If I know that I'm going to Sapporo, I try to eat a very light meal before, just so that I can make sure to slurp down every last sip! Staff are always courteous and if you want extras of anything, there always willing to accommodate. On top of that, they're next to Cafe Mami, my other all time favorite at Porter Exchange. =) YUM!
(5)Allison B.
Wow. Just wow. Rich, creamy broth that is made by some special bone-soaking process. Homemade noodles. So full. So delicious. Go here and order the Kim Chi Ramen. Oh my gosh.
(5)Michael S.
Been doing the Ramen rounds around the boston area and this IS the best.
(5)Peter P.
At times there are long lines, only because its so darn good! Not five star as in fine dining, but man is this place a gem. Great size portions - I usually go with the hot and sour or tan tan men but the spicy miso ramen is also another go-to great. Small little joint in the Porter Square food court/Lesley University building...PRO TIP: cash only.
(5)Julie V.
A consistent winner. I've been going here for lunch every so often for the past three years, and it never fails to satisfy. The wait can seem intimidating, but it is more than worth it for the delicious bowl of rich broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and tender pork. I always go for the kimchi version, but I've gone with friends who take the house or miso and love them just as much.
(5)Skye R.
I was craving Ramen and so Yelp helped me find the best place within walking distance. Unfortunately this was a let-down. I found that the broth was way too heavy, too much fat and umami and missing that crucial "zing" as a counterpoint. A splash of ponzu or even the fermented taste of bonito would have mde a world of difference. Instead, I felt like I was drowning in a pool of collagen. I tried adding a side of spicy pork, but that was also just fat, and then dousing my bowl with sriracha (just made it taste like spicy fat). I was also disappointed with the included bits-- two slices of pork, some corn and bean sprouts. Where were other interesting add-ins, like fish cake or seaweed? Overall, if you want a good bowl of hot fatty soup, this is the place. If you are looking for a "real" authentic ramen, don't come here.
(3)Kari C.
This is a small restaurant inside of Porter Exchange. I come here often for other restaurants as well and I always see a line for this place! Boyfriend ordered a spicy miso ramen and I ordered the house ramen. He says that it is not great but it IS the best ramen he has ever had. However, for someone like me who prefers lighter foods and has a small appetite, I would personally not come back. The soup base was much too thick for me and did not taste very good. I felt a little bit sick after and could not finish half of it. The service was average but of course, it is to be expected from a small and busy place so I don't blame them. We were also in line before these two guys and even though I wasn't ready to order when she came to us in line, she ended up taking their order first and it came about 5-7min before ours even though she brought the orders in at the same time.
(3)Lauren S.
I have not had ramen in Japan. But in my sample size of various packages and other Asian restaurants, I have not had ramen better than this. Holy crap, it's cheap, AND it's delicious. Some folks have told me they don't like the noodle consistency, but if we're going for personal preference: if I've been prepping for a visit, I can clean out a bowl in 15 minutes (the size of a small trough) if I have to handle conversation while eating. [ambiance: a little weird. the venue is like, 3-4 long tables. You get tap water in a cup-- it's okay since your mission is to shovel ramen-- and there can be a line. Bring cash-- there's an ATM in the building, and they don't accept credit cards here] My favorite is the kimchi ramen, but I've enjoyed miso with butter (unabashedly, I love butter and I love fat.). I pour a bunch of chili oil (from the ridonkulously adorable little cat condiment bowls), and go to town. Th kimchi ramen comes with sliced roasted pork, sprouts, corn, seaweed, hard boiled tea egg (and kimchi, naturally)-- I noticed some folks have had cold pork and egg. I haven't had that happen to me, but I somehow doubt that it would phase me if it did. The reality is, the broth is what keeps me coming back. Finding delicious broth is freaking hard around here, and I would drink this broth through a straw if I didn't think I would possibly pop my stomach from over consumption. I do really like runny eggs in my udon, but I've got no complaints about the tea egg here. Also, make sure you check out the cat cartoons stenciled on the wall. Under each overly expressive cat (one is bursting into tears of joy), there's a phrase. "Growl. mmm. that! try. OH! my god." While you're deep in ramen consumption, it almost makes sense. Yes, my God. Try the ramen. If you don't like it, it's only about $8.50, so you won't be out much for your adventure.
(4)Lisa W.
Not bad.. but I think we'll try all the other food stalls in the building before coming back. We had: - house ramen (would get extra pork next time) - tantanmen - kimchi - 2 pork buns = $25 after tax before tip (CASH ONLY) The broth is rich and tasty, but the noodles are just OK compared to my favorite ramen place in LA. The pork buns though.. wow! The bun was soft and fresh, and the pork slice was large and juicy. It comes with two different variations. Mine had a cucumber slice and some soy-based sauce which I loved. The other had lettuce, tomato, and some sort of mayo-based sauce. It was pretty busy, but it seems like the tables turn over fast. I did hear the waitress allow some people to sit at the empty cafe across the hall, so it wouldn't hurt to ask if it's super crowded.
(3)Prem A.
Didn't think the ramen here was anything special. Had much better ramen in New York. I had the soy sauce ramen. The broth was good, but didn't enjoy the noodles. I chose to go here because it was one of the few ramen spots open on Sundays.
(3)Michelle J.
I am not a soup person and the first 2 times I came here it was in-between it's closed for lunch phase. So unfortunately I didn't get to try them my first few trips here. But it was cold and I am nothing if not determined. I figured I would stop here for an early dinner after missing my bus a couple hours before. I was frustrated and it was cold. So when I got to Sapporo at 4:30 and the guy told me they actually open back at 5pm I was a little bit sad. However as the saying goes 3 times the charm I wasn't going to let that discourage me. If anything I wouldn't have to wait on line like so many people choose to when they come here. The lines don't get super long but there is limited seating so I imagine if I did choose to wait for an opening it would be at least half an hour to 40mins depending on the crowd. So when I returned at 5pm I took a seat at an open table and the waiter (I feel funny using the term waiter for a ramen shop) brought me a water and took my order. They only serve about 6 kinds of ramen and the menu has pictures so you know exactly what you'd be getting. I ordered the Tan Tan Men and their pork buns. About 10 minutes later I get my steaming hot bowl of ramen. Looks just like the picture and I dig in... well as much as a person can dig into a bowl of soup. The soup was hearty, the noodles though I felt could have been a little more were good. The ground pork and other toppings were very flavorful. On a cold winter evening I couldn't ask for anything more. This was the perfect meal. And even though there was a line forming while I ate I never felt rushed by the waiter. He didn't even bring the check until he noticed my soup was almost done. I will say though that this place was a little more expensive than I would want to spend for dinner.The bowl of ramen itself cost about $10 but the food was so good and the bowl pretty big I think it was worth it.
(3)Peter P.
I've been to a lot of ramen shops, and most of the time they're over-hyped. You pay an arm and a leg for something that tastes about the same as what you ate to get you through your college days. But this is not your average 4-for-a-dollar ramen, this is some real quality stuff. Food alone merits this establishment 4/5. Food: We had the pork buns as the appetizer. For some reason though, mine didn't have mayo or a slice of tomato. It actually had a thin spread of what appeared to be black bean paste, which I felt made it taste better compared to what my friends had. For the entree, I had the house ramen with double noodles (because I'm so used to getting a dismal amount elsewhere). It definitely pushed my eating limits, and I think next time I'll just settle for extra instead of double noodles. The broth was thick, and I'm not sure if it's because of the egg noodles or how they cook it. I feel like they must have taken egg yolk and mixed it in with miso broth or something. It's not a bad thing, it just felt very heavy afterwards. The pork slices were nice and tender with a roasted soy taste to them, however I think it's a little expensive to get extra pork. They have plenty of seasoning on the table if you don't like the taste, or if you need a little more spice. Atmosphere: There's about 20 seats total in a small area. Lines form randomly in the hall, but luckily you can "pre-order" while you're waiting. Staff: N/A - mostly because they just drop off the food, and come back for the check. Final Thoughts Sapporo is a terrific place for ramen, and you definitely get the most bang for your buck here. However, the wait time can fluctuate a lot so plan accordingly.
(4)Shing Yiing O.
I am hesitating on giving 3 stars or 4 stars... well.. to be honest.. the house ramen's soup is one of the best soup i have ever had.. Yes.. it's thick and tasty.. I still prefer the ramen that I had in NYC.. Totto and Ippudo.. well.. But I am in a different city.. I will definitely return to get a ramen if I am living in Cambridge... It's different kind of ramen.. It was not the ramen I expected.. That's why it's more like a 3.5 stars instead... but because of the soup.. 4 stars with no comment... It will be perfect if I can have the house ramen soup and the noodles from Totto Ramen.. lol.. the pork in the soup wasn't as crispy as I will get.. We also ordered a bbq pork bun.. This is the reason I was hesitating on giving higher ratings... the bbq pork bun is a little too greasy.. and it was not crispy at all.. instead.. there was too much fat in it... I am just having a really high expectation since I love ramen so much.. but.. it's pretty good to enjoy here and it's cheap!
(3)R S.
I LOVE this place. The ramen that is. The lineups, the sharing of tables, etc. -- not as great. But I often come here two or three lunch hours a week. Amazing spicy miso ramen. Very yummy! Check it out!
(5)Chris H.
The ramen is very good--not the best ever, but good. Beware that they close early, and at least the last several times I went, they chased the patrons out right at closing time, even if they had just gotten their food. There's also a long line, so between the line and the iron fisted closing policy, make sure to arrive with plenty of time.
(4)Sheila N.
The ramen here doesn't disappoint in terms of quality and quantity. When my friends think about ordering extra noodles I tell them that there is no need because I find myself having trouble finishing up my own bowl! Last time I came here I ordered the house ramen which had a hard boiled egg, seaweed, corn, sliced pork, and bean sprouts. I liked the broth because it was creamy and tasty. If you think it tastes plain, just had a dash of soy sauce. The noodles were soft yet a bit chewy. My friends and I did not have to wait but it was three in the afternoon when it was not busy. This place seats about 15-20 people at a time so sometimes you would have to wait to be seated. If your thinking of giving this place a try, I definitely recommend visiting this place!
(5)Judith C.
I came here on a Saturday after 11:30am when a bunch of other shops in the area were starting to open up for lunch. We were told it was a 15 minute wait and got to order while we waited online, but we ended up hungrily waiting a bit longer than expected. The place is small with a few tables and is seemingly popular as it formed a line not long after it opened. I ordered the miso ramen which ended up being too salty and almost overbearing as I finished. I couldn't get rid of the saltiness lingering in my mouth minutes after eating and drinking more water. I liked the miso flavor and enjoyed eating it at the first few bites, but it bothers me when a shop makes their ramen saltier than it needs to be. The pork seemed like the typical kind that comes with Japanese ramen, but the pieces I got at Sapporo were thickly cut. Instead of the usual thin layer of fat that adds flavor to the meat, this pork had chunks of fat which were too much to eat. Ultimately, it was a quick and satisfying meal to eat ramen here despite the bit of wait, but given the number of Japanese shops in Porter Exchange, I think I would enjoy eating at some other place better.
(2)Marisol C.
Not impressed with the ramen. Neither the broth nor the noodles had any flavor. I was looking forward to this restaurant due to the reviews, but it was a disappointment.
(2)Guillermo M.
Last time we got the house ramen soup and didn't love it but we had to find what brought so many people to this place (other than the great prices). It is the miso ramen soup! This is what I was looking for, lot of flavor! Would have this one again and again and again.
(4)Ivy G.
Back Sep. 2011, I had my first taste of this Ramen with pork noodle. I did not think very special or worth recommending. So my second taste was last Tuesday , I ordered spicy miso ramen. It came with little spicy actually. To be honest, I almost added all the spicy pepper on the table to my noodle. Still not satisfied with the spice. Yes, it would be a good choice to try once. since it is so hard to find any right Ramen in Boston. Moreover, the soup is too oily for me~
(3)Yue Z.
Service: 3 Food: 3 Ambiance: 2 I'm a huge ramen fan, and the search for great ramen in Boston has been a disappointing experience. Sapporo ranks among the best that I've tried thus far. Sapporo is located inside the shopping center at porter square, and has ~30 seats. There's usually a line around dinner time, and the waitress takes your order while you're waiting in line. I've never waited more than 30 minutes as the turnaround of this place is quite fast. They have all the basic options of soup base, including miso, salt, and spicy. The tonkatsu is great, and the ramen is of great quality. The soup is on the creamy side, and may not be to everyone's taste. The noodles are on the harder end, though still quality noodles. The spicy miso isn't that spicy, so I would often ask for extra spicy. There's also the usual option of a rice bowl on the side, which makes it a bit too much food. They have a very simple set of options, and ramen is served within 5, at most 10 minutes of you sitting down. The ramen also gets cold quickly, so it really shortens the amount of time you have to eat. I've never found it to be a great place to catch up with people, as between the line right at where you're eating and the speed of the food service, you're almost expected to be in and out in 30 minutes. In one sense that is why ramen places exist, on the other, I would've prefered to enjoy my food a bit more.
(3)Thomas H.
We just went there this afternoon. The broth was not seasoned very well. I had to add soy sauce. The grounded pork was like a meatball of refrigerated meat. You can tell the cook took no pride in his craft. It wasn't worth the wait. This would be the last time we go there.
(1)Jack L.
I don't like giving out 1 stars, but after trying this place out twice with two different people who shared similar opinions as me, yah... Apparently a lot of people enjoy eating here, maybe it's the mainstream American idea of what Asian food is. For example, most Chinese restaurants in the USA aren't authentic Chinese food. Same thing with Sapporo... it's not real ramen! What I don't like about this place: 1. Their soup base is disgusting! It's thick and and nasty tasting. It taste nothing like Japanese ramen soup bases! Wagamama is UK-based ramen, and they seem to somewhat get the concept of ramen soup bases... Sapporo Ramen does not! 2. Their noodles are... ... egg noodles? fried noodles? cup ramen instant noodles??? definitely NOT TRUE RAMEN noodles which require the chef to actually make it with his hands and stretch it out to a springy texture with substance. The kanji characters for ramen mean "pulled noodles," describing the process for how real ramen is made. 3. The meat portions in the noodles are nothing like the generous meat portions in your average Japanese noodle stall! All I can say, cheap noodles, cheap food, cheap taste... I don't understand why so many people line up here every day every hour wait 15-20 minutes to be seated to order such unauthentic and nasty-tasting soup noodles... Sighz!
(1)Philip H.
Homemade Broth with Anti-Inflammatory Effects There is nothing like a homemade chicken bone broth, rich and fragrant and glistening with circles of golden colored natural fat. Plus, this stuff has minerals galore! Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and others that can be easily absorbed by the body. Sapporo Ramen EXCELS at their version 2.0 homemade broth. I agree with Leighann and Tatsu that change is for the better. In the past, Sapporo Ramen was nothing to scream for. Since they changed their broth to the 10 hour-boiled, poultry-based, collagen-saturated goodness, I jump out of bed for a bowl of Sapporo Ramen. Especially when I'm sick, I love to blast my system with this stuff after taking some cold medicine and cough drops. Last week, my trifecta of pills, broth, and Ricola did the trick for my sore throat. It was awesome. It is critical to get here on time or be prepared for the wait. During the winter time (which is like 75% of the year in Boston), Sapporo Ramen is usually the busiest restaurant at Porter Exchange, . Limited seating, high demand, and short supply are all factors. If you get their at peak times, you'll most likely need to wait and probably share a table with another party. A natural line forms outside the Korean joint right across from them and follows along the wall toward Cafe Mami. When it's really busy, they will take your order from the line prior to seating you. By short supply, I mean they can run out of ramen or broth. Yes, I've seen people come after they had finished the lunchtime supply of broth. So I mentioned the amazing broth that can magically heal a sore throat. Why else do I love this place? The menu is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is decide what flavor of ramen you are going to get, house, miso, kimchi etc... If this is your first time, get the house ramen. It's what most people get. And I recommend getting it with extra vegetables for $2. They will load the bowl with crunchy, chopped cabbage, which I feel rounds the sliced pork, corn, green onion, nori flake, sprouts, and 1/2 boiled egg. The gyozas here have great flavor but are a tad bit oily. The pork belly bun was a pretty major fail. Way too dry. It falls short of the glory of Jojo Taipei's pork belly bun. In the summer time, they have a summer ramen that is cold and a must-try in hot weather. The people that work at Sapporo are very warm and friendly, so I always leave them a nice tip. So go now. And if you are feeling a sore throat coming, GOGOGOGOGO NOW!!! Blast your system with their magical broth.
(4)Cy K.
Very sub par ramen. The pork and egg were clearly not fresh - since they were still cold when I tried to eat them. The half egg is hard boiled (not soft and gooey as it should be. The pork was just ok - not horrible, but certainly not the melt in your mouth tender it should be. Lastly, the broth was very thin and not creamy (potentially just personal preference). The one saving grace was the noodles were just al dente and a bit chewy - which was very nice. Service was quick and kind. However, the food itself was just lazy. Some good noodles with a lot of not good stuff around it. What a shame!
(2)Paul L.
I first went on a Wednesday evening. An hour-long queue waiting to this small place. Gave up. Came back on Saturday at 5pm. Still a small line even at this hour. But I waited and made it in this second time. Frankly I was expecting a lot from this place because of the ever-present line. I ordered a House Ramen with extra noodles all for $10.60. Regarding the portion, with the extra noodles it would have been a regular size. Then the "full of collagen" broth that they tout on posters and menus. They say it's made from chicken. I don't taste any chicken. They say it's rich... Well, it's thick, but definitely not rich. There's a soapy taste. The broth tastes flat. There's no depth in the flavor at all. Disappointed. Then the ramen. These don't seem like handmade from the total lack of chewiness. I'm guessing they were frozen. The ramen is better than good instant noodles but no where close to handmade ones I've had in Japan or London. I don't know. Perhaps I don't know what's good for me. But I am not coming back to this place. I am confused as to why there are always so many people lining up to this mediocre ramen store.
(1)Ethics G.
This is one of my favorite ramen places in Boston. I regularly order the spicy miso ramen. The broth is thick and delicious with no shortage of flavor. The noodles are the typical thin ramen, which are very comforting, especially on a cold day. I enjoy the additions of the spicy ground pork, tofu, seaweed, sprouts, and corn, and I regularly order extra noodles and tofu or seaweed. The sliced pork add-on is so-so, and could be better flavored, more tender, and more moist. See yume wo katare for some truly excellent pork. The restaurant is in the Porter Exchange Bld with a number of other Japanese eateries. Don't go for the decor, as it is strictly utilitarian. Moreover, don't go there and expect to chat after your meal, because you should move on so that others can sit and eat. This is a typical Asian no-nonsence, sit down eat and get out type of place. One of the waitresses can be a bit abrupt, but what's important to me is that I get my food quickly and efficiently. The proximity of this restaurant to yume wo katare gives rise to inevitable comparisons. But the two are like comparing apples and oranges. at yume, they serve only one flavor of noodles, the noodles are thick, and it's all about the pork. At Sapporo, there are more choices, the noodles are thin, and there are more to add. Either way, you can't really go wrong. Mostly, I wish that Sapporo Ramen would open a branch in downtown Boston. I would go every week.
(5)Rob S.
I've been eating at this place for many years and it alwasy still a tough decision between Sapporo Ramen or Tampopo because I love both so much equally. I love getting the miso vegetable ramen. It's not like any other ramen I have ever tasted and always make a trip to this place a couple times every winter. The area is great and does have its busy hours.
(5)Matthew S.
I love this place. I have been going there since I was in college and have not been disappointed yet. I really enjoy getting the Spicy Miso with extra noodle and butter. The portions are huge and it tastes so good. The only downside to this place is the lack of seating, but it is worth the wait.
(5)Jing Z.
I love the toasted pork bun more than the ramen! But ramen is also very good! I will go and try some other ramen next time.
(3)Fat G.
Fat G. coming with a review about a place that I heard rave reviews about. Naturally, I had to go in order to check out the hub-bub. Anyways, Sapporo Ramen is located inside a plaza along with a whole bunch of other food places. There are Korean, Chinese, mochi restaurants, and all have their own draws of bringing people there. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. When we first got there, there was a line in which we had to wait about 15 minutes or so. One of the persons who worked there gave us a menu to look at and order from. It's a small menu but has much variety, in terms of additions and flavors. The place itself is a bunch of tables in a cafe-like setup. It gets very humid inside. I ended up ordering the same thing my friend did, which was basically the standard Ramen dish with extra noodles. It came out to around $11. In it was the soup, the ramen, some meat (3 pieces) and veggies.More of the flavor comes from the broth mix concoction than the noodles themselves. All in all, I was satisfied in terms of taste, but not really wowed by it, nor was I completely full either. The experience of authentic cuisine is what they're trying to convey. Recommended for: noodles, "diamond in the rough."
(3)Jeff M.
Sapporo Ramen managed to both excite me and let me down. First, tasting the broth excited me because I definitely could tell this is not a can chicken stock from China Town. But then I was let down by the pork slices and egg which were both cool. The broth did not re-heat either enough. My recommendation is to get double meat and double vegetables to not end up with a bowl of broth. The sticky pork buns were gross and you could definitely tell the bun was from some company mass producing them like chips. I'd give Sapporo another try only because of its price point.
(2)Sara R.
The problem I have is that, while I was in Japan, I had Ichiran Ramen and there is seriously nothing like it. I've tried to make ramen myself and understand how difficult it is to do from scratch. The flavour of their broth is seriously undeveloped .. It's too bad,because the noodles were perfectly chewy
(2)Anna C.
I absolutely LOVE Saporro Ramen. I tried so many ramen shops in the boston area and this is still my favorite place to go. My favorite is the House ramen and I get that one every time I go. There's always a line when I go but the line moves very quickly and you get to order when you're in line! They give you water when you sit down but it's probably just tap water. The pork bun is pretty good too but they sometimes run out of it. I tried getting it to go before, but the noodles just molded in the shape of the container so it is definitely better to sit in and eat.
(5)Burry B.
the ramen at Sapporo, is not bad but is not the best that I've had. generally with ramen you have your usual cuts of pork, but at sapporo there is an extra charge. I guess the easy way to describe the ramen here is that it doesn't taste add if it had simmered for enough hours. the flavors are under developed and have not matured. in saying that...I'm sure if the same recipe was allowed to simmer for another 8 hours the broth here could be amazing written 1/12/12 as a draft, but now posted.
(2)Emily H.
Meh. That's really just it. The last time I had ramen was in Japan and the time before that was in San Mateo, CA- so I may be extremely biased, but this ramen was just okay. We waited about 15 minutes in line and got the House Ramen. For $10 a pop, I expected a bigger bowl with more fixin's. Generous (thicker) slices of pork but it wasn't tender, the broth wasn't flavorless, but it wasn't flavorful either. I realized I was adding stuff to it (chili, togarashi) because I just didn't get that *oomph* that I wanted from the broth. Bad sign. The service was fine, its no frills, but they know there is a line so they try to get your food to you quick! Overall, I was just not very impressed and would not go again. I would go to Cafe Mami (right next door!) any day over this ramen joint.
(2)Scott N.
I had never truly had authentic ramen before, and after coming up here with a friend; someone who *always* goes out of their way to visit Sapporo when they're in the area, I think I'm going to have to do the same. It was just...wow. Great. I'm not the biggest fan of tofu, or even hot and sour soup for that matter, but the fact that the pork was just so tender and warm, and the tofu just absorbed all of the spices and flavor that the spicy broth gave it. The scallions were the perfect size, and the table had lots of fixins, if that's your thing (two different types of pepper, spicy sauce, salt, ketchup, strangely enough.) The place itself is kind of hard to find; you have to go into this tiny college bookstore building, and it's down the back hall where all of the other Japanese style restaurants are located. They only have seating for a couple of tables; maybe 15 people total, so a line quickly forms around the key dining points of the day (noon, 5, 7, etc). They also hold weird hours, and have no qualms with just closing in the middle of the day with no ETA on when they'll reopen. There's plenty to do in the surrounding Harvard Square area, at least, so enjoy the day! I give this place 4 stars for a couple reasons. The food was delicious, and cheap too, but it was lacking a certain soul that you get at more intimate dining places. The portions were gigantic, and for only 2 or 3 dollars more, you can get double, or triple the portions (I went with the 2$ add-on, and definitely don't regret it.) If you're shopping at the plaza, and not a student, you can get your parking validated for a small fee; take the T at all possible (red line to Harvard Square drops you off about 1/2 a mile away, I believe).
(4)Isabella C.
The BEST Japanese ramen!!!!! The texture of the noodles is amazing. Well my favorite is the spicy miso ramen which is a little spicy, comes with ground pork and corn and the soup is sooooo tasty. I do have to say that their regular miso ramen is not that great (the broth)- I thought it was kinda salty but otherwise not that flavorful. Their hot and sour soup ramen is decent. The portions are pretty large and def enough to fill u up and give you food coma but I usually add an extra batch of noodles ($1) and ground pork ($2) just bc they're so delicious. (The roast pork is nothing special in my opinion). I've never ordered appetizers from them so can't comment on that. It's about $8 I think per bowl which I think is totally worth it. It's a small shop in a mall so don't expect anything fancy and there's always a long line but definitely worth the wait. We usually try to get there when it opens so that we don't have to wait. There's metered street parking and a Parking lot which is just $1 to park if you get ur ticket stamped by the restaurant.
(4)Joanna H.
I give 5 stars for the service. As busy as they were, there was only one waiter. Yet, he was so smiley and accommodating; that is very consoling for hungry souls waiting in long lines. Anyways, I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen because of all the rave. Definitely yummy, but personally, I can't handle drinking the thick broth. Noodles had the perfect smooth texture, not too mushy or too undercooked. Broth was creamy and barely spicy. The wait wasn't too long, and they've got an efficient system going. It was a happy & satisfying experience.
(5)seven f.
Now that I've had ramen from a variety of eateries, I can say that at the moment Sapporo is my favorite. On my first visit here, and first time eating ramen ever, I ate both lunch and dinner here. House noodle both time, double noodles at dinner. Have since tried the spicy miso a couple times. Wonderful. Rich broth. Luxurious aroma. Chewy noodles. A pleasant waitstaff staff and very accommodating. Sure, theres a line, but bring a book, it's worth the wait.
(4)Chan C.
Broth is gourmetly sweet, which I like it. I have never drunk a entire bowl of broth, cuz everywhere else their broth tastes salty. But Sapporo's doesn't. I like the noodle, because they absorbed flavor and easy to slurp, but the portion is kinda small for me so you need to order extra if you are a big eater. However, the meat was cold! I didn't know why, but I think it was unnatural. Even the heat of broth couldn't warm it up. I will go again, and hopefully next time their meat is gonna be hot.
(4)Yuka Y.
FYI- Yasai Ramen (vegetable ramen) is not for vegetarians, there are pork chunks in there. If you like stir fried cabbage and can't get enough of bean sprouts, I recommend it. I wish they used tonkotsu soup (pork base) instead of some peppery-cornstarch-soy sauce like mixture as their broth. Noodles were decent- the yellow and thin kind. Be forewarned, the boyfriend and I were thirsty as heck by the end of the night so you might want to skip downing that bowl of MSG (?) laden broth. With the advent of Pikaichi and Inaka, Sapporo Ramen will be ranked 3rd on my list of ramen places in Boston. It's cramped, as with the rest of the food stalls in Lesley. Eaves dropping into other people's conversation is easy here. They still take in customers for a while after 9pm, their purported closing time. The broth is really the soul to the ramen and it's a miss here, neither thick or flavorful.
(3)John B.
I love Sapporo Ramen because it was the first ramen house I used to frequent in the Greater Boston area. I liked the small shop feel they gave, the server / waitress who would be a bit gruff but gentle at the same time - never rushing you, but the line would always tell you otherwise. Tables always were taken but rotated fairly consistently. I think the only downside to availability was the early closing time - 8pm or so on most nights. As for the ramen, I've since found some other places that have high quality ramen, however, Sapporo offers a vegetarian miso version which is nice. Over time (a few years) their servings, including toppings, seemed to diminish - so less corn, less mushroom, spring onion, etc. However, the ramen was consistently tasty and they did make their broth overnight, so it was a more stewey, thicker version (although I wouldn't call it thick, necessarily, just thicker than the other broth's I've tried). We also always go for the veggie gyoza, which are a good hearty addition to any bowl of ramen. I give them a 3-star rating because I am a hard grader, but they are in the top three ramen shops I frequent (on either coast). *Unfortunately, the ramen houses in the west coast have dissappointed thus far, especially the chefs who are standoff-ish and unwilling to bend.
(3)Mei T.
Great Ramen!!! The bowls are huge! Long wait though
(4)Catarina D.
The house ramen is amazing. The silky broth is so thick that it's a meal in itself. The additions of meat, egg, chopped green onions and corn make the ramen complete. The only problem with Sapporo is the lack of sufficient seating space. Every single time I've been here (weekend afternoons) I've had to wait on line, and wait times can get pretty bad. This restaurant is surrounded by others of similar size that are nowhere near as popular. I guess you can't fault them for their success!
(4)Lt H.
I love coming here! Spicy miso ramen is my go to! Always consistent and warms my belly. Noodles are perfect every time and broth is so many levels of richness.
(5)Karen X.
One of my all time favorite things ever is the hot and sour ramen from Sapporo. I like it so much that in the dozens of times I've been here, I haven't even bothered trying anything else. If you are a lover of hot and sour soup or spicy foods in general, the hot and sour is the choice for you. I've never eaten anything like it at any other ramen place so it is truly unique!
(4)Robert S.
On a day where my beloved Pikiachi was closed for summer vacay, I had an insatiable craving for ramen (it's been happening a lot these days...I might want to consider rehab). My sources (read:Yelp) indicated that I should try this spot out. The ambiance is nothing to write home about, and I absolutely despise that Sapporo is cash only...it is 2014, everyone uses credit or debit cards in this country, please accommodate to the times (or pay your fair share of taxes, if the cash only is with the intention of cooking the books). The ramen itself, while not as good as my favorite in the city, served as a more than adequate substitution. If you have the option of going to Pikiachi, then I would do so, otherwise, this isn't a bad place to stop in.
(3)Matt K.
Not thrilled with my experience here. There's not enough seating there but they can be forgiven for that by itself. My main problems are two... (1) The noodles in my spicy miso ramen were very chewy. It was a workout for my jaw getting them down. (2) There wasn't enough protein in the spicy miso. It just comes with a little bit of ground pork and it just didn't satisfy. The broth is nice, though it is chicken based and not pork based like so many other classic ramen broth recipes. I think that, despite the broth just being decent and not amazing, fixing the other two issues that I mentioned would have made the meal so much better.
(2)