Wood Ear Mushroom
Sum Ramen

Sum Ramen

188 Essex St, Millburn, NJ 07041, USA, United States

Ramen • Japanese • Fast Food • Vegetarian


"I most like their unique take on mapo tofu, along with a nice variety of Asian dishes in a small but decorated dining area.Lately I’ve found my body is very particular about ramen and so I often don’t order it unless there is something I specifically want to try. In this case my wife wanted to try their spicy ramen which was perfect for me because I could sample it while still ordering something else.What caught my eye while searching google was one dish in their Stone Bowl section: they have a mapo tofu dish!! For anyone unfamiliar, mapo tofu is a Chinese dish usually found in Sichuan style restaurants, so I did not expect it here, in a stone bowl either. I had to try it.My verdict: I would have it again IF I was looking for their unique take. The stone bowl means that the dish sizzles enticingly for a while even after the meal comes out. It also gives the rice a singed and crispy taste, without getting stuck in my teeth which is something I’ve often experienced in some Korean restaurants. The tofu and sauce are tasty but more reminiscent of jajiang noodle sauce or some other Korean hot paste, than of the bean paste flavor I tend to expect from other mapo tofu dishes.We also tried one appetizer, their curry croquette dish. This was crispy as expected but the taste of the croquette itself, and the curry, weren’t as expected. Perhaps just not a flavor match.Last thing friendly service! It’s always appreciated."