Paris Ramen Adventure: Dining at Kodawari for Authentic Flavor
Travel From Paris To Japan In Seconds
Kodawari Ramen
Paris, France
Do you think the concept of eating at anything other than a classic French bistro in Paris is odd? It can be easy to forget that Paris is considered one of the top gastronomic capitals of the world. Talented chefs arrive worldwide to stake their claim in the city. If you can envision a cuisine, it's probably here.
Craving Something Different
I asked my husband if he had any cravings, anything he wanted to eat in Paris before returning to the States. He quickly proclaimed, "Ramen!" I laughed and knew he would say that - it's his favorite dish.
An Unforgettable Location
Kodawari has been on my list ever since I saw a photo of the interior.
The scene appeared as if you were instantly transported to a hidden Japanese alley. And the reviews online were incredible! I knew we had to go.
I read that Kodawari doesn't take reservations. Instead, there is a first come, first serve QR code system. You scan the code for your virtual place in line, allowing you to leave and roam the immediate vicinity while you wait for the table to open.
We arrived 45 minutes before opening, and I am so glad we did. There were three people in front of us, all holding place for groups of four. When I checked the QR code, the program wasn't working, so we got in line. Thankfully, the weather was agreeable - it was a nice pause to people-watch and wait anxiously for the restaurant to open.
Minutes before the 11:45 am start, a waiter walked down the now enormous line, asking for the number of people in each group. Everyone had to be present to be seated.
As one of the first in the queue, we had the opportunity to choose our seats at the open kitchen bar and experience the space before it quickly filled up.
Kodawari - Ramen
Instagram: @kodawariramen
No Reservations
Come Prepared
I highly suggest that you wear very comfortable, supportive shoes for your wait outside on the concrete sidewalk. If the weather not favorable, be sure to bundle up and bring an umbrella in the case it might rain. All members of your party must be present before you can enter the restaurant.
All In The Details
I felt like a kid on Christmas Day as the waiter handed me the menu. But instead of being surprised with the contents, I got to choose my gift from la carte. I opted for the original, and my husband chose the black sesame bowl and a side of kimchi.
We waited anxiously, whispering to each other in excitement as we watched the Kodawari team come to life. A huge zundo of soup simmered away in front of us. One team member used a torch to put the final glaze on the shoyu pork. Another at the end of the cook line prepped a vast workspace full of empty ramen bowls.
The lead chef moved deftly amongst his team in the galley kitchen while working the tebos like musical instruments. He began to instruct a new member on the process of turning the contents of the bubbling broth, pulling an interesting tool from a shelf. I watch as they fill this oversized vial with the liquid - and begin to look at it through a unique lens.
Honestly, it took me forever to research what that tool was. It's called a digital ramen stock refractometer. This costly equipment measures the concentration of the stock for quality control. Fascinating.
Perfection In A Bowl
We sat in reverence and awe as our order arrived. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, this was the best ramen I've ever had. The broth had a depth of flavor like none other, the noodles were perfectly cooked. And while I am not normally a fan of pork, I will be ordering an extra helping when I return (very soon!). Our dessert was equally delicious, a surprisingly light and fresh way to end the meal.
Everything was perfect, and I cannot wait to go back.
