The signature dish from Marufuku's Bay Area roots, this tonkotsu achieves a milky, silken texture through extended simmering of pork bones. The chashu is generous and melt-in-mouth tender, the soft-boiled egg is perfectly seasoned, and the house-made noodles have satisfying chew. Multiple reviewers call this the best accessible tonkotsu experience in Manhattan.
Tips from diners
Order the standard Tonkotsu first. The broth is the star—creamy but not heavy.
Marufuku offers adjustable spice levels. First-time visitors should stick to mild to appreciate the broth. Spicy is fun on return visits.
The premium version features two types of pork belly—both meltingly tender and deeply spiced. The broth remains silky despite the richness. Corn and perfectly aged nori add sweetness and umami depth. Multiple Reddit threads and reviews call this version the splurge-worthy option.
Tips from diners
The two pork belly types have different textures and flavors. Don't combine them in one bite—eat separately to appreciate both.
A light, refreshing side that comes complimentary with ramen orders. The sweet soy dressing balances richness from the tonkotsu broth. Reviewers consistently mention it as a highlight—quality vegetables and unexpected sweetness.
Tips from diners
Eat this between bowlfuls of ramen. The sweet dressing resets your palate.
Light and crispy-bottomed, these gyoza provide a textural contrast to rich ramen. The pork filling is seasoned with care, and they arrive piping hot. A classic appetizer that pairs perfectly with any noodle bowl.
Tips from diners
Order immediately when you sit. Eat while hot—don't wait for ramen.
Marufuku's creative spicy option layers the creamy tonkotsu base with sesame paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns that create numbing heat. The chashu is excellent, and the side salad with sweet soy dressing provides a refreshing contrast. It's spicy but the broth quality shines through.
Tips from diners
Ask for 'extra spicy' if you love heat. The default builds nicely without overwhelming the broth.
A Bay Area ramen gem that brought its signature Hakata-style tonkotsu to the East Village in 2021. The pork broth simmered for 20 hours developed a silky, milky richness. Reviewers praised the generous chashu pork, perfectly soft-boiled eggs, and the lively atmosphere. The East Village location served as the New York flagship before closing in October 2025.
Marufuku Ramen closed its East Village location in October 2025. This entry reflects its legacy as a NYC ramen staple from 2021–2025. Check the Marufuku website for other Bay Area locations.
The East Village spot was consistently packed, especially during lunch (11:30am–2pm) and dinner (6–9pm). Waits of 30–45 minutes were common.
The lively atmosphere and communal counter seating made this a social ramen experience. Counter seats filled fastest.
At $18–$22 per bowl with free side salad, the price-to-quality ratio was excellent for a ramen destination.
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