Best Dishes at Tonchin
Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen
RamenTonchin's flagship dish features a lighter Tokyo-style tonkotsu broth—achieved through dashi techniques rather than pure cream. The house-made noodles have perfect chew, the paper-thin chashu offers subtle smokiness, and the broth achieves remarkable depth without heaviness. Reviewers consistently call this the best reasonably-priced tonkotsu in Manhattan.
Smoked Dashi Ramen with Clams
RamenA sophisticated ramen that bridges tonkotsu and dashi traditions. The broth builds layers: pork bone for richness, then smoked fish oil and garlic oil for depth and smoke, plus plenty of littleneck clams for brininess and umami. House-made noodles, radish sprouts, tobiko, and seaweed complete the picture. It's the most complex dish on the menu.
Gyoza (Pork Dumplings)
AppetizersThe gyoza features a perfectly crispy bottom and chewy top, filled with well-seasoned pork and aromatics. A side of vinegar and chili oil rounds out the plate. It's a reliable starter that pairs well with ramen—order it while your noodles cook.
Ban Ban Chicken
AppetizersA cooling contrast to hot ramen. Tender poached chicken sits over thin, chilled noodles, dressed in a rich sesame-peanut sauce with a touch of chili oil. It's a refreshing side order or light meal on warm days.
Spicy Tan Tan Ramen
RamenA bolder direction that applies spice without overwhelming. The broth retains tonkotsu richness but layers in miso, numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and controlled chili heat. Thinly sliced chashu sits on top, along with cashew nuts for textural contrast. It's spicy but balanced—not a one-note heat bomb.
About Tonchin
Founded by brothers Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno in Tokyo in 1992, Tonchin's Midtown flagship serves a lighter, Tokyo-style tonkotsu broth inspired by classic dashi-based recipes. The house-made noodles are springy, the chashu is paper-thin with subtle smokiness, and the broth achieves rich depth without heaviness. It's earned three prior Michelin Bib Gourmand designations for consistency and value.
Top 5 dishes at Tonchin:
- Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen – 94% recommended(Signature)
- Smoked Dashi Ramen with Clams – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Gyoza (Pork Dumplings)
- Ban Ban Chicken
- Spicy Tan Tan Ramen
Details
- Cuisine:
- Japanese
- Price Range:
- $$
- Phone:
- +1 646-692-9912
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Lunch, Dinner, Takeaway
Hours
- Friday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Monday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Lunch (11:30am–2pm) moves faster than dinner. Expect 20–30 min wait at lunch, 45+ at dinner.
This is rare: Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for ramen under $25. Quality-to-price ratio is exceptional.
Tonchin has a full signature cocktail program and sake selection. Ask the bartender for recommendations.
Counter seating fills fastest but moves quickest. If you're solo or two people, aim for counter—better pace and energy.
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