Welcome to Minca
Minca is a hidden gem in the East Village, celebrated for its authentic Japanese ramen that transports diners straight to Tokyo. Nestled at 536 E 5th St, this cozy eatery offers an intimate dining experience with just a handful of tables and an open kitchen, where the staff crafts each bowl with care. The standout dishes include their rich Pork Bone Ramen and veggie-friendly Miso option, both praised for their flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and a menu that caters to everyone, Minca not only delights your palate but also makes you feel right at home.
-
536 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009 Hotline: (212) 505-8001
Welcome to Minca, a hidden gem nestled in the East Village of New York City, where the art of ramen is celebrated with both tradition and innovation. Situated at 536 E 5th St, this cozy spot invites both seasoned ramen enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike to immerse themselves in an authentic Japanese culinary experience.
Minca is more than just a restaurant; it's a portal to Japan, offering a diverse menu that showcases rich, flavorful broths and perfectly crafted noodles. Here's what you can expect when you step inside this small yet charming establishment:
- Authentic Flavors: The signature Pork Bone Ramen features a hearty blend of chicken and pork broth mixed with miso soy bean sauce, creating a depth of flavor that warms the soul. Vegetarian options like the Veggie Miso Ramen are also available, proving that even meat-free choices can deliver a memorable experience.
- Culinary Craftsmanship: Each bowl of ramen is a testament to the culinary skills of the chefs who passionately prepare every dish, using fresh ingredients and traditional methods. The noodles, made with flour and egg, can also be substituted for gluten-free bean noodles upon request, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delicious offerings.
- Inviting Atmosphere: Despite its limited seating, Minca exudes a warm and welcoming vibe. The open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the culinary magic unfold. Customers appreciate the friendly staff who are eager to accommodate, enhancing the dining experience with their attentive service.
- Popular Appetizers: Before diving into your ramen, consider indulging in some of Minca's delightful appetizers like the Shrimp Shumai or the Kimchi. Each dish is crafted with the same attention to quality and flavor as the main courses, setting the perfect stage for the main event.
Many patrons rave about the Spicy Miso Ramen, calling it a game changer with its rich and savory broth that boasts a perfect spice level. The Pork Chashu, softly stewed in homemade teriyaki sauce, is a fan favorite that complements the ramen beautifully. It's no wonder customers leave feeling satisfied and eager to return.
Whether you're braving the cold for a comforting bowl of ramen or seeking a new culinary adventure, Minca promises an unforgettable dining experience. With a rich array of flavors, friendly service, and a cozy vibe that feels like home, it's a must-visit destination for ramen lovers and foodies alike.
So next time you find yourself in the East Village, make your way to Minca. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
Small and cute tasty ramen joint. Long waits that are well worth it. Staff are very sweet and accommodating!
Got ramen here on a cold Saturday. It was pretty crowded and had to wait to be seated. The broth was really flavorful and I enjoyed every bite. It's a small lowkey spot with EV charm and I would go again.
Came here with my boyfriend on a holiday afternoon. The restaurant was very small with only a few tables but we were able to be seated right away. I got the tonkotsu basic ramen and my boyfriend got the spicy basic ramen. The portion of the ramen was big and they gave a lot of toppings and ramen. The broth was extremely rich and flavorful. Service was fast and the ramen was really good. The restaurant was small and it felt a little crowded in there so I will only recommend coming with small parties. This restaurant is cash only so make sure you have cash!
A portal to Japan, if you could get good service as a non-Japanese person in Japan. The ramen is absolutely fantastic. The vibe is completely authentic. Who painted the bizarre psychadelic rennaissance art on the walls? The staff is really here to give you 5-star ramen. I'd recommend the Miso options. Veggie Miso. Spicy Miso. Regular Miso. Most ramen places violate you with $1, $3 charges if you dare to want some eggs, or some mushrooms or corn. Not here, they just want you to enjoy your ramen. Other places get more hype. Minca actually brings the broth.
I'm embarrassed to admit I'm fairly new to ramen. I've only had it a few times and my last experience in the fall at a different place was not very good at all. But this place absolutely changed the game. The veggie miso ramen was the best soup type dish I've ever had. Seriously so so good I wish I was close enough to pop in more often. My husband, a more experienced ramen-eater, informed me that great ramen places don't always have great veggie ramen. So all you vegetarians out there (maybe even vegans? Seems like it might be without the egg) you've gotta have this veggie ramen. Hurry and go get it.
Minca is the epitome of an old school Japanese ramen place that serves up A1 food at solid prices. I had the spicy miso ramen which did not disappoint. It had a novel earthy flavor to it that was really good as the broth was really hearty. I loved the enoki mushrooms as well, they were a nice touch. My favorite part of Minca though had to be that it had an open kitchen and as hokey as it sounds, you could tell that the food was made with love. I will be back!
Fresh off 1 hour on the treadmill at 10.5 incline and 3.3 speed to sweat out the sins of the night prior, I found myself craving ramen. I wiped the sweat from my dark brown eyes that are slightly too big for my face and remembered how someone commented on a TikTok I made about Momofuku, saying Minca was the better ramen choice in EV. I showered off, tucked my adidas sweats into my Nike socks, slipped on the all-black hokas and set off on the 0.4-mile journey. I missed it on my initial walk by as it is extremely ducked-off. Lowkey as the kids would say. With about 14 seats, an open kitchen based on necessity and the workers all speaking Japanese amongst themselves, Minca is about as authentic as a ramen place can get. It brought me straight back to wandering down a random street in Shibuya, seeing impeccably dressed Japanese residents enjoying their bowl of ramen at the tiny little ramen restaurant scrolling their WhatsApp. I ordered the seaweed salad and the Spicy Miso Ramen. I always say that you can tell how good a Japanese restaurant is by how good their seaweed salad is. Okay I've never said that but this seaweed salad was really damn good. The ramen broth was flavor blasted without being too salty or too heavy, and the noodles had the perfect texture that would leave a smile on even Ivan Orkin's face. Honestly, it was a big mf bowl too and I think two normal humans could split this and still walk away content. I, however, happen to be a big dawg. My #1 ranked ramen in EV as of now. Also, I love the name of this place. MincaMinca! Sounds like a cute pokemon hahahahaahaha.