Yatagarasu West Lafayette, Indiana

Growing up in Hawaii with exceptional Japanese food, my bar for ramen is extremely high. I did not have high hopes for satisfying my ramen craving in Lafayette, Indiana, but Yatagarasu surprised me. There are two different restaurant locations: one in downtown Lafayette on Main Street and a second on State Street adjacent to campus. 

The Main Street restaurant can get crowded at times because it's not a very large space, but has a nice casual vibe. The State Street location is really fun. It is mirrored after a Japanese noodle house so you enter and order and pay on a kiosk and then sit at the bar. The curtain raises, a bowl of noodles is slid before you, and you eat. It's a very efficient restaurant, but perfect for when I have an hour break and want something a little nicer than the fast food surrounding campus. 

I often order the miso tonkotsu ramen and it is very good. The noodles have a bite and chew to them and the soup is flavorful and rich with umami. The soft boiled egg is perfect and their chashu is a little thinner than I prefer, but really delicious. They also have a variety of small plates that are excellent, the pork gyoza is one of my favorites. 

For something a little different than the usual American restaurants, Yatagarasu is a gem. Let me know in the comments if you've dined here or if not, what your favorite ramen place is (Goma Tei in Hawaii still has a special place in my heart).