X Ramen Opens in Southport with Ramen, Dim Sum, Boba + ROBOT SERVERS!

After hearing so many good things about X Ramen from my friends, I was looking forward to trying it out myself.

The New York inspired Chicken, Ramen and Boba eatery is the concept of two brothers who grew up locally in Fairfield County, in the restaurant biz. The restaurant is located in the former Wafu space. It’s spacious interior is bright and airy and offers plenty of comfortable seating. The vibe inside is youthful and whimsical, with brightly colored anime posters and TVs lining the walls. In the center of the room, overhead, a lovely display of Japanese umbrellas and lanterns hangs overhead. 

X Ramen’s fairly extensive menu is as fun as the decor. The offerings feature various Asian favorites from Ramen to Udon, assorted appetizers from bao buns to fried chicken, dim sum and a creative boba menu offering classic teas, fruit, tease, and fancy “signature” teas and slushies. The dishes are straightforward, simple and uncomplicated, perfectly suited for both the novice as well as the seasoned ‘slurper.’

If  Korean Fried Chicken is your jam, these are a must. Crispy, boneless fried chicken is dressed in a garlic soy sauce and sesame seeds, offers up the perfect sweet and salty balance, the right amount of crunch, and tender white meat. The Pork Soup and the Rock Shrimp Dumplings, savory, brothy and slurpy were also delicious. The Pan Fried Shrimp & Chive Dumplings offered us flavors that were surprising and unique. These crispy bites pack an unexpected grassy herbal flavor from the chives. 

When what you really want this season is a warm, comforting bowl of Ramen, you’ve come just to the right place. I have two to recommend. The Sapporo Shoyu Chicken comes with corn, mushrooms, bok choy, black fungus, a marinated egg (which can be left off at the diner’s request), scallions, seaweed, and a light, aromatic chicken broth. The Tonkotsu Ramen is quite similar to the Sapporo, but in lieu of the chicken, this version substitutes several slices of tender Chashu pork. The broth here is a tad richer and a tad heartier. I’ll happily recommend both, and the Seafood Stir Fried Udon with shrimp, fish cakes, cabbage, carrots, onions, scallions fried with a sweet mirin soy sauce offers a nice ramen alternative.  

The creative tea offerings will delight those with a sweet tooth — For the most part they are very dessert-like. The Hawaii, was the only one we had that wasn’t. It’s a sparkling cucumber beverage with lemon and mint, and a hint of natural sweetness. It was a great choice to complement the aromatic flavors of our meal. Coco Springs, a popular option, features coconut water and matcha. We also enjoyed the more traditional Brown Sugar Tea. The Matcha Tornado is really more like a milkshake or ‘blizzard’, combining matcha, cocoa powder and Oreo. Strawberry Bliss is a milk-based dessert beverage with an explosion of strawberries and strawberry puree punctuated with popping boba on the bottom. (These beverages are not for the lactose intolerant!)

Service at X Ramen is taken up a creative notch with not one, but two, adorable cat-like robotic servers. These fun additions will delight kids and grown-ups alike and complement the whimsical setting as diners watch their food roll up to their tables. As of yet, the robots have no names. Perhaps one of you can offer up a suggestion!

My final recommendation is a visit to the cotton candy machine, which is as much for entertainment value as it is for the candy itself. First you’ll select your flavor and pattern and then you’ll watch as the machine whips up the most beautiful creation made from spun sugar. We’ve been told that this is a huge hit, that kids have been known to return for the opportunity to spin some more fun!

Whether you’re looking for a casual night out with your SO, your family or friends, X Ramen is one of those places that fits the bill for all. We hope you’ll stop in and check them out.

X Ramen is located at 3671 Post Rd in Southport. They do not (as of yet) accept reservations.