The strong smell of simmering broth wafts through the air and engulfs you as you step into Itadaki Ramen, making you feel instantly as if you are in a traditional Japanese ramen shop. It is small, intimate, and has an open kitchen that lets diners watch the meticulous process of preparing each bowl. For Alicia Quintero, a regular customer, it felt like this: “The place felt warm and welcoming. The small space and open kitchen gave it a touch of authenticity, like an authentic ramen shop in Japan.” But does it live up to the growing reputation that it has built?

Itadaki Ramen belongs to just a few options standing out when talking about ramen in Medellín and Envigado. It is a strong point compared to other establishments because it perfects a few dishes rather than having an extended menu. “It’s one of the best,” Alicia says. “Other places tend to make the broth too salty or too light, but Itadaki gets the balance just right.”

Pedro Acosta, who has a fair share of dining experiences in Asian restaurants, said in agreement: “The broth has a depth of flavor that shows they put in the time to make it right.” Indeed, this rich, creamy, and balanced tonkotsu broth is a product of several hours of slow cooking and should be the most impressive dish on the menu; the ramen must be tried when craving authentic Japanese flavors.

The authenticity of flavors, though maintained on most notes, has to be adjusted on certain minor levels.

“I think they do a great job in keeping the soul of Japanese ramen and just making it accessible. The richness in the broth, the spice level, is somehow adapted for the Colombian diner but not at the cost of much authenticity,” Alicia says.

Pedro points out another strong side: “They don’t have a great big menu; they perfect a few dishes, and that really makes the difference in quality.” This attention to specialization translates into high-quality ramen all the time.

Ambiance at Itadaki helps complete the experience. Simple and to the point, wood decor and Japanese banners provide an intimate, inviting setting for dining.

“The atmosphere and setting alone should take you there a little bit, making it much more of an authentic experience,” says Asian food lover Paola Ramirez, anxious to check out the shop.

The area, small and non-ideal to accommodate big groups, is adding to the experience of going into an authentic ramen shop. The appetizer choices are among just a couple complaints.

“The menu could have a few more appetizer options,” Pedro suggests. While it is admirable to focus on quality over quantity, adding small dishes like more varieties of gyoza or Japanese small plates could elevate the experience.

But it makes up for it with the dishes being nicely plated, making the meal pleasant to the eyes. For pricing, Itadaki Ramen strikes a fair value considering the work that goes into every bowl. “It’s reasonable,” Alicia explains. “Ramen is not cheap to make, actually, and they use good stuff.”

The servings are much more generous, however, than that of the general casual meal one might consume at a mid-budget restaurant. For this, though, it feels worth the value.

In short, Itadaki Ramen represents a ramen imperative for all Envigado denizens interested in Japanese cuisine in general. Putting together an excellent, tasty broth with perfectly prepared ingredients in a cozy ambiance makes it one of the finest options. It is the best place to offer you the genuine taste of Japan, whether Pedro is an advanced ramen lover or Paola, who wants to try for the first time absolutely genuine Japanese cuisine. Well, if you are in the area, Itadaki Ramen is well worth a stop.