Did you know that ramen gained its popularity after World War II? Although the dish had originated in China in the late 1800s, and soon after been introduced to Japan, it was after the end of the Second World War that — through a surplus of cheap wheat, provided by the U.S. — Japanese cooks began to produce wildly popular varieties of the noodle dish. (While ramen is a Japanese iconic food, check out America’s most iconic dishes).
From there, it’s swept across the world and has become a popular dish all over, including in the United States. Every state in the country has a place to get freshly made ramen noodles, as well as places to purchase more mass-produced brands such as Cup Noodles, Maruchan, Top Ramen, and more.
But there is something special about freshly made ramen noodles, with steaming broth and the added garnish of a boiled egg and chopped chives. With added protein options like chicken or pork, and some restaurants having added options of spice, garlic, and more, there are a variety of ramen spots in the U.S. alone, all of which have their own merit.
To identify the best ramen spot in every state, 24/7 Tempo compared reviews and ratings appearing on a wide range of websites, including Insider, Cheapism, Eat This Not That, Mental Floss, Yelp, Foursquare, Mashed, Thrillist, USA Today, as well as numerous state and regional listings.
Alabama
> Location: Huntsville
> Ramen spot: Kamado Ramen
Alaska
> Location: Anchorage
> Ramen spot: Naruto Japanese Restaurant
Arizona
> Location: Tempe
> Ramen spot: Tampopo Ramen
Arkansas
> Location: Rogers
> Ramen spot: Ramen Nara
California
> Location: Los Angeles
> Ramen spot: Daikokuya
Colorado
> Location: Denver
> Ramen spot: Uncle
Connecticut
> Location: Granby
> Ramen spot: Tiger Belly Noodle Bar
Delaware
> Location: Newark
> Ramen spot: Ramen Kumamoto
Florida
> Location: Coral Gables
> Ramen spot: Ichimi Ramen
Georgia
> Location: Smyrna
> Ramen spot: Yakitori Jinbei
Hawaii
> Location: Honolulu
> Ramen spot: Wagaya
Idaho
> Location: Boise
> Ramen spot: Ramen Sho
Illinois
> Location: Hoffman Estates
> Ramen spot: Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
Indiana
> Location: Indianapolis
> Ramen spot: Ramen Ray
Iowa
> Location: West Des Moines
> Ramen spot: Hana Ramen Sushi
Kansas
> Location: Lawrence
> Ramen spot: Ramen Bowls
Kentucky
> Location: Louisville
> Ramen spot: Ramen House
Louisiana
> Location: Mandeville
> Ramen spot: Journey East Noodle Bar
Maine
> Location: Portland
> Ramen spot: Ramen Suzukiya
Maryland
> Location: Baltimore
> Ramen spot: Ramen Utsuke
Massachusetts
> Location: Brookline
> Ramen spot: Ganko Ittetsu Ramen
Michigan
> Location: Detroit
> Ramen spot: Johnny Noodle King
Minnesota
> Location: Minneapolis
> Ramen spot: Ramen Kazama
Mississippi
> Location: Ridgeland
> Ramen spot: Little Tokyo
Missouri
> Location: St. Louis
> Ramen spot: Nudo House
Montana
> Location: Bozeman
> Ramen spot: Bozeman Hokkaido Ramen House
Nebraska
> Location: Omaha
> Ramen spot: Ika San
Nevada
> Location: Las Vegas
> Ramen spot: Sojo Ramen
New Hampshire
> Location: Hanover
> Ramen spot: Sushiya
New Jersey
> Location: Edgewater
> Ramen spot: Santouka Ramen
New Mexico
> Location: Albuquerque
> Ramen spot: Naruto
New York
> Location: New York City
> Ramen spot: Ippudo
North Carolina
> Location: Charlotte
> Ramen spot: Sheng Ramen
North Dakota
> Location: Fargo
> Ramen spot: Slurp Ramen
Ohio
> Location: Springfield
> Ramen spot: Speakeasy Ramen
Oklahoma
> Location: Oklahoma City
> Ramen spot: Goro Ramen and Izakaya
Oregon
> Location: Portland
> Ramen spot: Mizu Ramen
Pennsylvania
> Location: Philadelphia
> Ramen spot: Terakawa Ramen
Rhode Island
> Location: Bristol
> Ramen spot: Sakuratani Ramen and Izakaya
South Carolina
> Location: Columbia
> Ramen spot: Menkoi Ramen House
South Dakota
> Location: Sioux Falls
> Ramen spot: Ramen Fuji
Tennessee
> Location: East Nashville
> Ramen spot: Two Ten Jack
Texas
> Location: Austin
> Ramen spot: Tatsu-ya
Utah
> Location: Orem
> Ramen spot: Asa Ramen
Vermont
> Location: Burlington
> Ramen spot: Gaku Ramen
Virginia
> Location: Newport News
> Ramen spot: Tanpopo Ramen
Washington
> Location: Spokane
> Ramen spot: King of Ramen
West Virginia
> Location: Morgantown
> Ramen spot: Yama
Wisconsin
> Location: Madison
> Ramen spot: Morris Ramen
Wyoming
> Location: Cheyenne
> Ramen spot: Honolulu Poke and Ramen