The decor is super modern and clean; be wary if you have a bony behind because the wooden benches aren't the comfiest, but let's be real, I'm here for the food after seeing Strings Ramen toting the title of being best-voted ramen in Chicago.
I came with my brother and we shared a gyoza appetizer; it was pretty disappointing, seeing that gyoza didn't taste made-in-house. The taste reminded me of the bagged, frozen dumplings that you can buy from the grocery store. Skip it!
We were nervous for what to come next, but the ramen was the redeeming factor in our meal. I had the shoyu ramen with pork belly and my brother had the tonkotsu with pork and clam.
The shoyu broth was aromatic, flavorful, not overpowering, and I loved the texture of the noodles that were neither too soft nor too chewy. I ate this giant bowl in probably less than 10 minutes because it was that good. The bamboo was well cooked and the egg's flavor cut through the broth. The tonkotsu was okay, but a little too salty for my tastes and I still prefer Morris Ramen's tonkotsu over Strings.
Ramen is one of the best things to eat on a snowy day, and this bowl surely hit the spot. I think Strings Ramen will be here to stay in Madison for a while.