Evie and Carlos, back to report on Tori Ramen, a small shop on Selby Avenue in St Paul! When we say "small" ramen shop... we mean it. Really, really SMALL. 7 tables, and only 2 tables with more than 2 seats.
On our first visit, we were lucky enough to find two seats at the bar, and were seated immediately.... but on second visit, we brought Evie's grandma along, and had to wait for at least 30 minutes for a table. So, come around 5 if you want a seat, and you'll get in much more quickly if you have 2 people.
Kids Menu Choices
No specific kids menu
Two bowls of ramen are offered in "half" sizes
Victoria (shoyu with chicken chashu)
E.V. (shoyu with chicken chashu and egg)
Evie's Order
E.V. (first visit)
Victoria (second visit)
Some kind of "natural" Grapefruit soda
Evie's Review: The first time around I ordered the E.V. and really liked it, but on the second time we thought I had ordered the victoria,and got the victoria. I was disappointed by the lack of egg in the victoria, because I remembered the egg from last time. (Grandma gave me her egg). A funny thing that we realized while writing this blog was that I ordered the E.V. Overall though: The broth has a sweet flavor, and the noodles absorb the flavor of the broth, and are really good. Something I think they should change, is the sesame seeds... I just don't like how they feel in my mouth. The soft egg is really good. The veggies are good. The meat on the other hand, is good but too chewy. I really really really like the soda. gah!
Evie's Rating: 4.75 stars (pending upgrade if sesame seeds removed from ramen)
Carlos' Order
Show You (aka Shoyu) first visit
Bali Bali (Tan Tan Men) second visit
Carlos' Review: Great to have this ramen shop within walking distance. Everything you might expect to be made with pork is made with chicken, with fairly remarkable results. Same creamy broth and big flavors. Beer list is short, but high quality, and regular rotation. On our first visit (2 of us seated at bar) we had excellent service, extremely friendly interaction with Evie. On our second visit (3 of us, seated at table after long wait)... it was more chaotic... friendly... but a little stressful for everyone. In terms of ramen, I thought the Shoyu was excellent... the Bali Bali was similar, and I'm not completely clear what it had that the shoyu didn't. Overall, good place for an early dad/daughter dinner close to home... not a good place for larger family night out.
Carlos' Rating: 4 stars
Location
161 Victoria Street N
Saint Paul MN 55104
https://goo.gl/maps/MRme6HPT2vC2
Website
http://www.toriramen.com/
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