Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas

gin ramen, gin ramen & asian tapas, gin ramen and asian tapas

For residents of Alexandria, Virginia, a craving for rich, soul-warming ramen or a diverse array of expertly crafted Asian small plates often leads them to Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas. Tucked away on John Carlyle Street, this inviting restaurant has quickly become a local gem, celebrated for its delicious food, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to providing a welcoming dining experience for all.

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas, founded by husband-and-wife team Supattra Pummora (Nan) and Nat Chainam (Jay), brings a passion for Japanese culture and culinary traditions to Alexandria. Their journey involved extensive travel and study of ramen styles across the U.S. and Japan, culminating in their own unique fusion of authenticity and creativity. This dedication is evident in their menu, which goes beyond typical ramen offerings to include a variety of "Asian fusion tapas" that allow diners to explore "bold and exciting flavors in small, artfully crafted dishes."

Customers consistently rave about the quality of the food and the accommodating nature of the staff. One delighted visitor shared, "Delicious ramen and Asian tapas! Our family ordered a variety of items with the Gin ramen and red curry ramen being our favorites. The latter reminded me a bit of tom yum. We also loved the pork buns and chicken satay along with the weekly special at the time which was unagi donburri. Everything was delicious." Another noted the restaurant's cozy ambiance and friendly welcome, adding that "there was a great drink menu, and other non-ramen options so there was a good variety available." This ensures that whether you're a ramen aficionado or new to Asian cuisine, there's something to savor.

Beyond the delightful dishes, Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas distinguishes itself with its warm hospitality. One reviewer specifically thanked the staff for going "out of their way to accommodate our group of 6," a testament to their dedication to customer satisfaction. For those in the Alexandria area looking for a genuine and flavorful Asian dining experience, Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas offers a fantastic option.

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas is conveniently located in a bustling and easily accessible part of Alexandria, Virginia, making it a prime spot for locals and visitors alike. You'll find this delightful eatery at 500 John Carlyle St Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA.

John Carlyle Street is situated within the vibrant Carlyle neighborhood, a dynamic area known for its mix of residential buildings, corporate offices, and various retail and dining establishments. This strategic location ensures that Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas is readily visible and simple to reach from many points within Alexandria and the surrounding areas.

The Carlyle neighborhood benefits from excellent transportation links. It is within comfortable walking distance of the Eisenhower Avenue Metro Station (on the Yellow Line), making it very accessible for those utilizing public transit. Several local bus routes also serve the area, further enhancing connectivity. For those driving, the restaurant's location within a commercial building typically means that there are parking options available, either on-street or in nearby garages, which is a significant convenience in a thriving urban setting.

Being part of the John Carlyle Street community means Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas is nestled amidst other amenities, allowing patrons to easily combine their dining experience with shopping, work, or other leisure activities in the vicinity. This ease of access, whether by car or public transport, contributes significantly to its suitability as a frequent dining spot for the Alexandria community.

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas offers a comprehensive menu that expertly blends traditional ramen with a diverse selection of Asian fusion tapas, catering to a wide range of tastes and dining preferences. Their services are designed for both dine-in enjoyment and convenient takeout/delivery.

• Signature Ramen Bowls: The core of their menu features a variety of authentic and inventive ramen options, known for their rich broths and fresh ingredients:
  • Gin Ramen: A signature dish with marinated beef bulgogi, chashu (pork), menma, corn, kikurage, ajitama, spicy chili oil, egg noodles, black garlic oil, and a rich pork broth.
  • Tonkotsu Ramen: A classic rich pork broth ramen with chashu, egg noodles, menma, kikurage, and ajitama.
  • Spicy Miso Ramen: Featuring chashu, egg noodles, corn, menma, kikurage, ajitama, chili oil, and a flavorful fish & pork broth.
  • Red Curry Ramen: An inventive option with chashu, menma, crispy noodles, ajitama, scallion, lime, and a unique red curry broth (often praised for its tom yum-like qualities).
  • Karaage Ramen: Japanese-style fried chicken, corn, spinach, ajitama, egg noodles, chicken oil, and chicken broth.
  • Shoyu Ramen: Chashu, spinach, menma, ajitama, egg noodles, chicken oil, and a fish & pork broth.
  • Vegan & Vegetarian Options: Notably offers clearly labeled vegan options like Vegan Shoyu Ramen, Vegan Spicy Miso Ramen, and Vegan Curry Ramen, as well as a Veggie Ramen with kale noodles and vegetable broth.
• Asian Tapas (Small Plates): A diverse selection of appetizers and small plates perfect for sharing or as individual starters:
  • Pork Buns (Roasted Pork Belly), Bulgogi Buns, and Crispy Duck Buns.
  • Chicken Satay (praised by customers), Gyoza (mixed chicken and pork), Shumai (steamed shrimp & pork).
  • Bang Bang Shrimp, Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Takoyaki (octopus balls), Geso Tempura (crispy battered squid leg).
  • Unique options like Malaysian Roti with Curry Sauce, Fried Tofu, and Tuna Tartare.
  • Side dishes like Fried Brussels Sprouts, Fried Potato, Kimchi, Seaweed Salad, and Japanese Steamed Rice.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty rice bowls with various toppings:
  • Gin's Donburi, Chashu Donburi, Karaage Donburi, Kare Donburi (Japanese Curry), Bulgogi Donburi, Sake Miso Glazed Salmon Donburi.
• Noodle & Soup Dishes: Beyond ramen, they offer other noodle and soup options:
  • Pho Noodles with Beef, Yaki Udon (stir-fried udon), Udon Noodle Soup, and Laksa.
• Full Bar & Specialty Drinks:
  • Alcoholic Beverages: A "great drink menu" including a full bar, Asian beers, Japanese sake (including "big sake selections"), and Japanese whisky.
  • Non-Alcoholic: A wide array of bubble teas (Thai Iced Tea, Black Milk Tea, Taro, Matcha, Fruit Tea), smoothies, hot and iced teas, and soft drinks.
• Dine-In Service: A "cozy" and welcoming atmosphere for sit-down meals, capable of accommodating groups.
• Takeout & Delivery: Customers can order online for pickup or utilize third-party delivery platforms (like DoorDash and Uber Eats) for convenient home or office delivery. They also sell "broth to go" for those who want to prepare ramen at home.

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas in Alexandria, VA, distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a beloved spot for locals:

• Delicious & Flavorful Ramen: The primary highlight is their ramen, consistently praised for its "delicious" and "flavorful" broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Signature options like "Gin ramen" and "red curry ramen" are frequently cited as favorites, with the latter noted for its unique tom yum-like quality.
• Diverse Asian Tapas Menu: Beyond ramen, the extensive selection of "Asian tapas" offers a "good variety available," allowing diners to explore a range of "bold and exciting flavors in small, artfully crafted dishes." Popular items include pork buns, chicken satay, and unique offerings like Malaysian Roti.
• Accommodating & Friendly Staff: Customers consistently highlight the exceptional service. The staff "went out of their way to accommodate our group of 6," and the hostess is described as "friendly." This warm hospitality contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.
• Cozy & Inviting Ambiance: Described as a "small restaurant" with a "cozy" feel and a "wall of green happy cats," the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, perfect for a casual meal with family or friends. It’s "casual yet trendy with a classy touch."
• Extensive Drink Menu: They boast a "great drink menu," including a full bar with Asian beers, a wide selection of Japanese sake, and Japanese whisky, offering perfect pairings for their food. A variety of bubble teas and smoothies also caters to non-alcoholic preferences.
• Vegan & Vegetarian Options: A significant highlight is their clear offering of multiple "clearly labeled vegan dishes," including vegan ramen options, making it accessible for diners with specific dietary preferences.
• Broth to Go: A unique and appreciated feature is the ability to "sell broth to go on their sides menu," allowing ramen enthusiasts to recreate the Gin Ramen experience at home.
• Suitable for All Palates: Reviewers suggest it's "the place to try" ramen for newcomers, indicating that their flavors are accessible and enjoyable even for those new to the cuisine. The blend of traditional and contemporary Asian dishes makes it appealing to a broad audience.
• Family-Friendly: The welcoming nature and varied menu make it suitable for family outings, as evidenced by a customer who visited with their "teen daughter and sister."

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas in Alexandria, VA, offers various ways for locals to enjoy their delicious food at a good value. While specific promotions can change, here are the types of offers and value propositions they commonly provide:

• Lunch Specials: Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas offers "Lunch Specials Mon-Fri 11 am - 2:30 pm." These typically feature ramen or other main dishes at a special price during weekdays, making it an excellent option for those working or living nearby.
• Happy Hour: They also feature a "Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-6 pm." This is a perfect opportunity for locals to enjoy discounted drinks and potentially select appetizers after work, creating a more social and affordable dining experience.
• "Broth to Go": While not a discount, the option to purchase "broth to go" on their sides menu is a unique value proposition. It allows customers to enjoy their high-quality ramen broth at home, creating their own ramen creations with fresh ingredients.
• Combo Meal Options: Their menu, while à la carte, is designed with various combinations in mind. Ordering a ramen bowl and pairing it with a few tapas can create a satisfying and diverse meal.
• Online Ordering Platform Deals: Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas partners with major delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. These platforms frequently offer:
  • First-time order discounts: New users to the platform or to Gin Ramen might receive a percentage off or a fixed dollar amount off their initial order.
  • Delivery fee waivers: Subscribers to premium services (e.g., DashPass, Uber One) often receive reduced or $0 delivery fees, which can make ordering more cost-effective.
  • Limited-time promotions: The platforms occasionally run promotions like "Spend X, Get Y off" or BOGO (Buy One Get One) deals on select items, especially during off-peak hours.
• Weekly Specials: As noted by a customer who enjoyed "the weekly special at the time which was unagi donburri," Gin Ramen often features rotating specials. These provide an opportunity to try new or seasonal dishes that might not be on the regular menu, adding variety and excitement for regular patrons.
• Gift Cards: They offer gift cards through platforms like Giftly, allowing locals to treat friends and family to the Gin Ramen experience.

For the most current and accurate information on any promotions or special offers, Alexandria residents are encouraged to visit the official Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas website, check their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram), or browse their listings on DoorDash or Uber Eats.

For residents in Alexandria, Virginia, who are eager to experience the delicious ramen and Asian tapas at Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas, here's how to connect with them:

• Address: Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas is conveniently located in the Carlyle neighborhood at 500 John Carlyle St Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. This puts them in a modern, accessible area of the city.
• Phone: To directly contact the restaurant for reservations, inquiries, or to place a takeout order, you can call their primary phone number: (571) 970-1847.
• Mobile Phone: An alternative contact number, also listed as a mobile phone, is +1 571-970-1847. Both numbers should connect you to the establishment.
• Website: For online ordering, menu details, and potentially more information about their story and specials, you can visit their official website: www.ginramenalexandria.com.
• Social Media: Stay updated on their latest offerings, specials, and events by following them on social media:
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ginramenalexandria
  • Instagram: @ginramenalexandria

Current operating hours generally include lunch and dinner service, with specific times often varying slightly between weekdays and weekends. It's always advisable to check their website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially for holiday periods or special events.

For the diverse and vibrant community of Alexandria, Virginia, Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas presents itself as an exceptionally suitable and appealing dining destination. It effectively caters to a wide range of tastes and needs, making it a true local favorite.

Firstly, its paramount suitability lies in the quality and variety of its food. The consistently praised "delicious ramen" with its rich broths and fresh ingredients, combined with an extensive menu of "Asian tapas," ensures that there's something to satisfy every craving. The availability of diverse options, including vegan and vegetarian ramen, further broadens its appeal to a health-conscious and varied demographic in Alexandria.

Secondly, the restaurant's warm and accommodating service is a significant draw. The staff's willingness to "go out of their way to accommodate" groups, coupled with a "friendly hostess" and a "cozy" atmosphere, fosters a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits. This personal touch makes diners feel valued, contributing to a pleasant and memorable experience.

Moreover, Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas's convenient location on John Carlyle Street in the bustling Carlyle neighborhood ensures easy access for locals, whether they're walking from nearby offices or residences, or utilizing public transport. This prime spot makes it a practical choice for both spontaneous meals and planned outings.

Lastly, the comprehensive beverage menu, featuring a full bar, extensive sake selection, and unique bubble teas, means that Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas offers a complete dining experience. Whether seeking a quick, satisfying bowl of ramen, a shared tapas feast, or a relaxing evening with drinks, this establishment provides a versatile and high-quality option right in the heart of Alexandria. Its dedication to flavorful food and exceptional service truly makes it a go-to spot for locals seeking an authentic and enjoyable Asian culinary adventure.

Gin Ramen & Asian Tapas

500 John Carlyle St Suite 110, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA