E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten Westfield Garden State Plaza

### Introduction / Overview

For ramen aficionados and Japanese cuisine lovers across New Jersey, particularly those in Bergen County, E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten offers a distinct and authentic culinary experience. Located within the bustling Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, this restaurant brings the renowned "Iekei" style of ramen, a unique fusion of Tonkotsu (pork bone) and Shoyu (soy sauce) broths originating from Yokohama, Japan. This approach results in a rich, flavorful, and thick broth that sets it apart from other ramen styles.

E.A.K. RAMEN aims to provide a high-quality, efficient, and satisfying dining experience. The restaurant features a modern, open-concept design with spacious seating, offering a comfortable environment for diners. While it operates on a self-service model for ordering and pick-up, this efficiency ensures quick delivery of food, making it an excellent choice for a fast yet fulfilling meal. Beyond their signature ramen, the menu boasts a variety of delicious side dishes and appetizers, all prepared with attention to flavor and quality. For New Jersey locals seeking an authentic taste of Yokohama-style ramen and other Japanese delights, E.A.K. RAMEN is a compelling addition to the vibrant dining scene at Garden State Plaza.

### Location and Accessibility

E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten is conveniently located on the first level of the expansive Westfield Garden State Plaza at One Garden State Plaza Pkwy, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA. Its prime position next to the Macy's watch section entrance ensures high visibility and easy access for shoppers and mall visitors. Paramus, being a major retail and commercial hub in Bergen County, is exceptionally well-connected by significant New Jersey highways, including Route 17 and Route 4. This strategic location makes E.A.K. RAMEN a highly accessible destination for residents throughout the state.

One of the primary benefits of a mall location is the abundance of free parking at Garden State Plaza, which eliminates the common frustrations of finding a spot in many dining areas. Once inside the mall, clear signage directs visitors to the first level, near Macy's. The spacious layout of the mall and the restaurant's open concept contribute to a comfortable and easy-to-navigate experience. Whether you're planning a visit to the mall and want a delicious meal break, or you're specifically craving authentic Iekei ramen, E.A.K. RAMEN's convenient and central location in Paramus makes it an ideal and hassle-free choice for any New Jersey local.

### Services Offered

• Self-Service Ordering and Pickup: E.A.K. RAMEN operates on a self-service model where customers place their orders at a register or kiosk and then pick up their food when their order number is called. This system contributes to quick service and often eliminates the need for tipping.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a spacious dining area with a mix of regular and high chairs and tables, providing a comfortable and clean environment for on-site dining. It has an "open concept" layout.
• Authentic Iekei Ramen: Specializes in Yokohama-style Iekei ramen, which features a thick, rich broth made from a mixture of chicken and pork bones, simmered for 18 hours. Signature ramen options include:
  • The E.A.K. Shoyu: Signature Yokohama style pork and chicken broth, shoyu tare, thick noodles, topped with spinach, chashu, and nori.
  • Oh So Hot! Miso: Signature Yokohama style pork and chicken broth, miso tare, fried garlic, thick noodles, spinach, chashu, bean sprouts, cabbage, spicy ground chicken, and nori (with adjustable spice levels: Mild, Spicy, Hot).
  • Zebra Shio: Signature Yokohama style pork and chicken broth, shio tare, thick noodles, spinach, chashu, butter, garlic oil, and nori.
  • Green House Shoyu (Vegan): 5-kind vegetable broth, kombu umami dashi shoyu tare, thin noodles, mixed leaf, lotus root, baby corn, mini tomatoes, snap pea, and sesame seeds oil.
  • Tokyo Chicken (Chuka Soba): Chicken and umami veggie broth, thin wavy noodles, chicken breast, menma, naruto, diced onions, and green onions.
  • Umami Mushroom Shoyu (Vegan): Umami dashi broth (konbu and shiitake), spinach noodles, shoyu tare, shiitake, maitake, shimeji mushrooms, baby corn, and snap pea.
  • V-Garden Shio (Vegan): Thin noodles, vegetable broth, yellow and red bell peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, garlic, and radish sprouts.
• Ramen Toppings/Add-ons: Customers can customize their ramen with extra seasoned egg, pork belly chashu, shredded chicken breast, spicy bomb, green onion, menma, diced onion, kikurage (ear mushroom), spinach, cabbage, butter, and nori.
• Appetizers and Small Bites: A robust selection of hot and cold appetizers, including:
  • Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken – praised for crispy skin and tender inside)
  • Takoyaki (savory round octopus pancake)
  • Shrimp Bao (steamed buns with deep-fried shrimp)
  • Butakaku (braised pork belly)
  • Gyoza (pork dumplings, including a "Pizza Gyoza" option)
  • Blistered Shishito Peppers, Stir-fried Eggplant, Asian Fries, Agedashi Tofu, Ebi Chili, and various homemade pickles.
• Rice Dishes: Features curry with rice (available with chicken), Spicy Fried Rice, Mushroom Fried Rice (Vegan), and various bowls like Tuna Poke Bowl, Salmon Avocado Bowl, and Ikura Bowl.
• Beverages: Offers soda, green tea, lemonade, and oolong tea, available by the glass or pitcher.
• Restroom Access: Provides restroom access, though a key is required, likely for security in the mall environment.

### Features / Highlights

• Authentic Iekei Ramen: Specializes in the unique Yokohama-style Iekei ramen, known for its distinct thick, rich pork and chicken broth (simmered for 18 hours) and custom-made thick noodles. This offers a different and highly authentic ramen experience compared to other styles.
• Highly Flavorful Broth and Noodles: Reviewers consistently praise the ramen broth as "rich" and "very flavorful," and the noodles for having a "good texture" and being "good."
• Delicious Appetizers: Side dishes like Chicken Karaage are highly recommended, noted for "crispy skin and tender inside," while Takoyaki is also a popular highlight.
• Efficient Self-Service Model: The self-service ordering and pickup system ensures quick turnaround times, with orders often ready in "a couple of minutes," making it ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. This also eliminates the need for additional tipping for table service.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Despite the self-service model, the staff are noted for being "very friendly and helpful."
• Modern, Spacious, and Clean Environment: The restaurant features an "open concept, spacious seating, clean and organized" layout, providing a comfortable dining atmosphere within the mall.
• Convenient Mall Location: Situated on the first level of the Westfield Garden State Plaza, it offers easy access and ample parking, a significant advantage for New Jersey locals.
• Variety of Menu Items Beyond Ramen: Offers a diverse selection of appetizers, rice bowls, and other Japanese comfort foods, ensuring there's something for everyone, including vegan options.

### Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, short-term promotional deals are not consistently listed, E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten offers inherent value through its efficient self-service model, which contributes to reasonable pricing by minimizing traditional tipping expectations. As a new establishment in Garden State Plaza (having its grand opening in February 2025), it may introduce special offers to attract new customers and build loyalty. Historically, E.A.K. RAMEN locations have held grand opening promotions or anniversary deals, such as "All Ramen $5" events at other branches, though these are typically for limited times and specific locations.

For the most current and specific information on any promotions or special offers, New Jersey locals are encouraged to:

• Visit the official E.A.K. RAMEN website and check their "News" or "Promotions" section.
• Check popular food delivery apps (like Grubhub or Seamless, where they are listed) for any app-exclusive discounts or deals.
• Inquire directly at the restaurant when visiting the Westfield Garden State Plaza location for any in-store specials.

Given its recent opening and commitment to quality, any promotions would likely be advertised through these channels to attract the Paramus and wider New Jersey community. The fundamental value, however, comes from the quality of the food and the efficient service at its regular price points.

### Contact Information

Address: One Garden State Plaza Pkwy, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA

Phone: (201) 632-0057

For general inquiries, information about their menu, or to confirm operating hours, New Jersey residents can contact E.A.K. RAMEN directly via phone. Given its mall location, it's always advisable to verify hours, especially on holidays or for specific needs.

Operating Hours (subject to change, please verify with the restaurant or mall directory):

• Monday - Saturday: Typically 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Sunday: Typically 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (open Sundays, as per Westfield's site)

These hours generally align with Garden State Plaza's operating times, but it's always best to confirm directly with the restaurant for the most precise schedule.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Jersey residents, especially those in Paramus and the broader Bergen County area, E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten stands out as a highly suitable and compelling choice for an authentic and satisfying Japanese ramen experience. Its prime location on the first level of Westfield Garden State Plaza offers unparalleled convenience, with easy access from major highways and abundant free parking. This makes it an ideal stop during a shopping trip or a dedicated destination for a flavorful meal, effortlessly integrating into the busy New Jersey lifestyle.

What truly makes E.A.K. RAMEN a local gem is its specialization in the distinctive Yokohama-style Iekei ramen, offering a rich, thick, and deeply flavorful pork and chicken broth that sets it apart. The commitment to quality extends to their custom-made noodles and delicious appetizers like the "very good" chicken karaage and takoyaki. The efficient self-service model ensures quick order fulfillment, making it perfect for those seeking a fast yet high-quality meal without the added cost of traditional tipping. The modern, spacious, and clean dining area provides a comfortable ambiance, and the friendly staff contribute to a positive overall experience. For New Jersey locals craving authentic, hearty ramen and other Japanese delights in a convenient, modern, and efficient setting, E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten is a fantastic addition to the Paramus culinary scene and a must-try for any ramen enthusiast.

E.A.K. RAMEN by Machida Shoten Westfield Garden State Plaza

One Garden State Plaza Pkwy, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA