Ramen Umai- University City Introduce
For residents across Pennsylvania with a deep appreciation for truly authentic and remarkably affordable Japanese ramen, Ramen Umai - University City in Philadelphia is a must-visit destination. This establishment has quickly established itself as a gem within the city’s vibrant culinary scene, offering an experience that transports diners directly to a "midnight diner in Japan." It's not just a meal; it's an immersion into comforting, rich flavors and a warm, inviting ambiance. Patrons rave about the "delicious" food, especially the ramen, and the unbeatable value for the generous portions. If you're searching for a place where quality meets affordability, and every spoonful reminds you of true Japanese culinary tradition, Ramen Umai is your next stop in the Quaker State.
Ramen Umai - University City is conveniently located at 32 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. This prime address places it squarely in Philadelphia's bustling University City, a vibrant and easily accessible neighborhood. For Pennsylvanians traveling from various parts of the state, accessing University City is straightforward. The area is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, including multiple SEPTA bus routes, trolleys, and regional rail lines, making it convenient to reach without the need for personal vehicles. For those who prefer to drive, while street parking can be competitive in this lively district, numerous parking garages and lots are available within a comfortable walking distance, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The vibrant, youthful energy of University City adds to the overall appeal, making a visit to Ramen Umai a perfect complement to exploring one of Philadelphia's most dynamic academic and cultural hubs.
---- Dine-In Service: Ramen Umai offers a cozy and warm ambiance perfect for enjoying a meal, whether for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere that reminds patrons of a traditional Japanese diner.
- Takeout Options: For those on the go or preferring to enjoy their ramen at home, convenient takeout services are available.
- Online Ordering & Delivery: The restaurant provides robust online ordering capabilities through its own website (ramenumai.com) and partners with major delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Fantuan. This ensures seamless ordering and delivery right to your doorstep across Philadelphia.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: Ramen Umai is open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), serving both lunch and dinner. Their operating hours are generally Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
- Varied Menu: Beyond their signature ramen, the menu includes a selection of appetizers, donburi (rice bowls), udon noodles, and desserts, offering a comprehensive Japanese culinary experience.
- Authentic and Delicious Ramen: Patrons consistently rave about the "delicious" ramen, with special mention of the "black garlic ramen" where the "soup was especially good." The ramen is described as transporting diners "back to Tokyo."
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chashu: The chashu (pork) is a significant highlight, described as melting "in your mouth." Both round chashu and chashu pork shoulder are noted for their high quality.
- Exceptional Chicken Karaage: The "chicken karaage is the best chicken nuggets I’ve had in a long time," making it a highly recommended appetizer. They also offer "spicy chicken wings" which are well-received.
- Unbeatable Price for Quantity: A recurring theme is the incredible value, with customers noting "unbeatable price for SO MUCH FOOD," making it a very "cheap-ish spot for a meal" without compromising on quality.
- Warm and Inviting Ambiance: The restaurant possesses a "nice warm ambience that reminds you of the midnight diner in Japan," making it "perfect for winter" or any time you seek comfort.
- Quick Service: Food is noted to come out "quickly," contributing to an efficient and satisfying dining experience, even when busy.
- Delicious Mochi Dessert: Ending the meal with "a little serving of mochi" is highly recommended as "the perfect treat after the warmth and strong flavors of dinner."
- Diverse Ramen Options: The menu features a variety of ramen types including Umai Original (pork bone broth), Umai Red (spicy miso pork bone broth), Umai Black (black garlic oil pork bone broth), Umai White (chicken broth), Umai Mushroom (vegetarian broth), and Umai Green (pork broth with pesto sauce).
- Variety of Add-ons: Guests can customize their ramen with additional toppings like seasoned soft-boiled egg, extra thick or thin noodles, or a bowl of rice.
While specific, ongoing, fixed promotions were not extensively detailed in the provided customer reviews, Ramen Umai - University City frequently offers value through its consistently affordable pricing for generous portions. As a participant in the University City dining scene, it has been part of larger initiatives like "University City Dining Days," which typically run in July and offer multi-course meal options at fixed price points ($20, $30, or $40). It is highly recommended for locals to check the University City District's official website or Ramen Umai's own website (ramenumai.com) and their listings on various delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Fantuan). These platforms often feature rotating discounts, first-time user incentives, or specific bundle deals that can provide excellent savings. Given their "unbeatable price for SO MUCH FOOD," the restaurant already offers great value, but keeping an eye on these channels could yield even more benefits.
---Address: 32 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Phone: (215) 488-7676
Mobile Phone: +1 215-488-7676
Website: ramenumaillc.com (or ramenumaillc.net, both lead to the same site)
Email: ramenumaillc@gmail.com
For residents across Pennsylvania, Ramen Umai - University City stands out as an exceptional choice for a delicious, authentic, and incredibly affordable Japanese ramen experience right in the heart of Philadelphia. This restaurant is perfectly suited for locals seeking high-quality comfort food without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student in University City, a professional looking for a satisfying lunch, or a family seeking a cozy dinner spot, Ramen Umai delivers on all fronts.
The consistent praise for their "delicious" and "unforgettable" ramen, particularly the "black garlic ramen" with its rich broth and "melt-in-your-mouth" chashu, speaks volumes about their commitment to quality. Add to that the "best chicken karaage" and delightful mochi, and you have a complete and incredibly satisfying meal. The "nice warm ambience" that evokes a "midnight diner in Japan" provides a comforting escape, especially during colder months. Combine these features with "unbeatable price for SO MUCH FOOD" and quick service, and it's clear why Ramen Umai is enthusiastically recommended. It's a genuine slice of Japan in Philadelphia, offering an authentic experience that makes it a highly suitable and cherished spot for any Pennsylvanian craving exceptional ramen.
Ramen Umai- University City Photos










Ramen Umai- University City Location
Ramen Umai- University City
32 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Ramen Umai- University City Reviews
This is a really great cheap-ish spot for a meal. We got two bowls of ramen, four spicy chicken wings, and two orders of mochi for less than $40. Food came out quickly and was delicious. The round chashu was slightly superior to the chashu pork shoulder. Highly recommend ending the meal with a little serving of mochi. It was the perfect treat after the warmth and strong flavors of dinner. We went around 8PM. It was busy but not packed. YOU SHOULD GO HERE!
Apr 07, 2025 · Brandon LicataFood was soooo good! Really Glad they opened up in town! The soup of the black garlic ramen was especially good. Chashu just melts in your mouth and the chicken karaage is the best chicken nuggets I’ve had in a long time!It’s got a nice warm ambience that reminds you of the midnight diner in Japan. Perfect for winter!Oh and, unbeatable price for SO MUCH FOOD, just Wow.
Dec 11, 2024 · Nathan GuLove this place. They never cheat you on portion nor taste. Very kind and respectful staff.Pictured is the fish dish, which is pretty much a gallon of very tasty food.
Mar 08, 2025 · Lincoln W DanielThe food was quick and cheap. The ramen was amazing and the broth was thick. I think this is by far the best ramen I've ever had in University City. Definitely a place you should visit!
Oct 26, 2024 · Victor ChenThis adorable place off 40th St in University City is a hidden gem. The service was astounding, so attentive, the place was spotless (including the bathrooms!), and most important of all: the delicious food. The green dish attached is something they’re experimenting with—pesto tonkatsu ramen! It was incredible, the flavor was so different but addictive, very fresh and herby. The pork belly is some of the best I’ve ever eaten, the ramen perfectly cooked, the Japanese Hot Pot took my breath away. The broth was sweet and savory, just exceptional. I cannot sing enough amazing praises about this place, it’s so unique and the owners are very kind. Please visit Ramen Umai if you’re in University City! You will not regret it!
Feb 13, 2024 · T Dime
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