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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeNew JerseyEssex CountyMillburnJapanese Restaurant in Essex StreetSum Ramen
Sum Ramen ico

Sum Ramen

Ramen restaurant ★4.0 (100)·$20–30

188 Essex St, Millburn, NJ 07041, USA

4.0
Sum Ramen is the greatest restaurant I've ever been to in my life! I go here once a week. I have been to many ramen places, but this place is just the absolute best. The food is perfect and perfectly priced, the staff is amazing and know their regular customers personally and are so pleasant to be around, the atmosphere is so comfortable and relaxed. I love coming here after work and on my days off. - OperationRevelation
Sum Ramen Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$20–30 per person Reported by 100 people$10–20$20–30$30–50

Sum Ramen Introduce

For ramen enthusiasts and those seeking a truly exceptional Japanese dining experience in New Jersey, Sum Ramen in Millburn has rapidly cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination. Located conveniently on Essex Street, this establishment has quickly become a beloved fixture in the local culinary scene, with patrons often declaring it the "greatest restaurant" they've ever experienced. In a state known for its diverse and discerning food culture, Sum Ramen stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality, flavor, and a uniquely welcoming atmosphere.

What truly sets Sum Ramen apart, as passionately articulated by its devoted customer base, is the perfect harmony of "perfect food" and "perfectly priced" offerings. New Jerseyans, especially those who frequent ramen spots, consistently praise the "super flavorful and rich" broths, which are the heart and soul of any great ramen. The generous "three big pieces of meat" and the perfectly cooked noodles contribute to a truly satisfying and filling meal. Beyond the exquisite food, the "amazing staff" who "know their regular customers personally and are so pleasant to be around" create an incredibly "comfortable and relaxed" atmosphere. This personalized touch transforms a meal into a cherished experience, making it a place where locals genuinely "love coming here after work and on days off." Sum Ramen isn't just serving delicious bowls; it's cultivating a warm, inviting community around authentic Japanese flavors.

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Location and Accessibility

Sum Ramen is conveniently situated at 188 Essex St, Millburn, NJ 07041, USA. This address places it in a prime location within Millburn, a vibrant and easily accessible town in Essex County, New Jersey. Essex Street is well-known in the area, contributing to the restaurant's ease of discovery for both local residents and those visiting from surrounding communities.

For individuals traveling by car, parking options in Millburn's downtown area, including Essex Street, typically include street parking and potentially nearby municipal lots. While finding a spot during peak hours can sometimes require a bit of patience, the overall appeal of the restaurant often makes it "worth it" for patrons. For those relying on public transportation, Millburn is well-connected by NJ Transit bus routes, with stops likely within a comfortable walking distance of Sum Ramen. Additionally, the Millburn train station (on NJ Transit's Morristown Line) provides rail access, linking the area to a broader network for those commuting from further afield, though a short walk or ride might be necessary to reach the restaurant. The integration of Sum Ramen into Millburn's charming and walkable downtown enhances its accessibility, making it a convenient and desirable destination for a comforting bowl of ramen.

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Services Offered

  • Diverse Ramen Selection: Sum Ramen specializes in a wide variety of ramen bowls, each featuring soulful, meticulously simmered broths. Popular options include Tonkotsu Ramen (flame-torched pork belly with rich tonkotsu broth), Miso Ramen (pork chashu or chicken with chicken miso broth), Black Garlic Ramen (tonkotsu broth with black garlic oil), Spicy Tan-Tan Ramen (spicy ground pork with tonkotsu broth), Beef Ramen (slow-cooked beef short ribs with beef broth), Oxtail Ramen, Seafood Ramen, and a unique Vegetarian Ramen (with curry or vegetable broth and organic tofu). They also feature limited special ramens like Thai Tom Yum Ramen and Wonton Ramen.

  • Sizzling Hot Stone Bowls: A unique offering, these bowls allow ingredients to sizzle at high temperatures, enhancing flavors and providing an exciting culinary spectacle. Options include Katsu Curry, Pork Chashu Don, and Mapo Tofu, served over rice.

  • Appetizers and Sides: A tempting array of starters like Bao Bao (steamed buns with various fillings), Karaage Chicken Wings, Pork/Chicken/Vegetable Gyoza (dumplings), Edamame, Curry Korokke (fried mashed pumpkin), Chicken Sarada, and Shishito Peppers.

  • Cold Noodle Dishes: For a refreshing alternative, they offer Yuzu Cold Noodles and Cold Sesame Noodles with choice of grilled chicken or organic tofu.

  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Beyond ramen, they offer rice bowls like Pork Chashu Don.

  • Boba Teas and Beverages: A full menu of boba teas (e.g., Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea, Bubble Milk Tea) and fruit mixes, alongside traditional hot teas and creamy sodas, provides a wide beverage selection.

  • Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for an enjoyable dine-in experience.

  • Takeout and Delivery: Convenient online ordering and delivery services are available through platforms like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Caviar, ensuring easy access to their delicious food at home.

  • Gluten-Free Options: Sum Ramen makes an effort to accommodate dietary needs, with reviews mentioning gluten-free noodle options (though checking specifics directly is always recommended).

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Features / Highlights

  • Exceptional Broth Quality: The "soulful, meticulously simmered broth" is the highlight, consistently praised for being "super flavorful and rich," forming the heart of their extraordinary ramen.

  • Perfectly Cooked Noodles and Proteins: Customers rave about the "chewiness" of the thick noodles and the "meltingly tender and delicious" chashu pork, noting that it has the "right tenderness inside yet retain the flavorful yet now-soften outta crust."

  • Amazing and Friendly Staff: The service is frequently lauded as "amazing," with staff members being "so sweet," "pleasant to be around," and even "know their regular customers personally," creating a highly welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

  • Comfortable and Relaxed Atmosphere: The overall ambiance is described as "comfortable and relaxed," making it an inviting place to dine, whether after work or on days off.

  • Generous Portions: Ramen bowls often come with "three big pieces of meat" and ample noodles, ensuring a very filling and satisfying meal at a "perfectly priced" value.

  • Unique Hot Stone Bowls: The "sizzling spectacle" of their hot stone bowls offers an exciting and flavorful alternative to ramen, enhancing the taste of every bite.

  • Delicious Boba Tea Selection: Beyond ramen, their "highly requested boba teas" add another dimension to the dining experience, with various flavors available.

  • Gluten-Free Accommodations: The restaurant is noted for being "responsive to the need of gluten free," offering options like gluten-free noodles for certain dishes, which is a significant highlight for those with dietary restrictions.

  • Consistently High Quality (Even for Takeout): Reviewers note that food, even for takeout, arrives "piping hot" and is "consistently delicious," maintaining quality outside the restaurant.

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Promotions or Special Offers

While Sum Ramen in Millburn, NJ, is celebrated more for its consistent quality and inviting atmosphere rather than explicit, rotating promotions, its value proposition is inherent in its pricing and customer experience. The reviews highlight that the food is "perfectly priced" for the quality and quantity received, making it an excellent everyday value for New Jersey locals.

While specific seasonal deals or a dedicated loyalty program are not detailed in the provided information, the very nature of Sum Ramen’s operations ensures a type of ongoing "special" for its patrons:

  • Consistent Quality and Value: The consistent high quality of their ramen (flavorful broths, generous meat portions) at a price point that customers find "perfectly priced" means patrons receive great value with every visit. This reliability in quality and pricing serves as its own form of promotion, encouraging repeat business.

  • Community and Personalized Service: The staff's ability to "know their regular customers personally" and their "sweet" and "pleasant" demeanor creates a highly personalized dining experience. This level of customer care is a significant added value that distinguishes Sum Ramen and fosters strong loyalty, acting as an intangible "special offer" to patrons.

  • Diverse and Appealing Menu: The broad selection of ramen, hot stone bowls, bao buns, and boba teas ensures there are always new and exciting options to try, keeping the dining experience fresh and engaging for regulars.

  • Takeout and Delivery Convenience: The availability of their full menu for takeout and delivery through platforms like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Caviar, often arriving "piping hot," provides a convenient service that many busy New Jersey families and individuals rely on, making it easier to enjoy their favorites at home.

For any potential future promotions or seasonal menu additions, New Jersey residents are advised to check Sum Ramen's official website or their online ordering platforms, or call the Millburn location directly. Many restaurants quietly introduce new items or limited-time offers, and direct communication is often the best way to stay informed.

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Contact Information

To experience the highly-rated ramen and friendly atmosphere at Sum Ramen in Millburn, NJ, or to place an order, you can reach them through the following contact details:

  • Address: 188 Essex St, Millburn, NJ 07041, USA

  • Phone: (973) 900-3722

  • Mobile Phone: +1 973-900-3722

Sum Ramen is open Tuesday-Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM; Saturdays: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM; and Sundays: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays. Due to its popularity, especially for dine-in, calling ahead or checking online for current wait times or reservation policies (if applicable) is always a good idea.

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Conclusion: Why Sum Ramen is Suitable for Locals

For the residents of Millburn, New Jersey, and the wider Essex County area, Sum Ramen stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished dining establishment, perfectly aligning with local preferences for quality, value, and community. Its profound impact on its patrons, as evidenced by consistent declarations of it being the "greatest restaurant," speaks volumes about its suitability for the local market.

Firstly, the core appeal of Sum Ramen lies in its consistently "perfect food" and "super flavorful and rich" ramen broths. New Jerseyans are discerning diners, and the commitment to high-quality ingredients, generous portions of tender meat, and perfectly cooked noodles directly meets and exceeds expectations for authentic and satisfying Japanese cuisine. This unwavering quality ensures that whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, the meal itself is a highlight.

Secondly, the "amazing staff" who "know their regular customers personally" and create a "comfortable and relaxed" atmosphere embody the essence of a beloved neighborhood spot. In a tight-knit community like Millburn, a friendly and welcoming environment fosters loyalty, making diners feel valued and at home. This personalized service transforms a simple meal into a positive and memorable experience, encouraging frequent, even weekly, visits.

Furthermore, the "perfectly priced" menu, combined with generous portions, offers excellent value, a crucial factor for many New Jersey families and individuals navigating everyday expenses. The diverse menu, including hot stone bowls, bao buns, and an appealing selection of boba teas, ensures there’s always something new to try, catering to various tastes within a single, reliable establishment.

Lastly, its convenient location on Essex Street in Millburn makes it easily accessible for both dine-in and takeout, fitting seamlessly into busy local lifestyles. The added benefit of gluten-free options demonstrates a thoughtful approach to accommodating dietary needs, further broadening its appeal. In essence, Sum Ramen isn't just a place to eat; it's a community hub that offers comfort, quality, and consistent satisfaction, making it an indispensable part of Millburn's local dining scene.

Sum Ramen Menu

  • Appetizers

  • Karaage Chicken Wings US$14.95

    Fried crispy chicken wings with choice of sweet garlic soy sauce or spicy mayo on the side.

  • Pork Gyoza US$11.50

    Pan-fried or steamed dumplings with special garlic sauce.

  • Curry Korokke US$12.65

    Fried mashed pumpkin stuffed with mozzarella or curry chicken. Served with curry sauce on the side.

  • Shishito Peppers US$11.50

    Toasted peppers w/ house-special yuzu sauce. (Spiciness of peppers will vary.)

  • Green Salad US$9.20

    Served with Ginger dressing.

  • Edamame US$8.13

    Toasted edamame with sea salt and butter.

  • LIMITED SPECIAL: WONTON APPETIZER US$13.80

    Shrimp-pork wontons in black vinegar and chili sauce, served with beansprouts and fried onions.

  • Vegetable Gyoza US$11.50

    Pan-fried or steamed dumplings with special garlic sauce.

  • Bao Bao (2 Buns) US$11.50

    Steamed bun with shredded cabbage and cucumber. Served w/ spicy mayo and chef 's chashu sauce.

  • Chicken Gyoza US$11.50

    Pan-fried or steamed dumplings with special garlic sauce.

  • Chicken Sarada US$12.65

    Cucumber and chicken with chef's special soy, chili sauce. Sprinkled w/ crispy onions and sesame seeds on top. Served cold.

  • Ramen (House-Made Broth)

  • LIMITED SPECIAL: WONTON RAMEN US$19.55

    Charsiu pork, choy sum greens, fried onions, cilantro, and shrimp-pork wontons served in clear chicken broth.

  • Vegetarian Ramen US$19.55

    Curry flavor broth or vegetable broth with organic tofu, assorted mushrooms and vegetables, cabbage and leeks.

  • Thai Tom Yum Ramen US$19.55

    A bold fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisine, including a rich, spicy, aromatic broth. Made from lemongrass, lime, chili, basil, and coconut. This hearty and herb-filled chicken-based soup is perfect for the cold weather! Served with mushrooms and beansprouts, cilantro and fried onions. *Contains coconut (tree nut)*

  • Seafood Ramen US$26.45

    Shrimp, calamari, clam and scallop with butter and garlic. Served with spinach, corn and leeks. Complemented by chicken broth.

  • Oxtail Ramen US$25.30

    Slow cooked oxtail w/ shiitake mushroom, bean sprout, baby corn, lotus root, scallion, and fried onion.

  • Sum Ramen US$20.70

    Pork chashu, cabbage, wood ear mushroom, corn and crispy onion. Complemented by (spicy) chicken broth w/ Sum’s house-made hot & spicy paste. (Thick noodles)

  • Spicy Tan Tan Ramen US$20.70

    Spicy ground pork, bean sprout, bamboo shoots, corn, leeks and nori. With chopped complementedby tonkotsu broth. (Thick noodles)

  • Miso Ramen US$19.55

    Pork chashu or chicken with bean sprouts, wood ear mushroom, scallion, nori and fried onion complemented by chicken broth.

  • Beef Ramen US$23.00

    Slow cooked beef short ribs, spinach, bamboo shoots and leek. Complemented by beef broth.

  • Black Garlic Ramen US$19.55

    Chashu pork, spinach, wood ear mushroom crispy garlic and scallion. Black garlic oil on top. Complemented by tonkotsu broth.

  • Tonkotsu Ramen US$20.70

    Flame-torched pork belly with white straight ramen noodles, bamboo, wood ear mushrooms, sesame seeds, scallions, nori, and half a soy-marinated egg. Complemented by rich tonkotsu broth.

  • Cold Noodles

  • Yuzu Cold Noodles US$17.25

    Cold ramen noodles and cold grilled chicken OR organic tofu w/ cucumber, bean sprouts, scallions, and shredded red peppers. Served with yuzu garlic sauce. *NOT gluten free*

  • Sesame Cold Noodles US$17.25

    Cold ramen noodles and cold grilled chicken or organic tofu w/ bean sprouts, spinach, fried onions, and plenty of scallions. Served w/ sesame sauce. *NOT gluten free*

  • SUMMER SPECIAL: Sum's Tea Noodles US$17.25

    Chilled green tea infused noodles, spicy cold chicken, blister-charred tomato, and sliced cucumber with soy-garlic lemon-yuzu sauce, finished with green Sichuan peppercorn oil. Garnished with mint and slice of lime. *not gluten free*

  • SUMMER SPECIAL: Tan-Tan Mazemen US$17.25

    Cold ramen noodles , spicy tan-tan ground pork, bok choy, crispy lotus root with soy garlic sesame sauce. Garnished with scallions, bonito and nori flakes, and shredded red pepper. *not gluten free*

  • Hot Stone Bowl

  • Mapo Tofu US$20.70

    Spicy Tan-Tan Pork, soft tofu, bean sprouts, and scallions with bean-based sauce.

  • Katsu Curry US$21.85

    Chicken katsu, spinach, and corn served with Japanese curry sauce w/ carrots and potatoes. Garnished with shredded red peppers, leeks and crispy onions.

  • Pork Chashu Don US$20.70

    Pork chashu, cabbage, corn, mushrooms with chef's teriyaki sauce. Sprinkled with scallions and crispy onions.

  • Beverages

  • Japanese Ramu-Bottle Soda (Can) US$4.50

    Grape or Strawberry Certain flavors may not be available due to shortage.

  • Juice US$3.50

    Apple, Orange

  • Sum Tea (Lemonade Series) US$6.33

    Lemonade (Plain, Strawberry, Mango, Lychee) with clear boba pearls.

  • Sum Tea (Boba Series) US$5.75

    Sum's menu of highly requested boba teas or fruit mixes! Brown Sugar Boba Milk Tea - Our HK style Black tea with black boba w/ brown sugar syrup and whole milk. Bubble Milk Tea - Classic milk tea with black boba and whole milk. Brown Sugar Matcha Latte - Matcha latte with whole milk, black boba, and brown sugar syrup. Coconut Mango Sago - Mango and coconut milk with sago pearls, mango jelly. Strawberry Jasmine Tea - Jasmine tea with fresh strawberries and clear pearls. Passionfruit Jasmine Tea - Jasmine tea with passionfruit and clear pearls.

  • Bottled Water US$1.50

    Poland Spring, Sparkling Water.

  • Soft Drink US$1.50

    Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale

  • Sum’s Special Drink US$5.18

    Yuzu Mint Soda, Lychee Soda, White Peach Soda, Honey Green Tea (H/C)

  • Creamy Soda US$5.18

    Mango or Melon Certain flavors may not be available due to shortage.

  • Japanese Marble Soda US$4.60

    Original and various flavors available. Certain flavors may not be available due to shortage.

  • Japanese Jelly Drink US$3.50

    Original and various flavors available. certain flavors may not be available due to shortage.

  • Side Orders

  • Nori US$2.88
  • Soy Egg US$2.25

    *not gluten free, contains soy sauce*

  • Rice US$2.88
  • Shrimp US$5.75
  • Chicken US$5.75
  • Assorted Mushrooms US$4.03
  • Beef US$8.05
  • Corn US$2.88
  • Spinach US$2.88
  • Bamboo US$2.88

    *not gluten free, seasoned with soy sauce*

  • Wood Ear Mushroom US$2.88
  • Curry Sauce US$4.03
  • Noodles US$4.03
  • Spicy Tan Tan Pork US$5.75
  • Broth US$5.18

    Broth only, will not contain physical pieces of meat/vegetables/seafood.

  • Bean Sprouts US$2.88
  • Chashu Pork US$5.75
  • Organic Tofu US$4.03
  • Cabbage US$2.88
  • Kimchi US$4.03

Sum Ramen Details

  • Service options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Toilet
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Family friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking

Sum Ramen Photos

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Sum Ramen Location

Sum Ramen

188 Essex St, Millburn, NJ 07041, USA

Sum Ramen Reviews

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