Tsurumen Davis

For those in Massachusetts with a discerning palate for authentic Japanese cuisine, especially ramen, Tsurumen Davis in Somerville stands out as a unique and highly regarded destination. Nestled in the heart of Davis Square, this establishment offers a ramen experience that is often described as unparalleled outside of Japan. What truly sets Tsurumen Davis apart is its dedication to traditional Osaka-style ramen, coupled with an extraordinary commitment to quality and a fascinating culinary philosophy by its owner.

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Tsurumen Davis isn't just another ramen restaurant; it's a testament to the art and craft of noodle making. Founded by Chef Masuo Onishi, the establishment originally gained renown for its unique concept of operating for a precise 1,000 days, with the menu evolving every 200 days to reflect different chapters in Chef Onishi's lifelong relationship with ramen. While this initial "1,000-day" journey has concluded, the spirit of continuous improvement and dedication to perfection lives on. Tsurumen Davis, now known as Tsurumen 1000, continues to strive to make some of the best ramen in the United States right here in Davis Square.

The focus here is firmly on delivering a genuine Japanese ramen experience. This means everything from the rich, complex broths to the perfectly chewy, hand-squeezed noodles is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Patrons often remark on the depth of flavor and the exquisite texture of their ramen, a result of Chef Onishi's over twenty years of culinary experience in Japan. The restaurant is a small, intimate space, allowing for the full focus to be on the steaming bowls of delicate, Osaka-style ramen served fresh.

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Tsurumen Davis is conveniently situated at 420 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, USA. This prime location places it firmly within the vibrant and popular Davis Square neighborhood of Somerville, a bustling area known for its diverse culinary scene, independent shops, and lively atmosphere. Davis Square is a major hub for both residents and visitors in Massachusetts, making Tsurumen Davis highly accessible.

One of the greatest advantages of its location is its proximity to the Davis Square MBTA station. This station is a key stop on the Red Line subway, providing direct and easy access from various parts of Cambridge, Boston, and surrounding communities. For those traveling by public transit, it's just a short walk from the station to the restaurant. While parking in Davis Square can sometimes be a challenge due to its popularity, there are metered street parking options and public parking lots nearby, making it manageable for those who prefer to drive. The central location ensures that a fantastic bowl of ramen is never too far away for anyone in the Massachusetts area.

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Tsurumen Davis focuses on providing an authentic ramen experience, primarily through the following services:

• Dine-in Service: Experience their expertly crafted ramen in their cozy and focused restaurant environment. The ambiance is designed to allow diners to fully appreciate the nuanced flavors of their dishes.
• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their ramen at home, Tsurumen Davis offers takeout options. This allows Massachusetts locals to savor their favorite bowls in the comfort of their own space. Please note that for certain items like gluten-free noodles, takeout might mean receiving uncooked noodles.
• Pre-order System: Tsurumen Davis utilizes an online pre-order system via their Square site. This can be particularly useful for managing wait times and ensuring your order is ready for pickup, especially during peak hours.
• Special Menus and Pop-ups: Keeping with their evolving culinary philosophy, Tsurumen Davis occasionally hosts special events, pop-ups, or offers unique, limited-time ramen formulas. These events often commemorate chapters in Chef Onishi's life or showcase new culinary experiments.
• Allergy Information: They provide detailed allergy charts for their menu items, demonstrating their commitment to customer safety and transparency. Customers are encouraged to inform their servers of any allergies.

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Tsurumen Davis boasts several distinctive features that make it a standout in the Massachusetts ramen scene:

• Owner-Made Ramen: A significant highlight mentioned by customers is that the owner personally makes each bowl. This hands-on approach ensures consistent quality and a deeply personal touch to every serving.
• Exceptional Paitan Broth: The Paitan broth is frequently lauded as one of the best. Customers describe it as "perfectly rich, thick and not too salty," indicating a masterful balance of flavor and consistency.
• Hand-Squeezed Wavy Noodles: Their commitment to freshness extends to their noodles, which are hand-squeezed daily. These wavy noodles are praised for their "bouncy and the right level of chewiness," providing an ideal texture complement to the broth.
• Tender and Flavorful Chicken/Pork: The chicken and pork slices (chashu) are consistently described as tender and flavorful, demonstrating attention to detail in every component of the ramen.
• Evolving Menu (Historical Context): While the 1,000-day concept has passed, the legacy of an evolving menu and unique "formulas" (like Formula 1985 or Formula 2022) reflects a dynamic culinary approach that keeps regulars intrigued and offers new experiences.
• Authentic Osaka-Style Ramen: Tsurumen specializes in Osaka-style ramen, which offers a distinct flavor profile that differentiates it from other regional ramen styles found in Massachusetts.
• High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant emphasizes using the best ingredients, sourcing imported soy sauces, local meats, and farm-fresh produce to create dishes that celebrate natural flavors.
• Crafted from Scratch Daily: Noodles, broth, and toppings are prepared by hand daily, ensuring the utmost quality and freshness in every bowl.
• Signature Ramen Varieties: Their core menu includes popular options like Paitan Ramen, Spicy Paitan Ramen, Pork Shoyu Ramen, Shio Classic Ramen, Truffle Shangtang Shoyu Ramen, and Classic Shoyu Ramen, offering a range of chicken and pork-based broths.
• Add-ons and Customization: Customers can enhance their ramen with various add-ons such as an Onsen (Hot Spring) Egg, extra pork chashu, extra Shio-Kōji Chicken, or extra noodles. Gluten-free noodle options are also available.

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Tsurumen Davis, by its very nature, has historically incorporated a form of "special offers" through its evolving "formulas" and limited-time menu items, rather than traditional discounts. The restaurant's original concept of changing its menu every 200 days during its initial 1,000-day run served as a unique promotional draw, encouraging repeat visits to experience the latest culinary creation from Chef Onishi. While specific ongoing discounts may not be a constant feature, Massachusetts locals should:

• Check their official website (tsurumendavis.com): This is the best place to find announcements about any current specials, limited-edition ramen "formulas," or unique pop-up events.
• Follow their social media: Restaurants often use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to announce new menu items, special collaborations, or temporary offerings.
• Inquire directly: When placing an order or visiting, it's always worth asking if there are any current promotions or featured dishes that might not be widely advertised.

The "special offer" at Tsurumen Davis is often the unique culinary journey itself, with new flavors and experiences being the primary draw.

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To experience the authentic ramen at Tsurumen Davis, here's how to reach them:

• Address: 420 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, USA
• Website: tsurumendavis.com (for menu, about, allergy chart, and more)
• Pre-order Site: tsurumendavis.square.site

Please note that Tsurumen Davis does not widely publish a public phone number. For inquiries, their website and online pre-order system are the primary modes of communication.

Current Operating Hours (it's always best to verify directly, as hours can change):

• Wednesday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Monday - Tuesday: Closed

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For Massachusetts residents who truly appreciate the craft of ramen, Tsurumen Davis in Somerville is an indispensable culinary gem. What makes it so suitable for locals extends beyond just serving a delicious meal; it's about the entire philosophy and execution behind each bowl. The dedication of Chef Onishi, who personally oversees the creation of every dish, ensures an unparalleled level of quality and consistency that sets it apart from many other ramen establishments.

The rich, thick Paitan broth, praised by diners as "perfectly rich, thick and not too salty," along with the bouncy, chewy hand-squeezed noodles, speaks to a commitment to authenticity that is rare to find. Even for those who found a particular broth "a little bland + oily" in one instance, the overall consensus points to a high standard of flavor and texture. This is a place where every component, from the tender chicken slices to the bamboo shoots, is carefully considered and prepared from scratch daily.

Its location in Davis Square provides easy access via the MBTA Red Line, making it a convenient destination for anyone across the greater Boston area. Tsurumen Davis offers more than just food; it offers a culinary experience rooted in tradition and passion. For locals seeking a taste of genuinely crafted, Osaka-style ramen, prepared with meticulous care and a unique story, Tsurumen Davis is not just a recommendation, but a must-visit destination in Massachusetts.

Tsurumen Davis

420 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02144, USA