Tanpopo Ramen House, web site, 4316 Markham St, Annandale, VA, 703-354-4938 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Google | Washingtonian | NoVA Mag | Don Rockwell | Ylp]
Tanpopo ramen
I’m not such a one to judge ramen places because that food, outside of Japan itself, almost always bores me. That said, this place exceeded my expectations and I thought the pork belly ramen was pretty damned good. Not great, but good enough to visit again. The sushi is OK enough but not a reason to come here. I would also describe this place as part of the growing “Asian food for Asian-Americans” genre, without being designed for the Japanese palate per se. It’s a cool place, good décor, not so many people know about it yet, worth a try for the curious though I think it helps if you go with my low expectations.
I have eaten and enjoyed the ramen at Tanpopo, but Toki Underground has it beat. I know it’s not your kind of atmosphere (great cocktails, attractive young people, H-Street) but it deserves a mention.