Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

- 595 River Rd, Edgewater, NJ 07020

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka in Edgewater, New Jersey, stands out as a culinary destination for enthusiasts of authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled inside the bustling Mitsuwa Marketplace, this ramen restaurant is renowned throughout the Tri-State area for bringing the true flavors of Hokkaido-style ramen—a specialty from the northern island of Japan—right to our local community. For New Jersey residents seeking a deeply satisfying and consistently high-quality bowl of ramen, Santouka is an establishment that continually lives up to its well-deserved reputation.

The experience here is more than just a quick meal; it is a warm, comforting embrace, often described by patrons as a 'warm hug' on a cold day. Their commitment to traditional preparation methods, particularly their signature, meticulously prepared Tonkotsu broth, is what makes them a highlight in the local Japanese food scene. Whether you are a dedicated ramen connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious and hearty meal, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka offers an authentic taste that will transport you straight to Japan.

The restaurant's core philosophy centers on a gentle, flavorful experience, creating a broth that is rich in umami but mild enough to be enjoyed "to the last drop" by everyone, including children. This dedication to quality and a family-friendly approach has cemented its status as a local favorite inside New Jersey’s premier Japanese market.

Location and Accessibility

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is strategically located within the Mitsuwa Marketplace at 595 River Road in Edgewater, NJ 07020. The marketplace itself is a significant attraction, making the restaurant a convenient stop for a meal before or after shopping for Japanese groceries and goods.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this location, especially for New Jersey drivers. The facility offers on-site parking, including a free parking lot, which is a major convenience in this busy area. Furthermore, the establishment is committed to accommodating all guests, providing the following accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

While the ramen spot is situated in a food court setting, which can get crowded, the overall atmosphere is casual and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including college students, families, and tourists. Be aware that during peak hours, particularly lunch and dinner on weekends, there is often a line, which is a testament to the food's popularity.

Services Offered

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is focused on providing a convenient and enjoyable dining experience through a variety of service options:

• Onsite Dining: Casual seating is available within the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court for patrons enjoying lunch or dinner. High chairs are available, and the dining area is good for kids.
• Takeout: All menu items can be ordered for quick and easy pickup.
• Delivery: Services are available through major delivery platforms for those in the Edgewater area.
• Payment Options: The restaurant accepts major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for seamless transactions.
• Pet-Friendly: For guests arriving with their furry friends, dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas of the Marketplace.

Features / Highlights

What sets Hokkaido Ramen Santouka apart in the competitive New Jersey dining landscape are several unique features and their dedication to culinary excellence:

• Signature Tonkotsu Broth: The foundation of their ramen, this pearly white pork bone soup, is simmered for approximately 20 hours at a low temperature to achieve its deep, rich, yet mellow and balanced flavor. This painstaking process ensures a quality that is hard to find elsewhere.
• The Toroniku Specialty: A standout offering is the Tonkotsu Toroniku Ramen. 'Toroniku' is a special cut of tender pork cheek meat, which is notoriously rare to obtain. It’s slow-simmered until it is incredibly succulent and "melts in your mouth." Unlike standard Cha-shu, the Toroniku is often served fanned out on a separate plate to be added to the ramen, preserving its texture and flavor.
• The Shio Ramen: Santouka’s original and most highly regarded flavor, the Tonkotsu Shio Ramen, is a signature dish. The simple salt-based seasoning enhances the complexity of the tonkotsu broth, and it is traditionally topped with a small, pickled sour plum (umeboshi) as a palate cleanser.
• Menu Variety: Beyond their signature Shio, the menu offers a range of broths—Shoyu (Soy Sauce), Miso, and Kara Miso (Spicy Miso)—allowing diners to customize their experience.
• Combo Options: Guests can enjoy popular combination meals that pair a regular-sized ramen bowl and a flavored egg with a selection of rice bowls, such as the B Combo (Sake and Ikura Rice) or the D Combo (Char-Siu Rice).
• Japanese Marketplace Experience: Being situated inside Mitsuwa Marketplace enhances the visit, as patrons can explore one of the largest and most authentic Japanese markets in the United States before or after their meal.

Contact Information

For New Jersey residents planning a visit, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 595 River Rd, Edgewater, NJ 07020, USA (Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace)
• Phone: (201) 941-1004

What is Worth Choosing: The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

For New Jersey locals new to Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, choosing what to order can be a delightful dilemma, but a few items rise to the top as essential experiences. The undisputed star of the show is the Toroniku Ramen (available in Shio, Shoyu, Miso, or Spicy Miso), which starts at $18.75. The exceptional tenderness of the Toroniku pork cheek meat is often cited by customers as the reason they return time and again. Pairing this with the legendary 20-hour simmered Tonkotsu broth creates a deeply rich and flavorful meal that truly feels like a 'warm hug,' as one reviewer noted.

For those who love a bit of heat, the Spicy Miso Ramen ($15.57) is a popular choice, praised for being delicious and rich with just the right level of spice. If you’re looking to make it a full, satisfying meal, one of the combos is highly recommended. The B Combo - Sake and Ikura Rice ($23.70) is a customer favorite, pairing a regular ramen bowl and a flavored egg with a side of savory grilled salmon and vibrant salmon roe over rice. This combination perfectly complements the ramen's richness with fresh, contrasting flavors.

The pricing for a standard ramen bowl averages around $14.94 to $15.57, while the premium Toroniku options are slightly higher. Side dishes are affordable, such as the extra Flavored Egg ($1.50) or Extra Toroniku ($6.50) to enhance any bowl. The experience of enjoying such authentic, high-quality Japanese comfort food right here in Edgewater makes Hokkaido Ramen Santouka a highly recommended stop for any New Jersey foodie.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

595 River Rd, Edgewater, NJ 07020, USA