Staring at a menu packed with delicious options can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Do you go for the rich, creamy tonkotsu or the fiery spicy miso? Maybe a hearty rice bowl is calling your name instead. We get it. When everything sounds good, choosing just one thing can feel like a big decision. That’s why we put this guide together. Think of it as your personal tour through our favorite dishes. We’ll help you find the perfect bowl, bun, or snack to match your craving. Let’s explore the classics, the spicy standouts, and the hidden gems in ramen menu we’ve crafted for you.
Key Takeaways
- The menu is more than just ramen: Don't miss out on other Japanese-inspired dishes like hearty rice bowls, fluffy bao buns, and shareable small plates that round out the full dining experience.
- There's a perfect bowl for everyone: You can choose from rich classics like Tonkotsu, signature spicy ramen, or flavorful vegetarian and vegan options to satisfy any craving.
- Getting your ramen fix is simple: You can dine in at any Nashville location, place an order online for easy pickup, or arrange large group orders for your next event or office lunch.
What Makes the Otaku Ramen Menu Special?
A great bowl of ramen is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. At Otaku Ramen, we believe that experience starts with a commitment to craft and quality. We’re Nashville’s original ramen shop for a reason. We built our reputation by making everything from scratch, every single day. From the noodles we pull to the broths we simmer for hours, our dedication to the art of ramen is something you can taste in every bite.
Our approach is simple: honor the rich traditions of Japanese ramen while celebrating the spirit of Nashville. This means sourcing high-quality ingredients and preparing them with care and intention. We’ve spent years perfecting our recipes to ensure each bowl is balanced, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a ramen purist or trying it for the first time, our menu is designed to offer something for everyone. The passion we have for this craft is detailed in our story, and we love sharing it with our community one bowl at a time.
Our Signature Slow-Simmered Broth
The soul of any ramen is its broth, and ours is the foundation of everything we do. We take the time to develop deep, complex flavors through traditional, slow-simmering methods. For our Tennessee Tonkotsu, we simmer pork bones for hours until the broth becomes rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. This patient process can’t be rushed. It’s what creates that comforting, savory base that makes you want to drain the entire bowl. Each of our broths, from the light and clear Shoyu to the robust Spicy Miso, is crafted with the same level of care to ensure a perfect harmony of ingredients.
Authentic Japanese-Inspired Flavors
While we call Nashville home, our culinary heart is rooted in Japanese tradition. We serve dishes that are authentic and inspired by the classic flavors of Japan. You’ll find essential ramen components like tender chashu (braised pork belly), perfectly jammy ajitama (marinated soft-boiled eggs), and crisp nori in our bowls. But our menu extends beyond ramen. We also offer other Japanese favorites, including fluffy steamed bao buns and shareable small plates. It’s our way of bringing a complete and genuine Japanese-inspired dining experience to our city, giving you a true taste of the flavors that first made us fall in love with this food.
Can't-Miss Customer Favorites
If you’re not sure where to start, you can’t go wrong with one of our signature bowls. The Tennessee Tonkotsu is a must-try, featuring our rich pork broth, savory chashu, and a perfectly cooked ajitama. It’s the bowl that started it all for us. For those who like a bit of heat, the Spicy Miso offers a satisfying kick balanced with deep, savory flavor. Another classic is the Shoyu, a chicken-based broth that is light yet incredibly flavorful. These are just a few of the highlights, and we encourage you to explore our full menu to find the bowl that speaks to you.
Find Your Perfect Bowl of Ramen
With so many incredible options, choosing just one bowl of ramen can feel like a big decision. But don't worry, we've got something for every craving. Whether you're a ramen purist who loves a traditional bowl or someone who's always looking for a little extra heat, we can help you find your perfect match. Let's walk through some of our favorites to help you decide what you'll be slurping on your next visit.
The Classics: Traditional Ramen
If you're new to ramen or just love timeless flavors, you can't go wrong with a classic. Our Tonkotsu is the heart of our menu, a rich and creamy pork broth that we simmer for hours to get that perfect depth of flavor. It’s served with tender pork belly chashu, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh scallions. Another fantastic choice is our Shoyu ramen, which features a lighter, clear chicken broth seasoned with savory soy sauce and topped with chicken chashu. These bowls are the foundation of great ramen and a perfect way to experience our full menu.
Spice It Up: Our Signature Hot Bowls
Ready to turn up the heat? We've got you covered. Our spicy bowls are designed for flavor, not just fire. The Spicy Miso is a crowd-pleaser, blending the savory depth of miso with a satisfying kick of chili and spicy ground pork. For a true Nashville experience, you have to try the Tennessee Tonkotsu. We take our classic pork broth and top it with crispy Nashville hot chicken. It’s the perfect fusion of Japanese tradition and local flavor. If you love a bowl that bites back, these signature hot bowls are calling your name.
Veggie-Forward: Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Our vegetarian and vegan ramen bowls are packed with so much flavor, they satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters. We build our veggie broths with the same care and attention as our pork-based ones, creating a deep, savory base from ingredients like mushrooms and kombu. The Mushroom Shoyu is an umami-rich bowl filled with roasted mushrooms and seasonal vegetables. If you want plant-based with a kick, the Spicy Veggie Miso is your go-to. We believe everyone deserves a fantastic bowl of ramen, and our veggie-forward options are proof that you don't need meat to achieve perfection.
A Look at Our Menu Prices
We believe that an incredible bowl of ramen shouldn’t break the bank. Our goal is to serve happiness, and that means offering authentic, high-quality Japanese-inspired food at a fair price. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for dinner with friends, you’ll find our menu is designed to give you a memorable experience without a hefty price tag. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect when you dine with us.
Ramen Bowls
The heart of our menu is, of course, the ramen. Each bowl is built around our rich, slow-simmered broth and packed with flavor. Our signature Tennessee Tonkotsu, a creamy pork broth ramen, is a local favorite at $16. If you like a bit of a kick, the Spicy Miso is also $16 and brings the heat. For a lighter but equally delicious option, our chicken-and-dashi-based Shoyu ramen is $15. We also have a fantastic Veggie Miso for $15, proving that you don’t need meat to have an amazing ramen experience. You can explore every option on our full menu.
Bao Buns and Small Plates
Looking for the perfect starter or a few things to share? Our buns and small plates are where it’s at. The soft, fluffy steamed buns are a must-try, with fillings like our Nashville-style Hot Chicken or savory Pork Belly, each for just $6. If you’re craving something crispy, our Pork Gyoza ($8) are pan-fried to perfection. These small plates are ideal for kicking off your meal or for creating a tapas-style feast with friends. They’re a great way to sample a few different flavors before your main bowl arrives.
Cocktails, Sake, and Beer
A great meal deserves a great drink. Our drink menu features a curated selection of beverages designed to complement our food. You can sip on a refreshing Toki Highball or a zesty Yuzu Margarita for $12. For a more traditional pairing, we offer sake served hot or cold for $8. We also have a rotating selection of Japanese and local craft beers. Stopping by for a drink and a snack is one of the best ways to experience any of our Nashville locations, so come on in and let us pour you something delicious.
Beyond the Broth: What Else to Try
While our ramen rightfully gets a lot of attention, the rest of our menu is packed with dishes that are just as thoughtfully crafted and delicious. Whether you’re not in the mood for soup or you just want to try something new, we have plenty of options that deliver the authentic, Japanese-inspired flavors you love. From satisfying rice bowls to shareable snacks, think of these as the supporting cast that often steals the show. Exploring the full Otaku Ramen menu is part of the fun, and you might just find your next favorite dish.
Hearty Rice Bowls
If you're craving something substantial, our rice bowls are the perfect answer. They’re built on a foundation of perfectly steamed white rice and loaded with bold flavors. Try our signature Hot Chicken Rice Bowl, which features crispy fried chicken tossed in our Tennessee Tōgarashi spice for that perfect Nashville kick. Or, go for the rich and savory Pork Belly Rice Bowl, with tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork that’s been braised to perfection. Each bowl is a complete, satisfying meal that will leave you full and happy. They’re a fantastic alternative when you want the Otaku experience without the broth.
Perfectly Steamed Bao Buns
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, fluffy bao bun. Ours are steamed until they’re pillowy soft and then filled with our most popular flavors. You can’t go wrong with the classic Pork Belly Buns, which pair the savory, slightly sweet pork with crisp toppings for a perfect bite. If you prefer some heat, our Hot Chicken Buns pack all the flavor of our signature spicy chicken into a soft, handheld package. They’re ideal as a starter to share with the table or as a light meal all on their own. Two come in every order, but we won’t blame you if you don’t want to share.
Small Plates for Sharing
The best meals are often shared, and our selection of small plates makes it easy to bring everyone together. Kick off your meal with an order of crispy pork Gyoza or classic salted Edamame. These snacks are perfect for passing around the table while you wait for your main courses to arrive. They give everyone a chance to sample a few different things and build an experience that’s customized to your group’s tastes. Planning a get-together for a bigger group? Our small plates are a key part of our Large Group Orders and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Our Curated Drink Menu
A great meal deserves a great drink to go with it. We’ve put just as much thought into our drink menu as we have our food. You’ll find a curated list of craft cocktails, like the refreshing Yuzu Sour, alongside a thoughtful selection of sake and local craft beers that pair beautifully with our dishes. We also have fun non-alcoholic options, including traditional Ramune Japanese soda. Whether you’re looking for the perfect complement to your spicy ramen or a unique cocktail to sip on, our drink menu has something to complete your dining experience.
How to Get Your Otaku Ramen Fix
Craving a bowl of our signature ramen? We've got a few ways for you to get your fix, whether you're dining out, grabbing a quick bite to go, or feeding the whole team. Here’s how you can enjoy your favorite Japanese-inspired dishes.
Dine With Us in Nashville
There’s nothing quite like the experience of slurping down a fresh bowl of ramen in person. Come hang out with us at one of our Nashville locations for a memorable meal. Our menu is packed with delicious options, from our hand-crafted ramen and hearty rice bowls to perfectly steamed bao buns and shareable sides. We’ve also got a great selection of sake, beer, and wine to complete your meal. Take a look at our full menu to see what catches your eye. We’re always happy to welcome you in for a bowl of happiness.
Order Online for Pickup
When you’re short on time but still need that ramen goodness, ordering online is the way to go. It’s the easiest way to get your favorite dishes without the wait. Just browse our menu, make your selections, and we’ll have it hot and ready for you to pick up. Our online menu clearly marks which items are vegetarian, vegan, or spicy, so you can order with confidence. Ready to place your order? You can order now for a quick and delicious meal that fits right into your busy schedule. It’s the perfect solution for a cozy night in or a fast lunch break.
Large Group Orders for Your Crew
Have a big group to feed? We’ve got you covered. Our Large Group Orders are perfect for office lunches, family gatherings, or any event where you want to share some seriously good food. Choose from crowd-pleasing favorites like our Spicy Miso Ramen or Tennessee Tonkotsu. We make it simple to bring the Otaku Ramen experience to your crew, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying and flavorful meal. Let us handle the food so you can focus on enjoying the moment. It’s a delicious and easy way to make any get-together special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order if it's my first time visiting? You can't go wrong with our Tennessee Tonkotsu. It’s the bowl that started it all for us, featuring a rich, creamy pork broth that we simmer for hours. If you prefer something a bit lighter, the Shoyu ramen is another fantastic choice with a clear, savory chicken broth. Both are perfect for getting to know what we're all about.
Do you have any vegetarian or vegan options? Absolutely. We put just as much care and attention into our plant-based bowls. Our veggie broths are built from ingredients like mushrooms and kombu to create a deep, savory flavor. The Mushroom Shoyu is a great umami-rich option, and the Spicy Veggie Miso is perfect if you want a little kick.
I'm not in the mood for soup. What else can I get? We have plenty of delicious dishes for when you want something other than ramen. Our rice bowls are hearty and satisfying, especially the Hot Chicken Rice Bowl. We also serve fluffy steamed bao buns with fillings like pork belly or hot chicken, and they make a great starter or a light meal on their own.
What makes your ramen different from other ramen shops? We believe the difference is in our commitment to craft. We make everything from scratch every single day, from the noodles we pull to the broths we simmer for hours. This patient process creates the deep, complex flavors in every bowl. It’s our way of honoring traditional Japanese methods while serving our Nashville community.
Can I order food for a large group or an office lunch? Yes, we can definitely help with that. Our Large Group Orders are perfect for feeding your crew, whether it's for a meeting at the office or a family get-together. We make it simple to order crowd-pleasing favorites so you can share a delicious meal without the stress.
