Ni Ramen: Bringing Scratch-Made Authenticity to Lynbrook’s Ramen Scene
Ni Ramen in Lynbrook, NY is serving up authentic, scratch-made ramen with rich tonkotsu broth, marinated chashu pork, and handcrafted noodles. In our exclusive interview with owner David, he shared how Ni Ramen stays true to traditional flavors while introducing a curated Thai menu. Must-try dishes include the classic miso ramen, sizzling hot plate dumplings, and pillowy chashu buns. Experience the best ramen in Lynbrook—made from scratch!
When David first stepped into the restaurant industry, he wasn’t thinking about ramen—at least, not at first. His journey began with rolled ice cream at ICE NY in Atlanta, then moved to Three Roosters, a Manhattan-based spot focused solely on chicken and rice. But when a friend offered up a space in Lynbrook for a new concept, David and his business partners saw an opportunity to bring something different to the area: authentic, scratch-made ramen.
Building Ni Ramen from the Ground Up
David is the first to admit that ramen wasn’t originally in his wheelhouse. "I'm Thai, so ramen isn’t really our forte, per se," he says. But once he dove into the process, he quickly realized something: many ramen shops in the U.S. take shortcuts.
“A lot of places literally buy soup base, tear the bag, add water, and boom—ramen soup,” he explains. But at Ni Ramen, he committed to making everything from scratch.
Their rich tonkotsu broth simmers for six hours, extracting deep umami flavors. The marinated ramen eggs soak for four hours before reaching the bowl, and the chashu pork undergoes a full-day process of marinating, slow cooking, and searing to perfection. Every element is intentional, ensuring guests get an authentic experience—not a watered-down version of ramen.
Educating Guests on Real Ramen
Opening a ramen shop in Lynbrook came with its challenges. Some customers walked in expecting the instant cup ramen they grew up with. To bridge the gap, David got creative.
“We designed our menu like a magazine,” he shares. “As guests flip through, they’re actually learning about the components of ramen—the noodles, the broth, the toppings, and how they all come together.”
This interactive approach helps in building appreciation. The more people understand the craftsmanship behind each bowl, the more they embraced the flavors.
The Must-Try Dishes at Ni Ramen
So, what should first-timers order? David recommends the Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich, pork-based broth that’s been a standout since day one.
“We want to go the traditional route,” he says. “No fusion, nothing watered down—just classic ramen the way it should be.”
Beyond the ramen, their ChaShu Bun—a pillowy soft bun filled with slow-braised pork, fresh veggies, and a sweet glaze—is a fan favorite. And for those who love a bit of tableside flair, the hot plate dumplings arrive sizzling, with broth poured over them at the table, creating a dramatic steam effect.
David’s personal favorite? “Miso ramen, hands down,” he says. “I love the wavy egg noodles and the miso we use—it just hits different.”
What’s Next for Ni Ramen?
Running a ramen shop in Lynbrook has its challenges, especially since ramen is often seen as a seasonal dish. To keep things fresh, David and his team recently introduced a Thai menu to Ni Ramen.
“Our head chef is Thai, and we wanted to bring in small, carefully curated dishes,” he explains. Originally, they offered Thai food as a delivery-only concept, but after seeing the demand, they made it part of the dine-in experience as well. Now, guests can enjoy both ramen and Thai dishes under one roof.
“I want to keep introducing people to flavors they’ve never had before,” he says. Whether that means more ramen, more Thai dishes, or something entirely new, one thing is certain: Ni Ramen will continue to bring bold, authentic flavors to the table.