I Traveled Across The Globe With One Meal At Zuru Ramen Bar In Florida
By Megan Todaro|Published May 17, 2024
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Megan Todaro
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Megan Todaro was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and still calls The Sunshine State home today. While saving lives and putting out fires during the day, Megan is also passionate about writing and travel, especially when it comes to sharing her knowledge of her home state. A few of Megan's favorites include: favorite Florida vacation destination - New Smyrna Beach. Favorite Florida restaurant - Eastside Pizza in Miami. Favorite Florida hidden gem - Shibuya Sushi Art. Favorite Florida OnlyInYourState article: Take A Terrifying Florida Road Trip That Will Surely Haunt Your Dreams.
Japanese cuisine – there’s nothing like it. Anytime you offer up an Asian-inspired meal, count me in. I worked in the restaurant industry when I was younger in an Asian chain, and this was where my love of Asian culture and cuisine came from. Whether I’m feasting on homemade dim sum, rolling my own sushi, or perfecting the art of the bao bun, this type of food is where I feel most at home. This is why when I stumbled across this hidden gem in Plantation, I had to visit. I traveled across the globe in one meal, thanks to Zuru Ramen Bar in Plantation, Florida.
Tucked away inside a strip mall in Plantation, Florida, you’ll find Zuru Ramen Bar, a Japanese dining experience, no passport required.
Stepping inside, I immediately felt transported to a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop in Tokyo, complete with beautiful paper lanterns on the ceiling, and vibrant neon hues.
I visited during Happy Hour - which is my favorite hour of the day - and the specials were fantastic. Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. you can grab discounted menu items like giant cans of Sapporo, garlic edamame, bao buns, yuzu corn, Brussels sprouts, Mentaiko fries, and so much more.
I kicked it off with a cold Sapporo and a small glass of cold cloudy sake called Tozai Snow Maiden Nigori. The staff was super attentive and brought out my drinks right away.
I started out with an order of garlic edamame, which to me, never disappoints. For anyone unfamiliar, edamame are soybeans that are loaded with protein. You can order them plain here (just steamed), or you can get them tossed in garlic, salt, and togarashi!
Next up I ordered the Shoyu brussels sprouts, which is a go-to staple for me whenever I see brussels on a menu. These were so flavorful, hot and crispy on the outside, roasted to pure perfection. The homemade shoyu tare really elevated the flavor.
The Bao buns were another favorite of mine. I got the fried tofu bao, which were topped with spring mix, kewpie mayo, eel sauce, and sesame seeds. You can also get the bao buns with braised pork belly, chicken karate, or shrimp. They even offer a bao sampler where you can mix and match.
Of course, I would be remiss writing about a ramen spot without talking about the ramen! There are nine different ramen dishes to choose from, many of which are made with the 18-hour pork bone broth. You can customize your ramen with various add-ons like sweet corn, tofu, chicken breast chashu, spicy miso, black garlic oil, and more. Talk about a fun choose-your-own adventure!
Overall, I would recommend this restaurant for a quick lunchtime meal, a much-needed happier hour, or even a cozy date night. The details they’ve put into the decor and the menu really make Zuru Ramen Bar shine.
What do you think about Zuru Ramen Bar in Plantation, Florida? Would you dine here for some traditional Japanese flavors? Sound off in the comments section!
