Portland’s vibrant food scene is a magnet for culinary adventurers, and nestled within the bustling Pine Street Market Portland you’ll find a taste of Tokyo. Marukin Ramen, a celebrated ramen chain with roots in Japan, has brought its expertise to this popular food hall, offering a delightful array of vegan ramen options that are perfect for both locals and tourists exploring downtown Portland.
Marukin Ramen, Pine Street Market, Portland Food Hall
Having spent years navigating the diverse ramen landscape of NYC, I was eager to dive into Portland’s ramen offerings, especially given its reputation as a vegan-friendly city. Marukin Ramen at Pine Street Market was my first stop, and it immediately impressed with its authentic atmosphere. Even at 10 am, the stall was buzzing with customers, reminiscent of the lively ramen counters found in Japan’s busy train stations. This energetic vibe of Pine Street Market perfectly complements Marukin’s dedication to traditional ramen.
Vegan Shoyu Ramen at Marukin Ramen in Pine Street Market Portland
Marukin specializes in Hakata-style ramen, known for its rich tonkotsu broth. But fear not, vegan diners! Marukin has crafted three distinct vegan ramen bowls, each built upon a flavorful base of garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms, and kombu. They utilize thin, non-curly noodles, a style that might not be my personal favorite, but when cooked correctly to al dente, they provide a satisfying slurp. While I experienced slightly softer noodles on a couple of visits, many online reviews actually praise their al dente texture, indicating a consistent quality. The noodles consistently offer a pleasant slipperiness, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Close-up of Vegan Shoyu Ramen Bowl at Marukin Ramen Portland Pine Street Market
For purists seeking a clear taste of Marukin’s vegan broth, the Vegan Shoyu Ramen ($10) is an excellent choice. This ramen features a light and bright broth that is surprisingly satisfying, even on warmer days. While it might not be the richest, most intense ramen broth, its refreshing quality makes it a welcome change and a great option for those who prefer a lighter yet flavorful bowl, especially when exploring Pine Street Market Portland in the summer.
The Vegan Shoyu comes with a thoughtful selection of toppings: tomatoes, spinach, napa cabbage, spongy tofu, mushrooms, and scallions. Marukin manages to make tomatoes work as a ramen topping, avoiding any sogginess. The tofu is particularly noteworthy for its texture, effectively soaking up the delicious broth.
Vegan Red Ramen Bowl at Marukin Ramen Pine Street Market Portland Oregon
However, my personal favorite among Marukin’s vegan offerings at Pine Street Market is the Vegan Red Ramen ($10). This bowl takes the same excellent vegan broth and elevates it with an added layer of spice and depth. The spiciness is gentle but warming, perfect for a comforting meal without being overwhelming. Even on a hot day, enjoying the Vegan Red was a soul-satisfying experience without being too heavy. Notably, the Vegan Red seems to come with a more generous portion of juicy, savory mushrooms, adding a delightful meaty texture to the vegan bowl.
Spicy Vegan Red Ramen at Marukin Ramen Pine Street Market in Portland
During the warmer months, Marukin also offers a Hiyashi Vegan Ramen ($10), a cold ramen option. Despite my usual preference for hot ramen, even in summer, I was pleasantly surprised by this chilled creation. The broth, though clear and cold, is packed with flavor. Pickled vegetables and the signature spongy tofu are present, but the spiced shiitake mushrooms truly steal the show as the star topping in this refreshing summer ramen. If you are visiting Pine Street Market Portland during the warmer months, the Hiyashi Vegan Ramen is a must-try.
Cold Hiyashi Vegan Ramen at Marukin Ramen Portland Pine Street Market Food Hall
For vegan ramen lovers exploring Pine Street Market Portland, Marukin Ramen is a must-visit. Whether you opt for the clean Vegan Shoyu, the flavorful Vegan Red, or the refreshing Hiyashi Vegan Ramen, you’re in for a satisfying and authentic ramen experience in the heart of Portland’s culinary scene.
