Ramen by Ra started as a stall in Bowery Market, where Rasheeda Purdie drew on Japan’s asa (breakfast) ramen tradition and added some NYC twists. Recently, Purdie upgraded to a storefront in the East Village. The vintage-themed space isn’t much bigger, with up to six stools all facing the kitchen — but it is efficient. Seats are available by reservation only, and you pre-order and pre-pay ahead of time. Purdie’s inventive flavors are worth the effort of setting a calendar alert, though.
With its 45-minute allotted seating time and tiny space, it’s ideal for solo diners. In fact, reservations are only available for up to two.
Even if you can’t land a reservation, you can order to-go cups of shoyu broth and breakfast bao from a walk-up window. Purdie also offers cups of broth as a parting treat at the end of meals.