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I finally got a chance to eat at this location of Tanpopo for a lunch meeting. I must say that I was very surprised to see that the place was absolutely dead. There was one other table present in the whole place. The place did honestly look a bit run down. It needs some updating and some love infused back into it. Our server was very kind and attentive. The ramen is still as good here as it is in Albany. I went for a departure from my typical selection of the Seafood ramen with a side of spicy and instead chose the Curry ramen with the extra spicy. That was a good decision! The curry ramen, although a lovely intensely flavorful broth, is quite spicy all on it's own. I also still stand by the choice to pay for a side of extra noodles for the very generous amount of broth that they give you. As an appetizer, we got the pork belly buns, which are still a stunner appetizer for me. My only complaint would be that they should come in a group of 4 instead of 2. If you're sharing, 2 is more like an amuse bouche.
Amazing service and very good food!! I got the curry ramen and the spicy pork buns, both were very flavorful. The person who served me was very sweet, and he also offered to close the blinds for me because the sun was shining.
I have been to Tanpopo many times and have loved it every time! I have finally decided on my favorite ramens in order as follows: 1. Tanpopo Spicy 2. Tonkotsu 3. Curry with Pork (shrimp just doesn't hit the same) Service is always decent, but nothing to write home about. When I have gone, there has been 1 waitress taking care of the whole place so I don't blame her for not being as attentive. Note: get the spicy pork buns appetizer (maybe multiple orders) because WOW those are amazing. Also, if you like sparkling stuff, I loved the Hana Awaka sparkling sake (as someone who is not usually the biggest fan of sake).
First time eating here. The two of us came on a slow Monday evening. First off the waitress was wonderful. She was training a new person and was friendly and professional the whole time. I initially thought I wanted Curry Ramen but after the waitress told me the spice level (akin to hot Buffalo wings) I went with her suggestion of Tanpopo Spicy Ramen instead. The spice level was just where I wanted it. The Ramen had nice slices of roasted pork and a few small fish cakes in a rich broth. There was a lot of broth and I took some home and was able to have another meal with some ingredients from home. My dining companions Chicken Ramen was customized to her liking with no cilantro. The price while not inexpensive is fair for the quality. Overall a good experience.
Looking for Ramen in the Schenectady area? Tanpopo is where to go. The seafood ramen is my go to, it's delicious. I also enjoy the pork belly buns and gyoza. The service is friendly and welcoming. Some booths are a bit worn, but the food makes up for a few well worn benches.
I really wanted to love this place because it's close to home but alas it's just okay. I ordered the Tanpopo Spicy Ramen and the broth lacked both depth and spice. The pork was without a doubt the highlight of the meal. It was tasty and tender! The seasoned egg was dry(?). Not really sure what to say about it other than if I come back I won't add it. The bowl had several chips on it so I won't say it's nice. Service was friendly and efficient. I did take the broth home for leftovers because there was just so much pork left once I was full. I'll add some heat, veggies and noddles and see what comes of it.
WHEN: Wednesday @ 2pm It was in the heart of upper union st where all of the local businesses are located. There are plenty of street parking right outside of the restaurant. The restaurant was fairly empty by the time we arrived, the lunch rush was over and getting prepped for dinner. SERVICE Server was very friendly and welcoming. She came by a couple of times to check on us which was very good. WHAT WE ORDERED Tonkotsu ramen (Tokyo cut noodles) It was so darn delicious and fresh ramen. I recommend ordering more noodles bc I finished my noodles very quickly n there were a lot of broth left. I haven't eaten ramen at all this year, it was so great bowl of ramen to devour. Seafood ramen It was very good as well. Lots of healthy seafoods. My friend liked it a lot. Fairly decent price food menu, aside from ramen, there are Japanese appetizers like yakoyaki, Gyoza, miso soups, etc. if you don't like noodles, there are Rice bowls on the menu, like Oyakidon, gyudon, katsu don, hibachi entrees.
Stumbled upon this place the other day. It was quiet when we walked in at 12:30. We were told to pick a table. Promptly a waitress came over. Serving Pepsi products, and green teas. Also beer & wine. Cute set up. Sake anyone??? We started off with the shrimp dumplings. Good but small. We both went for the spicy Ramen. I asked to extra hot. Went with a egg for a extra 1.50. When she brought it over I knew it wasn't hot. No steam coming from the dish. I tried it and we sent it back to be microwaved. I also told her it not spicy at all. She added more but just like the temperature it lacked heat. Had flavor but no heat or spice. A little pricey for lunch. 1 appetizer two soups two sodas 50.00.
First time here even though it is close to our home. Likely will not return. Mr. Wasabi is next door. Ramen Bowls were 4 stars. Appetizers although priced low were 3 stars. Service was 4 stars. I ordered the Seafood Ramen Bowl and there were four shrimp in a delicious broth. I did not like the half cooked slices of red onion in the bowl. The Chinese broccoli was good. My dish was served in a ceramic bowl with a half inch CHIP in the rim. Low standards. My husband ordered the Beef Ramen and the beef was tender. Appetizers: Very small Vegetable Spring Rolls Over fried Fried Rangoons Sappora Japanese Beer was very good. Decor: 3 stars Hard wood benches and wooden tables. There were a few tables with chairs. When you enter, two t shirts are mounted on the wall -- one says "Firm Noodles" second says "Nice Buns" (worn by one waitress) Such classy ambiance.
Their Ramen is very good, but their rice dishes are no better than a cheap Chinese American restaurant. Super disappointing with their shrimp rice, pic included. This was $19, which includes tax and a 10% tip. I picked it up, not delivery.
Review #2 Curry Ramen today. Wow! Just amazing. A riff on the tonkatsu ramen. The curry is potent which is a good thing. Shrimp Shu Mai. Not so good. NOA. Steamed Pork Dumplings. Very tasty and light. Loved them. I asked the waitress for hours of operation. They are open from 11 to 10 Sunday and weekdays and 11 to 11 on Friday and Saturday.
I was excited to try the first ramen joint in the city of Schenectady. I went on a Saturday during peak lunch time and not another living customer was in the restaurant, other than the friends who I arrived with. Alas, I was not deeply impressed by the quality of the ramen, and can only award it one and a half (1.5) stars to the food itself. Its flavors and its juices were underwhelming. I ordered a spicy ramen and found it to be abrasive. I like spicy foods and eat them regularly. It was not the spiciness of the ramen that was overwhelming--it was the fact that the spiciness was particularly abrasive. Swallowing the liquids of this bowl of ramen was like having a thin strip of sandpaper sliding down my throat. On top of this, the morsels of meat were few and far between. There were just several slices of pork in my entire bowl! The price was reasonable--$12 or so--but for this price I think there could have been a little bit more flesh. Nevertheless, the flavors, other than the abrasive spiciness, were pleasant. My friends, who both ordered non-spicy ramens, found their bowls to be insufficiently flavorful. In spite of my disappointment with regards to the food itself, I was impressed by the decor and service. For this I award half (0.5) of a star. The waitress was attentive, the venue was clean and nicely decorated, and the food was prepared quickly (granted, we were the only souls in the restaurant). Overall, I was not deeply disappointed by Tanpopo, but I don't see myself coming back.
Tanpopo in Schenectady is just as good food wise as its Albany counterpart. The ambience feels less cozy and colder than the Albany location. The trendy black walls and industrial decor are ok, but nothing beats the feel of the old Albany building. In Schenectady you will always typically be able to be seated and not have a long wait. It's a great place for lunch as well. Service is always wonderful there too. read more
Back again to Tanpopo after a looong break, and we're delighted to say the two things we like best about this place, the delicious homey noodles and the mostly zippy, always friendly, service are just about the same. This time we went into the meat ramens, and were not disappointed. The pork was very nice and tender, braised with a bit of hoisin (we think) and it melted in the broth with each bite. The broth remains hearty and agreeably fatty. We love the choice between getting the Tokyo Wave noodles and standard thin. We sampled the house standard Spicy Tanpopo, the Beef Stew Ramen, and the Tonkatsu, plus their above-average seaweed salad and decent pork gyoza. Portions are incredibly ample and the patronage has thinned a bit, so everything comes out fast. The flaws in the place we noted when they first opened are still evident: the lighting is beyond dim, except where it's glaringly bright with flourescent lighting leftover from the previous establishment. And it's feeling a bit beat up: the fixtures are showing the signs of age and even the tableware (we had two bowls with chips in them). The slight shabbiness may add to its charm if you're of a mind, although I could really do with an upgrade to the lighting to someplace between the blackout and operating room extremes. And I confess I'm still getting used to the sticker shock of restaurants in 2023: the bill for three, with two apps and a $6 sake carafe (a good deal) came to $72 without tip, which is just under double what we paid for four people in 2019. All that said, still a great alternative, and really hearty, pleasing noodles. read more
2 years ago
I finally got a chance to eat at this location of Tanpopo for a lunch meeting. I must say that I was very surprised to see that the place was absolutely dead. There was one other table present in the whole place. The place did honestly look a bit run down. It needs some updating and some love infused back into it. Our server was very kind and attentive. The ramen is still as good here as it is in Albany. I went for a departure from my typical selection of the Seafood ramen with a side of spicy and instead chose the Curry ramen with the extra spicy. That was a good decision! The curry ramen, although a lovely intensely flavorful broth, is quite spicy all on it's own. I also still stand by the choice to pay for a side of extra noodles for the very generous amount of broth that they give you. As an appetizer, we got the pork belly buns, which are still a stunner appetizer for me. My only complaint would be that they should come in a group of 4 instead of 2. If you're sharing, 2 is more like an amuse bouche. read more
2 years ago
Amazing service and very good food!! I got the curry ramen and the spicy pork buns, both were very flavorful. The person who served me was very sweet, and he also offered to close the blinds for me because the sun was shining. read more
I have been to Tanpopo many times and have loved it every time! I have finally decided on my favorite ramens in order as follows: 1. Tanpopo Spicy 2. Tonkotsu 3. Curry with Pork (shrimp just doesn't hit the same) Service is always decent, but nothing to write home about. When I have gone, there has been 1 waitress taking care of the whole place so I don't blame her for not being as attentive. Note: get the spicy pork buns appetizer (maybe multiple orders) because WOW those are amazing. Also, if you like sparkling stuff, I loved the Hana Awaka sparkling sake (as someone who is not usually the biggest fan of sake). read more
First time eating here. The two of us came on a slow Monday evening. First off the waitress was wonderful. She was training a new person and was friendly and professional the whole time. I initially thought I wanted Curry Ramen but after the waitress told me the spice level (akin to hot Buffalo wings) I went with her suggestion of Tanpopo Spicy Ramen instead. The spice level was just where I wanted it. The Ramen had nice slices of roasted pork and a few small fish cakes in a rich broth. There was a lot of broth and I took some home and was able to have another meal with some ingredients from home. My dining companions Chicken Ramen was customized to her liking with no cilantro. The price while not inexpensive is fair for the quality. Overall a good experience. read more
Looking for Ramen in the Schenectady area? Tanpopo is where to go. The seafood ramen is my go to, it's delicious. I also enjoy the pork belly buns and gyoza. The service is friendly and welcoming. Some booths are a bit worn, but the food makes up for a few well worn benches. read more
3 years ago
I really wanted to love this place because it's close to home but alas it's just okay. I ordered the Tanpopo Spicy Ramen and the broth lacked both depth and spice. The pork was without a doubt the highlight of the meal. It was tasty and tender! The seasoned egg was dry(?). Not really sure what to say about it other than if I come back I won't add it. The bowl had several chips on it so I won't say it's nice. Service was friendly and efficient. I did take the broth home for leftovers because there was just so much pork left once I was full. I'll add some heat, veggies and noddles and see what comes of it. read more
WHEN: Wednesday @ 2pm It was in the heart of upper union st where all of the local businesses are located. There are plenty of street parking right outside of the restaurant. The restaurant was fairly empty by the time we arrived, the lunch rush was over and getting prepped for dinner. SERVICE Server was very friendly and welcoming. She came by a couple of times to check on us which was very good. WHAT WE ORDERED Tonkotsu ramen (Tokyo cut noodles) It was so darn delicious and fresh ramen. I recommend ordering more noodles bc I finished my noodles very quickly n there were a lot of broth left. I haven't eaten ramen at all this year, it was so great bowl of ramen to devour. Seafood ramen It was very good as well. Lots of healthy seafoods. My friend liked it a lot. Fairly decent price food menu, aside from ramen, there are Japanese appetizers like yakoyaki, Gyoza, miso soups, etc. if you don't like noodles, there are Rice bowls on the menu, like Oyakidon, gyudon, katsu don, hibachi entrees. read more
Stumbled upon this place the other day. It was quiet when we walked in at 12:30. We were told to pick a table. Promptly a waitress came over. Serving Pepsi products, and green teas. Also beer & wine. Cute set up. Sake anyone??? We started off with the shrimp dumplings. Good but small. We both went for the spicy Ramen. I asked to extra hot. Went with a egg for a extra 1.50. When she brought it over I knew it wasn't hot. No steam coming from the dish. I tried it and we sent it back to be microwaved. I also told her it not spicy at all. She added more but just like the temperature it lacked heat. Had flavor but no heat or spice. A little pricey for lunch. 1 appetizer two soups two sodas 50.00. read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
First time here even though it is close to our home. Likely will not return. Mr. Wasabi is next door. Ramen Bowls were 4 stars. Appetizers although priced low were 3 stars. Service was 4 stars. I ordered the Seafood Ramen Bowl and there were four shrimp in a delicious broth. I did not like the half cooked slices of red onion in the bowl. The Chinese broccoli was good. My dish was served in a ceramic bowl with a half inch CHIP in the rim. Low standards. My husband ordered the Beef Ramen and the beef was tender. Appetizers: Very small Vegetable Spring Rolls Over fried Fried Rangoons Sappora Japanese Beer was very good. Decor: 3 stars Hard wood benches and wooden tables. There were a few tables with chairs. When you enter, two t shirts are mounted on the wall -- one says "Firm Noodles" second says "Nice Buns" (worn by one waitress) Such classy ambiance. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
Their Ramen is very good, but their rice dishes are no better than a cheap Chinese American restaurant. Super disappointing with their shrimp rice, pic included. This was $19, which includes tax and a 10% tip. I picked it up, not delivery. read more
3 years ago
Review #2 Curry Ramen today. Wow! Just amazing. A riff on the tonkatsu ramen. The curry is potent which is a good thing. Shrimp Shu Mai. Not so good. NOA. Steamed Pork Dumplings. Very tasty and light. Loved them. I asked the waitress for hours of operation. They are open from 11 to 10 Sunday and weekdays and 11 to 11 on Friday and Saturday. read more
I was excited to try the first ramen joint in the city of Schenectady. I went on a Saturday during peak lunch time and not another living customer was in the restaurant, other than the friends who I arrived with. Alas, I was not deeply impressed by the quality of the ramen, and can only award it one and a half (1.5) stars to the food itself. Its flavors and its juices were underwhelming. I ordered a spicy ramen and found it to be abrasive. I like spicy foods and eat them regularly. It was not the spiciness of the ramen that was overwhelming--it was the fact that the spiciness was particularly abrasive. Swallowing the liquids of this bowl of ramen was like having a thin strip of sandpaper sliding down my throat. On top of this, the morsels of meat were few and far between. There were just several slices of pork in my entire bowl! The price was reasonable--$12 or so--but for this price I think there could have been a little bit more flesh. Nevertheless, the flavors, other than the abrasive spiciness, were pleasant. My friends, who both ordered non-spicy ramens, found their bowls to be insufficiently flavorful. In spite of my disappointment with regards to the food itself, I was impressed by the decor and service. For this I award half (0.5) of a star. The waitress was attentive, the venue was clean and nicely decorated, and the food was prepared quickly (granted, we were the only souls in the restaurant). Overall, I was not deeply disappointed by Tanpopo, but I don't see myself coming back. read more
Nice little spot. Not super polished but the food was really good. The woman who was serving looked like the owner and was friendly and attentive. I would go back again it felt very authentic and warmed you up from the inside! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
Love Tanpopo and wish I lived closer so that I could get it more often. This place is pretty much my benchmark for ramen. I haven't been to this place in a few years and it was still just as fantastic and flavorful. We ordered the spicy ramen for takeout and now this review has me craving all over again. Highly recommend. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
Love this place. I have eaten here twice this week grew up on baker game home and wow great food. Had the spicy pork bun great. Then had curry ramen perfect spice. I came back next day for seaweed salad and miso ramen both amazing read more
5 years ago
Since this restaurant will not allow reviews on Google Maps I will post my review here for all to see. I would give it 2 out of 5 stars. When I arrived there was one other couple in the entire restaurant. The lighting was very dim which I don't understand why you'd need ambiance in a Ramen place. The bar was the only well lit area and seemed to be very poorly stocked. The waitress from what I could tell was probably a local student as Union College is nearby. She did her best to take care of me while I was there. The service was very prompt and she came back regularly to check on me to see if everything tasted good and if I needed anything else. The food here is mediocre at best. If you are ever in the area and stop here to eat please don't judge what Asian food or Japanese cuisine should be by what they serve here. It feels like there were some college kids in the back cooking the food that didn't really understand what Ramen should be. I ordered hot tea, gyoza, and Tonpopo Spicy Ramen with extra egg and noodles. The hot tea was luke warm but had a decent flavor. The gyoza felt as if they had just defrosted it and barely pan seared it. The filling was hot and had okay flavor but the cook was very inconsistent. Some were seared far more than others. The Ramen was quite disappointing. Again the food was luke warm when it arrived at the table. I could have picked up the bowl and drank the broth. The extra noodles were served in a separate bowl and were clumped together as if it had been sitting for some time. The egg in the ramen was extremely over cooked. You could tell it had been hard boiled some time ago, cut in half, and just placed in the bowl to warm through. The yolk had the consistency of cardboard. The ramen had decent flavor but little to no spice at all. There were no chili threads or anything that provided much heat at all. I travel for a living so I am used to having various experiences with food throughout the country. If this is your first time eating Ramen please don't judge with a good Ramen should be by what is served at this restaurant. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
7 years ago
The service and food were excellent! We've never been to the Albany location but have only heard good things. We each shared an order of crab ragoons - they came out hot and they were delicious! My husband ordered the kani salad and he said it was the perfect blend of spicy and crunch. We ordered three different ramens and everyone enjoyed their choices. We had food leftover, because the portions are large. The saki selection is really interesting. I am going to try their rice dishes next time and I'm excited to try other saki options! read more
Tremendous addition to the Upper Union Street dining scene. Extensive sake list with many Ramen dishes. Prompt knowledgeable severs. Try the fried oyster appetizer with the fiery ramen entree. Bigger than Albany but still cozy and packed on weekends. Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. Great food at reasonable prices. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Ooh! I'm already making plans to come back here! Pricing is decent, clean establishment, attentive staff, and the food is amazing!!! Stop in. You'll be so glad you did! read more
6 years ago
Lightning quick and professional service. The the food is next level good. The Seafood Ramen hits different read more
5 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
In finally made the leap and tried something other than the scrumptious spicy ramen, and had the equally (if not more delicious) shrimp curry ramen - it ridiculous! Kylie and Courtney at the counter were phenomenal with their hospitality, and made us feel right at home, as we slurped up our delicious dinner! Thank you!! read more
6 years ago
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