Matcha Time Cafe and Ramen Noodles
/Front view of the cafe
Back in January I was introduced to this nice, niche Japanese-themed cafe up in the Historic Ellicott City area. Matcha Time Cafe is tucked away in the back corner of Parking Lot D so it's not visible from Main Street, but it is definitely well worth the short trip off the beaten path. In addition to good food and a variety of tea to choose from, they also have a neat little gift shop set up that you can browse (and purchase stuff!) as well.
Now on to the real reason why I visited Matcha Tiime Cafe today: Ramen Noodles! Unfortunately ramen noodles are not part of their regular menu and is only offered during special events which are generally posted in advance on their Facebook page. I arrived just after 1100 when they opened their doors for business. They didn't quite have the ramen cooking station set up yet, but that's alright. Good food is worth the extra wait.
There were four flavors of ramen to choose from: Tonkotsu (pork bone broth), Miso, Spicy Miso, and Shoyu (soy sauce). I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen ($10) and also a small pot of Iron Goddess of Mercy tea (a type of Oolong tea). I'll be perfectly honest and say that I'm no expert on tea so I just chose one that sounded cool. Once the noodles were ready I quickly devoured my first bowl and all I can say is that it's very yummy! It is very flavorful and good and also paired well with the flavor of Oolong tea that I had chosen. Since I still had room in my stomach (I have a big belly) I decided to order a second bowl of ramen! This time I ordered the Spicy Miso ramen (I went with the medium level of spiciness). This was also very good, although I'd still prefer the Tonkotsu over the Spicy Miso. I am aware though that the Spicy Miso is slightly more popular than the Tonkotsu.
Next time I make it to their ramen event I'll probably try out the Shoyu flavor, and if I still have room in my belly maybe even the regular Miso flavor as well. Even if not for the ramen, Matcha Time Cafe is a nice little place that Japanese food enthusiasts and other otaku should give a try. Back in January when I visited for the first time I had ordered the Unagi Donbori (eel over a bed of rice) with miso soup and also a pot of Peach Blossom tea, all of which was super delicious.
A picture that I had taken with my cell phone back in January of the Unagi Donbori with Peach Blossom tea, miso soup, and a block of tofu.
Definitely check out this cafe! Additional information:
Matcha Time Cafe
3875 Hamilton Street
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Link to Website
Link to Facebook Page