ZZ
Ziyang Zhang
Jun 12, 2026
15 years ago, I walked into Sapporo Ramen not knowing what I was getting into. I've spent the years since trying to explain it to people and mostly failing.
This is Sapporo-style ramen with its own twist. The broth is thick, salty, and intensely chicken-forward, bearing no resemblance to the pork or miso bowls most of us would picture in the US. The chashu is generously thick-cut, lean, and deeply flavored, unlike the typical fatty, rolled chashu found elsewhere. The noodles are firm. The toppings are wok-finished to order. You used to be able to watch the chef doing it himself in the Porter square location. None of it is an accident, and none of it has changed.
If you're hesitating over the one-star reviews: they're not wrong about the facts. The broth is bold and salty. The noodles are firm, almost chewy. And yes, it costs more than you'd expect for “just ramen.” What they're missing is that all of it is intentional—and if you understand what you're eating, it's perfect.
That's the thing about this place. Boston has watched a thousand restaurants chase whatever is next. Sapporo just kept making the same bowl. On a stormy Boston night, nothing feeds the soul quite like it.
If you see the chef serving your ramen, give him a smile. I think he appreciates it.
CM
Clifford Metcalf
Jun 4, 2026
Very impressed with the service here. 8 people from work placed orders and I went to go pick up for everyone. She double checked everything was right. Loaded me up in a box and I was on my way. Super easy, super helpful. Would definitely recommend.
Decided to try Sapporo for first time since they moved from their OG Porter Sq location. Had craving for their thick, tasty broth. We got the house ramen and the taste was the same, very delicious, but portions are a lot smaller than previous (and more expensive). Gyoza also taste the same but are now deep fried and not pan fried. Good if you are in the mood for ramen while at the mall, but probably not worth a special trip just to have.
The signature ramen was terribly unpalatable and utterly bland. It made me doubt whether they even really made it themselves—because if they had just used a ready-made sauce packet, it wouldn't have tasted this bad.
I had a spicy miso ramen and it tastes really good! But it was more spicy than I thought, so if deciding to pick this menu, keep this spicy tip in mind