Victory Wang

Bushido Ramen opens this week in the space he formerly ran as Blossom Juicy Bar (they still serve the Boba Tea)  on Wilmington Pike. Owner Victor Wang told me that he has spent two years studying and practicing the art of creating Ramen. The work is evident. The menu is chocked full of tastes and flavors that span Japanese, Thai, and Chinese flavors. The ramen is more than enough, but the menu is deep with delicious appetizers, rice dishes and a delicious bun sandwich (similar to Vietnamese Bahn Mi).

I was fortunate to join a group from DaytonDining  to spend time with Victor earlier this week and taste the menu.

He has changed the game on the classic edamame appetizer. For the cautious eater stick with the Truffle Edamame. Steamed perfectly, salty with that earthy undertone of truffle oil giving an added punch of flavor the steamed beans. Those of us who like it a bit spicier he tossed the edamame with the signature Bushido Inferno, a delightful pepper oil that we saw again and again later in the menu.

The pepper chicken shouldn’t be skipped and a real surprise was the Fried Tofu. I am not normally a tofu guy, but this firm tofu is fried and drizzled with a sweet soy and spicy mayo. The accompanied cabbage makes this a great light appetizer with sweet, salty, soft, crunchy and deep savory flavors.

The Bushido bun stole my heart. A seasoned and breaded pork cutlet, spicy mayo, cabbage on a soft Bao Bun emblazoned with Bushido’s logo for an extra touch. This was one of the best single bites of food I’ve had in Dayton in a long time. Everything clicked with this and I can’t wait to return to have another.

At every course I found myself enjoying new tastes and textures that are not part of my weekly or monthly rotation in Dayton and the south suburbs. I thought I had tasted it all when he brought out a small rice and seaweed hand held. I hate saying hand held, but this rice ball, shaped in a triangle had spicy mayo and tuna layered in between two layers of rice. I can’t describe it and I didn’t get a pic. It’s Victor’s take on a spicy tuna Musabi. Ask for one when you order.

Finally the ramen. Victor has put together a team with an eye for the details. The ramen looked as beautiful as it tasted. I had the spicy pork ramen, on the menu it was labeled Bushido Red. It’s got some spice, but the creamy broth soothed my palate between long slurps on firm noodles that still had a bit of chew. Topped with shredded mushrooms, sprouts and surprisingly a very sweet corn. The soft boiled egg is the cherry on top. The bowl was so full I couldn’t finish, and I tried.

This is a unique addition to Dayton and Kettering’s food scene. The fusion of Asian flavors offers something for everyone. Bobo Tea and Thai Tea’s are both available along with a large assortment of novelty bottled beverages that are sure to be popular with younger eaters.

When you stop in, tell Victor that the team from Dayton937 sent you!

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 Bushido Ramen Shop

2607 Wilmington Pike
Dayton, Ohio, 45419

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