It had been a minute since I last hit up Zao Stamina Ramen, and you guys, I totally forgot how good everything was. They’ve recently rebranded to Ramen MENRI, and after this visit I seriously can’t recommend them enough, not just if you’re in Bethesda, but as a genuine worth-the-drive kind of spot. Every component of their bowls is made in house, and you can taste that care in every sip of broth.
We got three ramens plus dessert, and while I loved it all, the MENRI Yuzu Shio ($22) completely stole the show for me, a light, citrusy, absolutely beautiful bowl I’d give a straight 10/10. If you’re a ramen person in the DMV, or you’re just looking for a cozy, from-scratch bowl in Montgomery County, this Bethesda gem needs to be on your list! Here’s everything we ordered and how to make the most of your visit.
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What Makes Ramen MENRI a Standout Ramen Spot in Bethesda
The thing that sets MENRI apart is how much they make from scratch, in house. We were lucky enough to get a little behind-the-scenes look at how the bowls come together, and it genuinely made me appreciate the food even more. Every element, the broths, the components, the details, is done with real intention, and it shows. A place putting this much work into each bowl is exactly the kind of small business I want to hype up. This is craft ramen, not just a quick noodle fix.
What to Order at Ramen MENRI
Here’s everything we got, and how I’d rank it.
MENRI Yuzu Shio ($22)
My favorite of the whole meal, and the one I’d tell you to get first. The broth was so light and beautiful, with those gorgeous yuzu citrus notes running all the way through it. WOW, so good! A straight 10/10 for me, Nomsters.
Tan Tan Men ($18)
Their take on tantanmen, the Japanese riff on Chinese dan dan noodles, so expect a nutty, sesame-forward broth. Tantanmen’s naturally a richer style than a light shio, so it’s a great pick if you want something with more body. I loved it, though the yuzu still edged it out for me.
Gekikara Tonkotsu ($21)
Tonkotsu is the creamy, pork-bone broth ramen, and the gekikara (“super spicy”) version brings the heat. Consider yourself warned, because this one was really, really spicy, lol. If you love spice, you’ll be thrilled. If you’re heat-sensitive, maybe share this one.
Housemade Ice Cream
Do NOT skip dessert here. The flavor changes often, and when we went it was this phenomenal Japanese sweet potato and lemon, rich and creamy but also refreshing, which is the perfect way to close out a ramen feast. It’s such a nice from-scratch touch, and it’s exactly the little detail that makes MENRI feel special.
What Is Yuzu Shio Ramen?
Since it was my favorite, let me put it in context. Shio simply means “salt,” and shio ramen is built on a clear, light, salt-based broth, so it’s one of the more delicate styles compared to a heavy tonkotsu or a rich miso. Yuzu is a fragrant Japanese citrus, somewhere between a lemon, lime, and grapefruit, and adding it gives the broth those bright, aromatic notes I couldn’t stop raving about. If you usually find ramen too heavy or salty, a yuzu shio is the perfect gateway, refreshing, clean, and easy to love.
The Vibe and Experience
The setup here is easy and low-key. You order at one of their kiosks, then their team brings the noms right to whatever table you pick, so there’s no hovering or waiting in a long line to order. A huge thanks to the chef and his amazing team for letting us film them in action and for generously treating us to an extra bowl, that kind of hospitality makes a good meal even better. One heads-up: they’re closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so plan around that. For parking, I like the Waverly garage, it’s around $1 an hour, which is a steal for Bethesda.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍7345 Wisconsin Ave Unit B, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Hours: Thu-Mon 12-2:45pm and 4-8:45pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Parking: I like to park in the Waverly garage, which runs about $1/hour.
- Ordering: Order at the kiosk, and the team serves you at your table.
- Made from scratch: Broths and components are made in house, so expect real craft ramen.
- Don’t miss: The rotating housemade ice cream to finish. Note they recently rebranded from Zao Stamina Ramen.
Is Ramen MENRI Worth the Visit?
OMG YES. Between the from-scratch bowls and that unreal yuzu shio, I can’t hype this place enough, and that bowl alone is a 10/10. Go hungry, order across the styles if you’re with friends, and save room for the ice cream. If you’re making a Bethesda night of it, grab some gelato at Dolcezza nearby, and for another local Japanese spot, Niwano Hana in Rockville is worth a visit too.
Have you guys been to Ramen MENRI yet, or did you know them back when they were Zao Stamina? Let me know your go-to bowl in the comments, Nomsters, and send this to your favorite ramen buddy!