The 7 Must-Try Dishes On The Union Ramen Bar Menu: A Deep Dive Into New Orleans’ Best Ramen Fusion

Union Ramen Bar in New Orleans is not just a place to grab a bowl of noodles; it is a culinary experience that perfectly marries traditional Japanese ramen techniques with the vibrant, bold flavors of Louisiana. As of late 2025, the menu continues to evolve, offering fresh takes on classic dishes and introducing exciting regional fusion items that keep locals and tourists alike lining up. This deep dive into the current Union Ramen Bar menu reveals the essential dishes, the best small plates, and the insider secrets to enjoying this Magazine Street hotspot.

The restaurant’s success lies in its commitment to high-quality, house-made broths and noodles, combined with a creative spirit that embraces local ingredients like crawfish and Cajun spices. Whether you are a dedicated ramen purist seeking a rich Tonkotsu or a curious foodie looking for a unique New Orleans twist, the Union Ramen Bar menu for 2025 offers something spectacular for every palate.

The Core Ramen Bowls: From Classic Broth to NOLA Fusion Mazemen

The heart of the Union Ramen Bar experience is, of course, the ramen. The menu features a curated selection of bowls, categorized into traditional broth-based ramen and the increasingly popular "Mazemen," a broth-less style. This selection ensures topical authority by covering both Japanese staples and unique house specialties.

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1. The Original Tori Ramen: The House Signature

The Original Tori Ramen stands as the restaurant’s flagship dish and a must-try for first-time visitors. It features a rich, savory poultry-based broth—a lighter but equally complex alternative to pork-based Tonkotsu. The bowl is traditionally topped with house-roasted pork belly, crunchy bamboo shoots, fresh scallions, a seasoned egg, and a sprinkle of fried garlic. Its popularity is evident, often listed as the number one most liked item on delivery platforms.

2. The Limited-Edition Tonkotsu Ramen

For those who crave the classic, creamy depth of a pork-based broth, the Tonkotsu Ramen is available, though often in limited quantities each day. This bowl is packed with flavor, featuring pork belly, scallions, black garlic oil, and a seasoned egg, providing a traditional Japanese comfort food experience.

3. Slap Ya Mama Kimchi Mazemen: The Ultimate Fusion Bowl

The Mazemen bowls are where Union Ramen Bar truly embraces its New Orleans location. The Slap Ya Mama Kimchi Mazemen is a fantastic example, combining the fermented spice of kimchi with a nod to Louisiana's own "Slap Ya Mama" seasoning. This broth-less style relies on a rich sauce, thick noodles, and a mix of savory toppings to deliver an intense, umami-rich experience.

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4. The Vegan King Koopa Mazemen

Union Ramen Bar is highly praised for its clearly marked and flavorful vegan options, making it a destination for plant-based diners. The King Koopa Mazemen is a standout, an entirely vegan dish featuring savory bulgogi king oyster mushrooms, crispy fried tofu, baby bok choy, and roasted vegetables, all tossed in a black bean sauce and an almond pepper dressing. This dish alone showcases the menu's diversity and commitment to quality ingredients.

Small Plates and Appetizers: The New Orleans Twist

Beyond the ramen, the small plates menu is essential to understanding the restaurant's unique culinary identity. These dishes blend Japanese street food concepts with unmistakable Gulf Coast ingredients, creating truly unique appetizers.

5. Crawfish + Shrimp Lumpia: The Signature Small Plate

Arguably the most famous appetizer, the Crawfish + Shrimp Lumpia is the perfect representation of the Union Ramen fusion concept. These crispy Filipino-style spring rolls are filled with a creamy mixture of local crawfish and shrimp, offering a savory, decadent bite that instantly transports you to the Bayou while respecting Asian culinary traditions.

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6. Sweet Pepper Wings and Beggar's Purse Dumplings

The menu also features other popular small plates perfect for sharing. The Sweet Pepper Wings are a highly-rated favorite, often mentioned as a top pick during Happy Hour. The Beggar’s Purse Dumplings offer a delicate, savory bite, while the Shishito Peppers, sautéed in thyme brown butter, provide a simple yet elegant vegetable option.

The Union Ramen Bar Happy Hour and Insider Tips

To experience the menu without breaking the bank, the Happy Hour is an absolute must. This special offering provides an excellent opportunity to sample the small plates and drinks at a great value, making it a top pick among New Orleans dining deals.

Insider Tip: The Weekday Happy Hour

The Union Ramen Bar Happy Hour runs every weekday, Monday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This is a dine-in only special, and it features a rotating selection of $6 food and drink specials. It is the perfect time to try the famous Sweet Pepper Wings or the Confit Oyster Mushroom Kale Salad, which is often available on the Happy Hour menu.

The Topical Authority Entities of Union Ramen Bar

The menu's depth is built on a foundation of high-quality, specific ingredients and culinary concepts. Here is a list of relevant entities that solidify Union Ramen Bar’s place as a culinary authority:

• Broth Bases: Tori (Poultry), Tonkotsu (Pork), Miso (Vegetarian/Mushroom).
• Noodle Styles: Ramen Noodles, Mazemen (Broth-less).
• Proteins: House-Roasted Pork Belly, Crawfish, Shrimp, Fried Tofu, King Oyster Mushrooms.
• Aromatics & Oils: Black Garlic Oil, Fried Garlic, Scallions, Shishito Peppers, Thyme Brown Butter.
• Local/Fusion Elements: Crawfish + Shrimp Lumpia, Slap Ya Mama Kimchi, New Orleans, Magazine Street.
• Vegan Options: King Koopa Mazemen, Confit Oyster Mushroom Kale Salad.
• Toppings: Seasoned Egg, Bamboo Shoots (Menma), Baby Bok Choy.
• Dishes: Beggar's Purse Dumplings, Sweet Pepper Wings, Dirty Mazemen.

By focusing on these specific entities, Union Ramen Bar demonstrates a mastery of both traditional Japanese cuisine and the innovative, local food scene of New Orleans. The menu is a dynamic blend of comfort and adventure, ensuring a memorable meal every time.