Why Come Here? You’re ready to escape the traditional ramen styles
While most ramen places in New York tend to stick to tried and true formulas, think of Dassara as Japanese noodles’ artistic friend. It’s not some quiet cozy place filled with wood and dim lighting to solemnly slurp noodles. Instead the dining area is divided into two rooms. The first where you enter is basically like a dive bar. They even have DJs there sometimes. The other has brick walls covered in modern Japanese art and a neon “Dassara” sign. Want to sit at the counter? Too bad, there isn’t one. You’re eating ramen in Brooklyn now.
The food is even further from traditional. The “Non-Ramen” section includes things like Falafel Buns, a Beet Salad and mussles. They even do their own ramen burger. Then there’s the ramen itself. Sure, they’ll make you a traditional Tonkotsu or Paitan. But that’s not why you’re here. It’s all about the crazy. The Deli (smoked meat and matzo balls). The Xi’an (lamb tartare and cilantro). The San Marzano (basically a ramen gazpacho). Dishes that have nothing more in common with ramen than the noodles. When you’re ready for something new on the noodle soup front, Dassara is your first stop.
I need to make another trip to try some more of the craziness happening here, but here are the fruits of my first visit:
Rice Cakes 
Some people get excited about these thick rice chips with mushrooms, but I didn’t quite see what all the fuss was about. There is a nice mushroom flavor, but overall it was a little too carby for my taste.
Tebaski Wings 
These are some of the meatiest wings I’ve ever eaten. They come in a garlicky soy black pepper sauce with what seems to be honey mustard and applesauce to dip them in. The last part is a little weird, but you want them nevertheless.
Mushroom Ramen The best vegetarian ramen I’ve had, it comes in a failry substantial mushroom and walnut broth. The noodles are thick and chewy and quite good.
Deli Ramen 
This is better described as a “souped up” matzo ball soup than ramen. Keep that in mind and you’ll be happy. It’s got the matzo, ramen noodles, scallions and smoked meat from Mile End.
Dassara Ramen
271 Smith Street (Degraw & Sackett Sts.)
Brooklyn, NY
