Karazishi Botan: Funky Brooklyn Vibes with Serious Ramen

I don’t spend a lot of time in Brooklyn, but I’m digging the vibe whenever I do. Karazishi Botan fits right in. It's hip, a little unorthodox, and fun. Think ACDC playing in the background, menus printed on oversized LPs, and a bustling energy that matches the neighborhood.

They’ve got a pretty extensive menu beyond ramen, but I was there for one reason only: ramen.

Karazishi Botan’s bowls lean creative, but they’re grounded in authentic technique. I tried two ramen during my visit: their signature Iron Man IV and the Showa Classic Shoyu.

Iron Man IV – The Trinity of Pork, Chicken, and Oxtail

This is Karazishi Botan’s flagship bowl, built on what they call the “Trinity”: pork, chicken, and oxtail simmered into a silky broth. Iberian pork is even used for a touch of fanciness. The result is mellow and rounded, with layers of comforting flavor that cling to your lips.

The noodles are on the softer side and not overly thick, which matches the soothing nature of the soup.

The toppings are served separately, adding a bit of ceremony to the experience: a nicely poached egg, three slices of broiled chashu pork, and optional extras like menma (I couldn’t resist).

At $23, it’s on the higher side, but the Iron Man IV is a satisfying bowl.

Showa Classic Shoyu – Bold and Nostalgic

The Showa Classic Shoyu takes you back to 1950s Tokyo, both in name and flavor. Its soup is built from pork, chicken, and dried fish (sardines and bonito), but the shoyu (soy sauce) seasoning grabs the most attention. Jet-black and unapologetically salty, it reminded me of Toyama Black ramen.

Unlike the Iron Man IV, the toppings are already in the bowl: negi (spring onions), menma (bamboo shoots), and chashu pork slices - all classic Tokyo ramen components.

The soy sauce edge can mask some of the underlying chicken, pork, and fish flavors, but they still peek through. I enjoyed the firmer noodles in this bowl compared to the Iron Man IV, though I preferred the Trinity’s more balanced and comforting broth overall.

Karazishi Botan in Brooklyn - Final Thoughts

Karazishi Botan is as Brooklyn as it gets: funky, stylish, and unafraid to do things a little differently (oxtail in ramen, anyone?). But behind the hip veneer is real technique and respect for tradition.

Whether you go for the unorthodox Iron Man IV or the nostalgic Showa Classic Shoyu, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for what Brooklyn’s ramen scene has to offer.