On Wednesday, June 12th, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of AFURI Ramen + Dumpling in Williamsburg. From the moment I entered, the warmth and kindness of the staff stood out, enhancing the entire guest experience—a rarity in New York.
Darwin, the manager, personally gave me a tour of the expansive 6,000 square foot space. He walked me through the intricate cooking process of their exquisite ramen and dumplings, which I eagerly anticipated tasting. The open layout, with large windows and outdoor seating, perfectly complements a summer afternoon lunch with friends. Additionally, there is a spacious area suitable for private corporate parties.
This was my first visit to AFURI, and it was evident that they take great pride in their craft. Their noodles are made in-house, and their soups are prepared without any MSG. Instead, they layer flavors using chicken, fish, vegetables, and kelp. The kitchen, visible through a glass partition, allows customers to watch as the noodles and dumplings are freshly prepared—a refreshing departure from typical fast food and chain restaurants where the kitchen remains hidden.
I sampled the drinks, noodles, and dumplings, all of which were flavorful, hearty, and fresh without being overly hot or spicy. Even the cheesecake, topped with a unique egg yolk sauce, was a delightful surprise. AFURI, named after a mountain in Japan, aims to preserve and share the authentic taste and quality of its cuisine, and they have certainly succeeded.
With a fully stocked bar offering a variety of drinks from sake to margaritas, AFURI is a must-visit destination this summer for all things noodles and dumplings. I give this place a 5 out of 5 stars. Treat yourself to a visit to AFURI Ramen + Dumpling in Williamsburg for a delicious and fresh dining experience.
