The most Chicago thing ever just happened, and we’re equal parts excited and terrified.
Strings Ramen just launched Deep Dish Ramen, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Or close enough. The new dish debuted this past weekend at all four of Strings’ Chicago-area locations, and it’s already doing that thing to your brain where you see it once and can’t stop thinking about it.
Let’s be clear about where we stand. We trust Strings. We’re big fans of Strings. We’d go as far as to say Strings serves some of the best ramen in Chicagoland. But this? This is something we’re going to have to try ourselves before we fully understand it.
Here’s what we know.
Technically, Deep Dish Ramen is more of a yakisoba than a soup. It starts with Strings’ homemade, secret-recipe ramen noodles, pan-fried and tossed with wood ear mushrooms, cabbage and bean sprouts. Fine. Normal. Then things take a turn.
The noodles get topped with classic pepperoni and a layer of gooey mozzarella, then baked until golden. The whole thing is finished with a mound of scallions and a drizzle of crispy chili hot honey, because apparently we’re doing everything at once now.
It’ll run you $18.95, which feels fair for a dish that’s basically two of Chicago’s biggest food personalities fighting it out in one bowl. (Is it a bowl? A pan? We’ll report back.)
If you’ve ever argued about deep dish with someone from out of town, you know this city takes its pizza personally. Which makes a ramen shop putting pepperoni and mozzarella on noodles either a bold tribute or a declaration of war. Possibly both.
Then again, Strings is now in its 12th year and built its following on handmade noodles. If anyone’s earned the right to mess around, it’s them. Keep in mind that Deep Dish Ramen at Strings is only around for a limited time, so if you’re curious, plan your lunch break.
Where to find Deep Dish Ramen in Chicago
Deep Dish Ramen is available now at every Strings Ramen location:
- Chinatown: 2141 S. Archer Ave.
- Hyde Park: 1453 E. 53rd St.
- Lincoln Park: 1353 W. Fullerton Ave.
- Aurora: 4340 E. New York St.
Is it genius? Is it a crime? We genuinely don’t know yet. This is just us telling you it exists. What you do with that information is between you and your cardiologist.
