What offsets the stark, corporate vibe of Manhattan’s Midtown East is the smattering of authentic Japanese restaurants offering up sashimi at its rawest and sake at its finest. You then suddenly appreciate this suited up neighborhood dominated by office buildings and chain stores. I returned to NYC for a July visit to the office, and I immediately craved Japanese food, a cuisine you don’t come across in Bedford, PA. I bunked at the sumptuous Renwick Hotel, just hopscotch steps away from the much sought after Japanese dens and establishments. And just around the corner is a convivial ramen shop named Momosan.

Once in, you’d think you just sauntered into a hip downtown restaurant. On even a Sunday evening, the sleek wooden seats and tables were occupied by armies of youthful patrons, not a crew of middle-aged and above diners you’d come to expect with this segment of town. The collision of chatter and dishes clinking created a frenetic feeling. Communal tables will cajole you into getting cheeky with your neighbors.

The menu is minimalist but prominent. Heaping bowls of ramen can be complemented by bite-sized appetizers. Don’t shudder at the notion of crispy pig ears. This snackable delicacy simply tastes and feels like pork rinds. At Momosan, the shreds of crackly pig’s ear are perfectly salted and are accompanied by a dollop of aioli dusted with chili powder. Thankfully, the cartilage is barely discernible. The rich consistency of the Tantan ramen will lure you into an instant food coma. Reminiscent of prawn mee is the golden coconut curry broth which anchors velvety  pork belly, chewy egg noodles and miso-enriched ground pork. A slice of hard-boiled egg always adds extra eye appeal.

If not for a visit to a dismal office building or the harried hallways of Grand Central Station, swing by Midtown East to grab your fair share of authentic Japanese food.