I first ended up at Bubba on one of those cold New Hampshire days when ramen feels less like a want and more like a requirement. It stuck. Now it is one of those downtown Concord places I circle back to whenever I am craving something brothy and comforting that still has some personality. Most visits revolve around noodle soups, and I have worked my way through a good chunk of the menu. The spicy miso ramen has a deep heat that builds instead of hitting you all at once, and the shoyu ramen is clean and savory in a way that makes you keep sipping the broth even when you are full. The Bubba pho and veggie pho are both solid, generous bowls, and the Korean noodle soup that started as a special clearly earned its permanent spot. Even the Japanese curry soup, which I expected to be heavier, if I had to nitpick I wish it had more curry flavor. My favorite order though is the spicy tantan, with a tweak. Sub the ground chicken for the soy glazed chicken. It adds texture and a little sweetness that really works with the spice. Service is friendly without hovering, and the pacing is usually spot on even when they are busy. The space itself is small, but I rarely struggle to get a table, and the bar seating is a nice option if you are solo. Portions are filling, prices feel fair, and I always leave thinking about what I will order next time.
Buba Kitchen
Excerpts
I first ended up at Bubba on one of those cold New Hampshire days when ramen feels less like a want and more like a requirement. It stuck. Now it is one of those downtown Concord places I circle back to whenever I am craving something brothy and comforting that still has some personality. Most visits revolve around noodle soups, and I have worked my way through a good chunk of the menu. The spicy miso ramen has a deep heat that builds instead of hitting you all at once, and the shoyu ramen is clean and savory in a way that makes you keep sipping the broth even when you are full. The Bubba pho and veggie pho are both solid, generous bowls, and the Korean noodle soup that started as a special clearly earned its permanent spot. Even the Japanese curry soup, which I expected to be heavier, if I had to nitpick I wish it had more curry flavor. My favorite order though is the spicy tantan, with a tweak. Sub the ground chicken for the soy glazed chicken. It adds texture and a little sweetness that really works with the spice. Service is friendly without hovering, and the pacing is usually spot on even when they are busy. The space itself is small, but I rarely struggle to get a table, and the bar seating is a nice option if you are solo. Portions are filling, prices feel fair, and I always leave thinking about what I will order next time.
Everything was amazing. Discovered it by chance while in Concord last month, and I’ve now been 4 times. The Pho and Ramen are legit, but don’t forget to the Rangoon egg roll and some soju.
Everything was amazing. Discovered it by chance while in Concord last month, and I’ve now been 4 times. The Pho and Ramen are legit, but don’t forget to the Rangoon egg roll and some soju.
This is my new favorite place in Concord! I went for dinner last week and ended up going back a week later just to try some more of the menu. We ordered Bao buns for the group to try, some starters, and meals. The drinks were incredible- pictured is the Pho-jito. I picked it because it was at the top of the menu but the presentation with the smoking cinnamon stick was awesome. Food was just as delicious, and our server rocked (thanks Hayden!).