Umami Noodle Bar in Bangor, Maine

Umami Noodle Bar lets you build your own ramen bowl from a menu of classic and unexpected ingredients. It's a casual spot in Bangor where regulars come back for the customizable broths, housemade noodles, and sides like scallion pancakes. The vibe is unpretentious, and the portions are enormous. Staff can walk you through the options if you're not sure where to start.

• Build your own bowl from multiple broths and toppings.
• Enormous portions. Many leave with leftovers.
• Vegan and gluten-free ramen options available.
• Crispy scallion pancakes served warm.

The spicy miso build-your-own bowl is the move, and pairing it with the tonkotsu broth if you want something richer works too. Scallion pancakes are a must as an appetizer. Pork belly is worth adding to your bowl if it's available. Don't skip the boba tea if you see it listed, the flavors rotate and guests say they look good. Load your bowl with mushrooms if you're into them, though some find the other toppings sparse.

Casual and straightforward. Counter service, laid-back noise level. Not loud or fussy.

Ramen here lands heavy and filling. One guest noted the portions are big enough to split or take home. The scallion pancakes arrive crispy and serve as a solid starter. Pork belly, when it's on your bowl, tends to be cooked well. The noodles can clump if you're taking it to go, so eating in works better.

Diners praise the customization and enormous portions, with many eating only half their bowl. The pork belly comes cooked well, and the scallion pancakes arrive crispy. One recent visitor called the staff 'very nice and helpful' when navigating the build-your-own options. Repeat customers note the restaurant has improved over time.