Image: Shrooms for the soul.
Last Updated: May 2025
NOTE: Haikan closed at the beginning of May 2025.
Overview:
Haikan is one of three ramen places opened by the Daikaya team, the others being Daikaya itself and chicken-centric Bantam King. (Hatoba at Navy Yard sadly came and went). Unlike Daikaya, Haikan is a big inviting space that allows you to linger.
The ramen is built out from a clear base. From there depth is added with either shio (enhanced with dried scallops), classic shoyu from soy, or miso with sesame accents. Perhaps it is an illusion, but it seems a little lighter than other places. A vegetarian broth is also offered. Filling out the standard bowl is egg-based noodles, garlic, onions, bean sprouts, ground pork, chashu, nori and scallions. Add-ons include more meat, mushrooms, tofu, and corn. One thing that sets Haikan apart from other ramen joints like Toki Underground, is that it has a larger non-ramen list of things to eat, though the appetizer choices are a little more basic than when it first opened. Large donburi rice bowls are the other entrée.
The drink list is not deep, but the bar is long to make up for it. The space is open, bright and has outdoor seating. It adds a feeling of being a gathering place for the community. So, feel free to pull up a seat.
Other Guidance: Modern building with what appears to be ADA accommodations, including bathrooms and a small ramp at entrance. Vegetarian options and many GF despite being a noodle shop.
Summary:
Cuisine: Japanese
Neighborhood: Shaw
Address: 805 V ST. NW. Washington, DC 20001
Website: https://www.haikandc.com/
Reservations: Opentable
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom gave 2.5 stars at opening
Washingtonian: Preview. Review from 2016. Often on Top 100 grouped with other spots in group including, 2023; 2020; 2019. Cheap Eats in 2018.