Where to Try Cold Ramen and Dipping Ramen This Summer

The word "ramen" tends to scream "rainy day meal," but summer weather doesn't stop some of D.C.'s chefs from serving up the soup. Many still like it hot, but for those who can't stomach steamy bowls of broth during the summertime, cold takes on the dish are worth a try. Here's where to find them:

Daikaya: Penn Quarter ramen shop Daikaya has been serving cold ramen for two years now. Two dishes will be available this year in the upstairs izakaya for $14. Hiyashi Ramen, commonly found in Japan, features chilled noodles, citrus soy vinaigrette, cucumber and other vegetables tossed with sesame, pork and additional toppings. There's also a spicier version, Hiyashi Spicy Sesame Ramen, which is Daikaya's own spin on a cold ramen dish and influenced by its spicy miso hot ramen.

Toki Underground: Erik Bruner-Yang seasonal cold tsukemen (dipping noodle) is available in both vegetarian and pork fat varieties. They also serve a cold dan dan noodle dish.

Ren's Ramen: Ren's also offers tsukemen as a special, alongside a bowl of hot broth for dipping. It's sort of a hybrid of cold and hot ramen that way.

Maneki Neko: Falls Church Japanese and sushi restaurant Maneki Neko often offers cold ramen as a special in such varieties as duck.