Bakudan's Starters section has ten items, and most tables end up ordering two or three to share while the ramen is being made. Here's what's actually on it.
Spicy Tuna Poke Nachos — $9.50
The most shareable, least ramen-adjacent thing on the menu — poke over crispy wonton chips instead of a bowl.
Wings: Tebasaki and Honey Sriracha — $9.50 each
Tebasaki Wings are sweet and peppery, four pieces. Honey Sriracha Wings are spicy, sweet, and savory, also four pieces. If your table can't agree on one, splitting both is a normal move.
Edamame and Bakudan Edamame — $5.50 / $6.50
Regular Edamame is lightly salted. Bakudan Edamame is the spicy garlic version, a dollar more. Both are the lowest-commitment starter on the menu if you're still deciding what else to order.
Takoyaki — $9.50
Six octopus balls. This is the one item on the starters list that's the least like anything else here, so it's worth trying if you haven't had it, but it's a more specific flavor than the others — better as a shared bite than a solo order if you're not sure you'll like it.
Shrimp Tempura — $9.50
Six pieces, separate from the Shrimp Tempura ramen bowl on the main menu. A straightforward, easy order if you want something familiar.
Gyoza — $8.99
Six pieces. The most universally ordered starter on the menu, and the safest bet if your table wants one thing everyone will eat.
Chicken Karaage — $9.50
Fried chicken tossed in Japanese spices, six pieces. If you want fried chicken with more seasoning than the wings, this is the one.
Katsu Bun — $6.00
Fried pork cutlet, mayo, cabbage, and Bakudan's original sauce. The cheapest starter on the list and a good single-order option if you're eating solo and just want a bite before your bowl arrives.