Orange County, CA Archives - Ramen Directory

Garlic Shrimp Ramen @ Munchie Ken

Zac — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 16:16:34 +0000

Before we talk about the ramen at Munchie Ken, let’s first dive into the history of the mastermind behind the shop.

In the bustling heart of Chiba, Japan, 1976 greeted us with the birth of a culinary maestro, Chef Tomonori Hashimoto. Starting off in the hallowed kitchens of a hotel restaurant, Tomonori didn’t just cook; he embarked on a relentless quest. His obsession? To elevate his dishes using the pure essence of ingredients, sidestepping the easy allure of MSG and artificial flavors.

Fish, in its multifaceted tastes and textures, became his muse. And so began nights drenched in relentless practice, and the aroma of simmering fish broths filling the air.

2016 saw Kinshicho’s streets graced by Mengyo, Tomonori’s brainchild. This wasn’t just any ramen shop. Mengyo brought forth an unheard-of specialty: red snapper ramen, a dish so masterful it clinched Tokyo’s Ramen of the Year right out the gate. And the hits kept coming. From the spotlight of Japanese television competitions to the bustling lanes of Tokyo, where he oversees more than 20 ramen joints, Tomonori’s legend grew.

Yet, when he wasn’t perfecting broth or scooping accolades, Tomonori found solace in the embrace of the waves, surfing his worries away. It was on the Californian shores, amid surfboards and sunsets, that salmon, a beloved American staple, inspired another eureka moments for his ramen in Fountain Valley.

With Munchie-Ken in Fountain Valley, Tomonori didn’t just open a restaurant; he planted a flag, marking his first culinary outpost outside of Japan.

Munchie Ken Garlic Shrimp Ramen

Munchie Ken Garlic Shrimp Ramen Noodles

If you are looking for more from Munchie Ken, you may enjoy the following:

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Salmon Ramen @ Munchie Ken

Zac — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:28:00 +0000

Now, if you’re on a hunt for a bowl of ramen that redefines the term ‘unique’, Munchie Ken in Fountain Valley beckons. Their smoked salmon ramen is more than a dish—it’s an experience. Imagine a thick broth, laden with the richness of smoked salmon, caressing round, sumptuous noodles. And just when you think you’ve tasted its peak, they serve you a side paste—a zesty blend of lemongrass and spices. A few dashes in, and the broth morphs, delighting your palate anew. A bowl so delectable, it’s etched in memory.

Munchie Ken Salmon Ramen

If you are looking for more from Munchie Ken, you may enjoy the following:

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Chashu White Miso Ramen @ Ramen & Tsukemen Tao

Zac — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 05:33:33 +0000

In the heart of Buena Park, CA, you’ll find a gem named Ramen & Tsukemen Tao, a specialist in Sapporo-style miso ramen and tsukemen. Ramen lovers exploring Buena Park must make a pit stop here. The shop serves bowls featuring two distinct types of miso: red and white, with the latter being the more mild. Sapporo-style ramen, known for its thick, rich broth crowned with a thin layer of oil and accompanied by thick noodles, is a highlight of their menu.

One standout bowl is the Chashu White Miso Ramen. Captured below, this offering includes their signature white miso broth, thick noodles, a soft-boiled egg, and is lavishly topped with extra-large, thick cuts of chashu pork. If your palate craves the unique flavors of miso, this is the ramen destination for you in Buena Park. However, be mindful of their popularity – it’s recommended to arrive before they open as the shop, though cozy in size, tends to fill up quickly.

Chashu White Miso

Thick and creamy broth shot

Noodle Pull

If you are searching for something different at Ramen & Tsukemen Tao, these options may be of interest to you:

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White Ramen @ Nandomo

Zac — Sun, 07 May 2023 23:18:00 +0000

Nandomo White Ramen, served at Nandomo in the Rodeo39 Public Market and a sister shop of Hironori: Pork bone broth accompanied by pork chashu with a hint of BBQ flavor that ramen hunters will savor, green onions, bean sprouts, seaweed, soft-boiled egg, and a drop of spicy paste.

Nandomo menu

Nandomo White Ramen. Pork bone broth with pork chashu, green onions, bean sprouts, seaweed, soft-boiled egg, and a drop of spicy paste.

I believe they are using similar noodles as their sister shop Hiro Nori. They are a little soft for my preference, but to each his own. The chashu was delicious. It may remind you of a traditional bbq pork flavor.

If you are interested in ramen at Nandomo, you may find these interesting.

If you are interested in more traditional ramen that is brought to you by the same chefs as Nandomo, you should check out Hiro Nori.

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Black Ramen @ Nandomo

Zac — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 12:38:00 +0000

Nandomo Black Ramen, served at Nandomo in the Rodeo39 Public Market and a sister shop of Hironori: Pork bone broth, black garlic oil, squid ink, pork chashu, green onions, bean sprouts, seaweed, soft boiled egg, and spicy paste.

Nandomo menu

Nandomo Black Ramen. Pork bone broth, black garlic oil, squid ink, pork chashu, green onions, bean sprouts, seaweed, soft boiled egg, and spicy paste.

This bowl is a little richer when compared to the white ramen this shop serves up. That’s accomplished with the use of squid ink and black garlic oil.

If you are interested in ramen at Nandomo, you may find these interesting.

If you are interested in more traditional ramen that is brought to you by the same chefs as Nandomo, you should check out Hiro Nori.

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Basil Chicken Ramen @ Kashiwa Ramen

Zac — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 02:09:57 +0000

Kashiwa Ramen in Costa Mesa is known for their Tori Paitan (Creamy Chicken) ramen. This shop is also known for regularly producing some seasonal specials that you won’t find anywhere else. To kick off 2023, they started serving up this Basil Chicken Ramen. It starts with their signature ramen, but it’s taken to a new level with the use of fresh basil. You have to add this shop to your hit list this year.

Basil Chicken Ramen Flyer

Basil Chicken Ramen. Limited time offering. This was made with fresh basil and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Italy.

Basil Chicken Ramen noodle pull

If you are looking for other options at Kashiwa, you may be interested in the following.

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Chashu Ramen @ Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai

Zac — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:34:00 +0000

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai in Costa Mesa is an excellent choice if you’re craving chashu ramen with a clear broth. It’s paired with wavy noodles and generously topped with chashu slices and an egg. While there’s a sister location in Buena Park offering the same menu items, many local ramen hunters believe that the Costa Mesa branch consistently serves superior ramen.

The Costa Mesa location always has a line forming by the time they open and parking is limited. If you’re looking to avoid parking hassles, consider taking an Uber or taxi. It’s recommended that if you do drive, arrive early, before they open, to secure a spot at the front of the line.

kitakata ramen menu

Chashu ramen from Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai with a clear soup and wavy noodles

If you are interested in ramen options at Kitakata, you my find these of interest.

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Yuzu Shio @ Kashiwa Ramen

Zac — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 03:36:06 +0000

Yuzu Shio – Clear chicken broth with yuzu flavor. Topped with spinach, bamboo, seasoned egg, and chicken chashu.

Noodle Pull

If you are looking for other options at Kashiwa, you may be interested in the following.

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Jiro Ramen @ Hakata Ikkousha

Zac — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 03:44:12 +0000

This is a new summer special that is currently available in their Costa Mesa and Torrance locations. Get over there and try this bowl out for yourself. Tell them ramen Zac sent ya!

It’s a tonktosu shoyu soup, topped with bean sprouts, cabbage, garlic, and fat. Paired with thick noodles. You have the option to customize this bowl. I went with normal taste, double garlic, and normal vegetable toppings.

This style of ramen is known for its mile high pile of bean sprouts and had I selected double vegetables, mine would have been a mile tall.

Super thick noodles.

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If you are interested in the other ramen options Hakata Ikkousha offers, check out the following:

Tsukemen
Tonkotsu Ramen
Black Tonkotsu Ramen
God Fire Ramen
Shoyu Hybrid
Tonkotsu Shoyu Jiro (Costa Mesa and Torrance locations only)

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Duck Tsukemen @ Ramen Shack

Zac — Mon, 30 May 2022 16:55:46 +0000

Ramen shack standard menu options

This is the tsukemen (dipping noodles) version on the Duck Shoyu. The only difference is that this is minus the chicken/duck chashu in the ramen version. This was really good, probably my favorite of this weekends food intake. The broth was a little richer and thicker than the ramen version, which was expected.

Noodle Pull

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If you are interested in other bowls at Ramen Shack, check out their menu and other posts below.

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