Ramen Archives - Ramen Directory

Tonkotsu Ramen @ Hakata Ikkousha Ramen

Zac — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:44:00 +0000

Hakata Ikkousha is renowned for its signature dish, particularly the creamy Hakata-style Tonkotsu Ramen, which features house-crafted noodles. What sets their ramen apart is the meticulous preparation of the broth. Through a careful process, they simmer it for nearly 30 hours. As a result, this extended cooking process yields a unique taste and texture that has earned this chain multiple awards over the years.

One distinctive feature of ordering ramen at Hakata Ikkousha is the provided order sheet. This nifty tool allows you to customize various aspects, such as the soup and noodle hardness, to suit your personal preferences.

Moreover, if you’re planning to visit Hakata Ikkousha in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, parking can be a breeze. While you might luck out with street parking, it’s highly recommended that you head directly to the Aiso Parking Garage, located just two blocks away. Not only is it quite affordable, but you’ll also typically find plenty of available parking spaces. This convenience enhances your visit to this beloved ramen spot even further.

Plus, don’t miss out on the fantastic karaage, japanese fried chicken, which is renowned throughout Los Angeles. What makes their karaage stand out is the unique marination process. The chicken is soaked in buttermilk for an extended period, enhancing its flavor and tenderness before it’s battered and fried to perfection. To top it off, it’s served with a mouthwatering mix of pepper, salt, and paprika that’s simply irresistible.

In summary, Hakata Ikkousha offers a delightful ramen experience with numerous customizable options, easy parking, and an unforgettable karaage that sets it apart in Los Angeles’ culinary scene.

Order sheet allows you to customize each bowl

Signature Tonkotsu from Hakata Ikkousa has won mulitple ramen awards over the years.

Special noodles made just for this shop

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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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Limited Fish King @ Ramen Nagi

Zac — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 03:47:24 +0000

Ramen Nagi in Century City Mall, Los Angeles, offered a special ramen called the “Limited Fish King.” This ramen combined their classic tonkotsu broth with “katsuobushi” (dried bonito). This gives the broth a strong umami and fish taste. The bowl also has a bonito-infused magi minced ball. What’s unique about Ramen Nagi? Their customizable order sheet. On my visit, I chose heavy tare, rich oil, and kakuni. But, they served me chashu instead. I also picked thick, firm noodles and skipped the spice. The dish was delightful. I’ve become a fan of the distinctive bonito taste and often pick bonito-infused ramen.

Sadly, the “Limited Fish King” is off the menu now. But don’t worry! Their regular items like “Original King,” “Red King,” “Black King,” and “Veggie King” are all stellar, highlighting their tonkotsu expertise.

Century City Mall is an upscale outdoor shopping haven. It’s home to luxury brands like Eataly, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Rolex, Breitling, and the Apple Store. Hungry? Check out Shake Shack or Din Tai Fung. And yes, there’s a Gelson’s grocery store too. After shopping, treat yourself to Ramen Nagi’s comforting bowl. The mall also offers plenty of underground parking for a hassle-free experience.

Ramen Nagi Order Sheet

Limited Fish King from Ramen Nagi

Side view of the Limited Fish King

If you are interested in Ramen Nagi, check out these bowls available at various locations.

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Tonkotsu Soy Sauce @ Venice Ramen

Zac — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 22:47:16 +0000

Tonkotsu Soy Sauce Ramen from Venice Ramen is a gastronomic delight. Crafted in a shop that prides itself on daily house-made noodles and soups, it stands out as a testament to what ramen can be when made with dedication and authenticity. The dish boasts a delicious pork-based broth and is topped with large slices of roasted pork chashu, cooked bamboo, hard-cooked egg, and green onions. The broth is creamy and perfectly balanced, ensuring it won’t overwhelm your palate. The noodles? Perfectly folded, thin, long, and hard-cooked. But, before you dash off to Venice Ramen, a word of caution: situated in a compact strip mall, parking during peak hours can prove challenging.

And while you might be tempted to visit on a whim, it’s wise to double-check their operating hours. Like many traditional ramen establishments, Venice Ramen tends to open for lunch, shutters briefly, and then reopens for the dinner crowd.

Updated Venice Ramen menu.

Tonkotsu Soy Sauce Ramen

Side view. Make sure you make use of the pickled ginger, horseradish, and chili oil.

Side view of the ramen

If you are looking for other options available at Venice Ramen:

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Tonkotsu Ramen @ Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles

Zac — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 02:55:50 +0000

At Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles, located on Sawtelle Blvd in West LA, expect both a culinary treat and a wait due to its immense popularity. While they’re traditionally celebrated for their tsukemen, they offer a tonkotsu pork broth ramen that stands out in its own right. This creamy, light, and silky broth promises satisfaction with every slurp. The dish is topped with chashu, wood ear mushrooms, green onion, and seaweed, and paired with thin noodles.

Keep in mind, parking can be a challenge during peak times. If you plan on visiting during these hours, it’s wise to allocate some extra time for parking. To skip the wait for a table, arrive just as they swing open their doors for service.

Tsujita LA Menu

Tonkotsu Ramen

Thin noodles served with this bowl

If you are interested in the other noodle options at Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle, check out the following.

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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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Tori Paitan @ 831 Yasai Tokyo Ramen

Zac — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 05:03:41 +0000

831 Tokyo Ramen presents Tori Paitan, where chicken bones cooked at high heat yield a creamy, thick broth with a distinct, cloudy white color. It features the perfect layer of oil, finely balanced to enhance the flavor without overwhelming your lips. The broth is topped with pork chashu marinated overnight, chicken meatballs, a seasoned egg, fried lotus root, and red and green onions. The noodles, crafted from high-quality flour from an undisclosed location in the US, pair beautifully with the rich broth.

Tori Paitan from 831 Tokyo Ramen was absolutely fantastic. The satisfying broth and the perfectly textured noodles made for a delightful slurping experience. It appears that Tori Paitan will be a permanent menu item at 831 Tokyo Ramen going forward. If you’re a fan of Laki Ramen or Kashiwa, Tori Paitan deserves a spot on your must-try list. I would brave traffic for Tori Paitan any day. At 831 Tokyo Ramen, there’s also a version of Tori Paitan available with less chashu and no chicken meatballs.

If you are interested in more from Yasai, check out 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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Spicy and Electrifying Ramen @ Ramen & Tsukemen Tao

Zac — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 13:14:00 +0000

Ramen & Tsukemen Tao, a culinary gem in Buena Park, California, fuses tradition and innovation to redefine ramen. Owner Chef Toshimasa Sano honed his craft at the respected Tsujita in Tokyo, an esteemed artisan ramen brand that also has a popular outpost in Los Angeles. The late Jonathan Gold, a renowned food critic for the Los Angeles Times, crowned Tsujita as “the king of tonkotsu ramen in Los Angeles” in 2017, cementing its place in the ramen hall of fame.

At Ramen & Tsukemen Tao, Sano applies his expertise to create unique Miso-style ramen, offering two distinct options: the robust red miso and a more subtle, yet equally captivating, white miso.

A past and potentially future highlight on their menu is the electrifying Spicy Miso Ramen. This limited-time offering set tongues alight with the inclusion of sansho pepper, celebrated for its unique spice profile that imparts both heat and a tingling numbness. This dish is a testament to Ramen & Tsukemen Tao’s continued innovation, marking it as a must-visit destination for ramen lovers in Buena Park.

Up close with the peppers. You can see where the unique spicy and numbness come from.

This is only available till the end of March. If you like spice and the numbing sensation of sansho pepper, you’ll dig this.

Noodle pull. Thick noodles are served with this bowl.

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

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Niboshi Shoyu @ Tatsunoya Ramen

Zac — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 04:40:20 +0000

June 2023 brought a special treat to Pasadena’s Tatsunoya Ramen – the Niboshi Shoyu Ramen. This dish had a unique fish broth and was topped with soft, poached salmon, crunchy bamboo shoots, fish cake, green onion, and seaweed. The niboshi gave a slightly bitter edge, adding a layer of complexity to the flavors without overpowering them. For those new to the fishy taste of niboshi, it might take some getting used to, much like it did for me. However, over time, this taste has grown on me, and I find myself drawn to it. All these elements combined to create a truly special bowl during that month.

Niboshi Shoyu

Up close

Poached Salmon

If you are interested in the other ramen options at Tatsunoya, check out the following.

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