1381 E Las Tunas Dr #1San Gabriel, CA 91775
(626) 287-8743
Ramen Menu
If someone were to tell me a Japanese restaurant in San Gabriel named Ducks serves good ramen, I would have laughed and said "You're Crazy!!" Wait a minute...that actually happened! I can't believe I've driven by this place thousands of times on my way home from work and never realized that (1) they had ramen and (2) it's Japanese. Apparently known more for their curry & spaghetti, Ducks also has a few ramen on the menu. Simply labeled Chashu Ramen, choices of soup base include Shoyu, Miso, Tonkotsu, Curry, and Tonkotsu Curry. But don't worry, no actual ducks were hurt in the boiling process.
Chashu Ramen (Shoyu Base): Beautiful! Definitely well presented, but we all know true beauty comes from within. So after a poignant first impression, it was time to sip its soul...absorbing, exotic, captivating, humurous, fashionable. Oh wait...I'm describing the girl that was sitting across from me...hehe. Sorry folks, now let me get back to the ramen. Wonderfully presented, this ramen was light and refreshing with a decent non-overwhelming flavor. Slightly above average, simple enough to soothe a craving would aptly describe this shoyu ramen. Topped with chashu, bok choy, and a few strips of negi, I felt like it could have used something more. The chashu was somewhat disappointing as well, but like I said...it's simple enough to soothe a craving.
Although most likely not homemade, the noodles tasted very fresh and cooperated with the soup. Evidently, my slurping got a 10 on the noise meter...haha.
Cold Ramen: Basically a hiyashi chuuka without most of the ingredients that make it a hiyashi chuuka. Did that make sense? In other words, it's the same sauce without all the vegetables and ham and stuff. It was good and I liked it, but I'd rather have some soup.
Mini Curry: The curry was delicious! Impressive, but I still wouldn't call it the best. Hmm...it makes me wonder how the Tonkotsu Curry Ramen tastes.
Ducks has been around for a long time. Something like 10 years if I'm not mistaken. Which makes it all the more shocking that I never knew it was here. This can only mean one thing...that there must be others like Ducks hiding in a neighborhood near you! If you have a recommendation, please please let me know!
Hey Keizo,
ReplyDeleteNice description of the girl! Ooops, I meant the ramen. LOL.
It's confusing for me sometimes because there are two restaurants named Duck in SG. One is in Valley Blvd called Duck House, which is a Chinese restaurant that later changed its name to Lu Din Gee. People still call it Duck House.
I heard about this place, but I didn't know about being a Japanese restaurant that served ramen. Good to know. Thanks for heads up!
Hi Pepsi! You're welcome! You should check it out someday. It might be worth blogging about.
ReplyDeleteI never knew they had ramen. I've always eaten their katsu-don. maybe next time i'll divert from my usual and try the ramen. thanks
ReplyDeleteHello Mr. Gohan! Mmm katsu-don sounds good. I doubt the ramen will make you want to change your name to Mr. Ramen, but it's still worth a try. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Keizo, I used to go here back in the day! Definitely been around over 10 years. I remember the curry was very rich as if it had a stick of butter in it, haha. But it was tasty for the college kid that I was. I can't remember if they always had ramen. Anyway, thanks for stirring up some memories!
ReplyDeleteHi Keizo,
ReplyDeleteAh, I forgot to tell you about this place the last time we met; suman!
Great review: You summed up my thoughts on the Ramen as well. Duck's Ramen is pretty straightforward, above average, but nothing more. It's definitely good if you're in the area and crave some Ramen (better than all the others in the area).
Don't bother trying their Katsu Kare (not so good). Murakami-san's Curry is infinitely better. (^_~)
@ Pepsi Monster - Yah, actually the *new* 2nd branch of Lu Ding Ji has renamed themselves as "The Duck House" and it's on their Business Card and Menus now. I think they realize for Americans, it's harder to remember "Lu Din Gee" than "The Duck House." :)
@Dennis: Glad I could stir up some memories. I hope they were good ones!
ReplyDelete@Exile Kiss: It's hard to beat Murakami-san's curry. Have you tried their tonkotsu ramen? Is it any good?
Hi Keizo,
ReplyDeleteTheir Tonkotsu Ramen is better than their Shoyu for sure. :) If I'm in the area and had to have Ramen, I'd go for their Tonkotsu Ramen first.
Happy Holidays! :)
Great website. Just found it from another link. I used to work on Las Tunas for years and passed by this non descript place and always complained that there were no good ramen places around. I wouldn't step foot in this place as I get nauseated from the smell of curry since I was a kid so I wouldn't go by there but now I'm gonna have to try it.
ReplyDeleteI've had their ramen and other dishes before, unfortunately it feels a little too bland for my taste. Also, quite expensive for what you are getting.
ReplyDelete