Original Sapporo Ya - City of Industry, CA

After several months of walking through the doors of my favorite hangout to a familiar greeting, I'll have to admit, it felt weird to walk in and not see Paul behind the counter. But after a few minutes of getting to know the new owners, my sorrow quickly turned to excitement. With roughly 40 years of experience, the new owner began by opening a Sapporo Ya in LA's Little Tokyo then also one in San Francisco's Japan Town. Although the one in Little Tokyo no longer exists, the SF location is still open under different ownership. This new Sapporo Ya serves the 3 basic types of ramen: Shoyu, Shio, & Miso. Surprisingly, they are all really good--light and refreshing with just the right amount of salt. I wouldn't call them spectacular, but I was pleasantly shocked on how they exceeded my expectations. The homemade gyoza was also quite impressive.

There's also much more than just ramen! Teriyaki bowls & plates, Yakisoba, and Sushi Rolls also occupy the menu. Yes, it's located where Wonton Forest used to be. Service may be a bit slow during this grand opening period, but the owner's wife is a delightful person to chat with. And ironically, she's an old acquaintance of my mom. Anyway, go give them a try and let me know what you think!

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18230 E. Gale Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748
(626) 435-0036
originalsapporoya@gmail.com
M-Th: 11am-3pm; 5:30pm-9pm
F-Sa: 11am-9pm
Sun: 11am-3pm
(FYI: No more public restroom!)

Daikokuya (大黒家) - Hacienda Heights, CA

It's finally here! The fourth Daikokuya location is now open in Hacienda Heights and is currently in a soft-opening phase for dinner only. Apparently, everyone in the neighborhood is also aware of this because we ended up waiting for over 30 minutes to be seated (no worries though). All menu items are not available yet, but ramen and gyoza were the only two things I was concerned about trying. Understanding that this is only their second day open, I approached the ramen with low expectations and an open mind.

Daikoku Ramen: The soup was definitely not up to par with the LT location, being a tad rough on the tastebuds, but it still represented that smooth Daikokuya feel. The chashu was excellent but the hanjuku egg could have used a little more marination. The noodles were the typical curly noodles that Daikokuya is known for. Overall, it still needs some work, but I'm sure we have nothing to worry about.


Gyoza: The gyoza was also underachieving and not living up to its top 5 status, but I could live with that because they were still pretty good. Just don't let them sit too long. They're much better when they're hot.


From the 60 freeway exit Hacienda Boulevard and head North. Turn right on Gale and it'll be on your immediate left next to the Mobil Station.

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Naga Naga Ramen - Pasadena, CA

On my drive back from meeting rameniac at the new Naga Naga Ramen in Pasadena, I began to daydream. Whatever was in that soup, it made me want to write a spoof of Top Gun based solely on ramen. Of course it would be called Top Ramen, but everything would be pronounced phonetically using Japanese syllables. So, in actuality it would be called Toppu Ramen. I even detailed the perfect cast in my mind. Rameniac would play Maburiku (Maverick), edjusted would play Goosoo (Goose), I would play Aisu Man (Ice Man), Brian would play Suraidaa (Slider), Nate would play Maalin (Merlin), Pepsi Monster would play Jestaa (Jester), Dennis would play Vwipaa (Viper), BB would play Chaalee (Charlie), and Paul could play Meg Ryan's part. Haha..no offense. And Exile Kiss, don't think I forgot about ya. You could play Holleewuddo (Hollywood). I arrived home before I could lay out the main plot so maybe I'll finish it after my next visit. Or not...

"I feeru za needo...Za needo for MSG!"
(If I've offended you by your inclusion, I apologize. Have your agent contact me asap.)

Anyway, I guess I was trying to convey that I wasn't really impressed by "Long Long" Ramen. To me, it was a cross between Noodle World and Ajisen. You can be the judge of that statement. There was a definitive Thai influence throughout the menu so I may possibly come back to try the Tomyum "Revolutionary" Ramen someday cuz it looked good. The Naga Naga Ramen that I had today was supposed to be Tonkotsu, but it lacked porkiness. Yeah I know, it didn't make any sense to me either. The chashu tasted like ham or canadian bacon and the menma was a bit tough. The noodles were decent...sort of. I used to live in Pasadena and would always hope for a true ramen-ya to arrive in Old Town. Sadly, this isn't the true ramen-ya that I was expecting. Maybe I don't regret moving after all.

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49 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 585-8822
Hours: Unknown

Ramen California - Torrance, CA

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...we finally have a reason to be excited about ramen in LA!

After spending a month experiencing the many different styles of ramen in Japan, it's only natural that a new style would someday emerge and shock the ramen world. So without further ado, I am beside myself when I tell you that THAT day has come. Led by Shigetoshi Nakamura, THE Shigetoshi Nakamura (if you don't know who he is you soon will), the newest ramen style to emerge and blast onto the scene is Ramen California. Granted it's not your normal ramen-ya, but what the heck is a "normal" ramen-ya anyway. Ramen is always changing, adapting, evolving, and taking shape to whatever region it resides in. That's precisely why a bowl in Hokkaido can be drastically different from a bowl in Kyushu and still be considered ramen. Yes, this might take some getting used to, but it's here...and there's no other person that I see more fit to be at the helm than Nakamura-san himself. He is an inventor, a visionary, a culinary genius with all the skills to back it up. The ingredients are amazingly fresh and the flavor combinations are ridiculously creative. I'm telling you...we finally have a reason to be excited about ramen in LA!

Check out rameniac's excellent review for more info. He does a great job (as always) of breaking everything down into a stimulating read. Like he says, Ramen California is still in their soft-opening phase so expect a lot of changes to the menu in the coming weeks. I'll also be going back many, many times so expect some more updates to the slideshow above. Ramen California is located where Chabuya used to be, but don't expect it to succumb to the same fate. I have a good feeling that this will work and Ramen California will be a success! And I'll be ready to eat my words if it doesn't. "Bon Appetit!"

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24231 Crenshaw Blvd. Unit C
Torrance, CA 90505
tel: (310) 530-2749
fax: (310) 530-4318
Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays
Lunch: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Dinner: 5:30pm to 10:00pm

(A shoutout to rameniac and exile kiss for joining me tonight.)

Kyushu Ramen - Van Nuys, CA (Now Feat. Shuchan?)

15355 Sherman Way
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 786-6005
Village Plaza

New sign, new decor, new chef? Back in August, someone left an anonymous comment on this post stating that Shuchan (from Shuchan Ramen) would be training in Van Nuys for 1 year. Since there's only one ramen-ya in Van Nuys, I often wondered if it was Kyushu Ramen. Then, last week my "secret ramen informant" sent me an email confirming this inside information and indeed I saw the truth today [with my own eyes] when Shuchan himself came out from the kitchen to greet me. Sweet!

Kyushu Ramen has been steadily declining since my first visit in 2007 so it's no surprise that they brought in some serious talent to revive the valley ramen scene. An experience I had last year with their chanpon was a complete, utter disaster and I refused to post my revisit. But now, hearing that Shuchan is here changes the whole ball game. Could he really make a big difference and provide some much needed noodle resuscitation? Let's go find out!


Shoyu Ramen: Immediately, I noticed something different. The soup was not overbearing like it used to be and it also didn't stain the noodles with a dark brown tinge. Although it's a very light "assari" shoyu without much fanfare, the soup was far from being bland and had Shuchan written all over it. Perfect?...not quite. Impressive?...yes! The toppings (chashu, menma, spinach, egg, naruto, negi) were noticeably fresh yet simple enough to remain in the shadows.


The noodles were slightly different from what I remember, but still nothing to write home about. They're just your average factory-born ramen noodle. Sigh...


Chahan (Fried Rice): Believe it or not, this chahan impressed me tenfold. I can almost declare that it will compete with the best of them. I only say "almost" because I'm still in fried-rice-shock. The amount of oil used can make or break a good chahan recipe, like a badly splintered chopstick, and this case was no exception. The oil was perfect, which left the rice far from being mushy.


Shuchan has definitely improved Kyushu Ramen, but I'd still be curious to taste his influence on all the other dishes. Looks like I'll be going back soon...perhaps even tomorrow...care to join me?

Daikokuya - Monterey Park, CA

111 N. Atlantic Blvd. #241
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 570-1930
Atlantic Place Shopping Center

It's here! The most anticipated opening for a ramen-ya since...oh I can't remember. Anyhow, after being denied entry by a waiter to their private opening party last Wednesday (I guess little cousin Lucky doesn't fly in Japanese), that same waiter came up to me today and said "you look very familiar...have we met somewhere before?" Uuuh...hellooo Mcfly! Hahaha! Kidding aside, the dude was cool and so was the rest of the staff. The space is small yet cozy with a seat capacity of around 25 and it felt strangely more welcome than its downtown counterpart. One thing is for sure, I could get used to this Daikokuya!


A quick glance at the menu and I was like "What! No gyoza?!!" Then the waiter told me to turn the menu over. Duh...


Whew! Daikokuya's top-5-worthy gyoza are always a must order. And from the looks of this backside, there's a lot of new stuff that I'll have to come back and try (e.g. the Mexican Chicken and Fried Spicy Tuna).


Daikokuya Gyoza: A little sweeter than I remember, but still savory and delicious. Did I mention that these are always a must order?


Daikokuya Raumen: The moment of truth. Would it live up to the Downtown hype? Or would it crash like Costa Mesa? Stay tuned for the answer.


The kurobuta pork was outstanding! The melt-in-your-mouth goodness indeed rocked the heavens.


The hanjuku egg was a bit cold and lacking its true flavor. I probably could have let it sit in the hot soup a little longer, but there's no excuse for the bland marination.


The noodles were the typical factory strands that all Daikokuya's use and quite frankly I like them. I've always loved how they pair their tonkotsu soup with a curly noodle.


Now for the soup. It was definitely smooth and creamy without being overly salty. Every sip literally massaged and tickled the throat with a relaxed, lazy response. Although it's not quite up to par with Downtown, it's pretty darn close.

Thanks to everyone who kept me informed on the exact opening date. Much appreciated! And for all of you who are still interested in meeting up...let's do it! I say we order everything on the menu!...twice!

Restaurant Yama - Alhambra, CA

433 West Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 576-9828
About Restaurant Yama

Restaurant Yama has been around for a long, long time--41 years, to be exact. I'm not sure when exactly during that time they decided to serve ramen, but on a recent visit (my first) I was shocked to see "Chanpon" and "Chashu Men" on the menu. Yeah, I know this isn't a ramen-ya and if you'd ask a regular what Yama is known for, they might just say the teriyaki, tempura, and fried oysters. But...since I am who I am, I only have eyes for one thing...


Chanpon: I don't feel like saying anything bad about this restaurant so it might be best if I don't say anything at all. Well...alright, since you keep twisting my arm I'll say something, but I'll still keep it brief. The shoyu-based soup here was plain (but still good) and the sauteed vegetables thrown atop added some extra flavor to create a nice, light Chanpon. The Chinese-style chashu was a slight disappointment, but like I said...this isn't a ramen-ya.


The thin soumen-like noodles were the biggest disappointment of all. This soup could have definitely used something thicker. So if there ever is a next time, I think I would ask for the thin udon noodles instead. Yeah, that might do the trick!


Tatsuta-Age: The fried chicken was outstanding!


There's some history here on why I didn't want to say anything bad. I'd rather not get into it now, but if you're dying to know, email me. But be forewarned, it's really sad...

Atch-Kotch - Los Angeles, CA (Hollywood)

1253 Vine St. #5
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 467-5537
HOLLYWOOD!

Tragedy looms from the land of drama! No I'm not exactly referring to the ramen (although I easily could), but I'm actually talking about how Atch-Kotch was unintentionally left off my 2008 ranking. Perhaps it was the extremely unimpressive Parko Ramen I ate the last time or maybe it's just the Alzheimers kickin' in a little early. Nevertheless, I came back for more to give them another chance...


"Sapporo-Style" Shoyu Ramen: Before I begin, there are two types of Shoyu Ramen on the menu: "Standard" and "Sapporo-Style." Now...who in their right mind would want to just order "Standard." Haha...j/k. But seriously, "Sapporo-Style" sounded 100x more appetizing. And when I asked what the real difference was, the waiter only mumbled that the "Sapporo-Style" contains moyashi and onions. Convinced that there was more to it than what he loosely described, I was expecting something great to make up for my last visit.


Okay, so it wasn't great...but it was still better than before and somewhat curiously impressive. There was definitely more flavor this time around, most likely due to the onions and moyashi being sauteed before its marriage to the soup. This extra process also gave the soup more depth, which was a plus but a stronger, more polished shoyu-punch-in-the-face would have been nice. The noodles were typical but did a good job of soaking in some flavor and the chashu was surprisingly fresh and moist. All in all, I wouldn't mind eating this again.


I would like to write some more, but I'm lazy and Heroes is about to start. I guess if I did remember to put them in the ranking, Atch-Kotch would belong somewhere in the 30's. Peace!

Chin-Ma-Ya of Tokyo - Los Angeles, CA

123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St. #202
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-3400
www.chinmayaoftokyo.com

Leave it to rameniac to discover (by chance) the newest ramen-ya on the LA scene. Located in Little Tokyo's Weller Court directly beneath the infamous Orochon Ramen, Chin-Ma-Ya of Tokyo takes a risky Sichuan-style jump across the Pacific, hoping to promote good health by making you sweat.

So why does this restaurant look so familiar? Ohhh, it's that chain of ramen-ya's from Japan! I now remember walking by the Ebisu branch, thinking "hmm should I or shouldn't I?...Nah!" I then proceeded to hit up Tsukumo Ramen instead. I now regret not trying it, solely because it could have made the basis for a great comparison. Anyhow, let's see what Chin-Ma-Ya of LA has to offer.


Tan-Tan Men: The signature ramen at Chin-Ma-Ya is the Sichuan-influenced Tan-Tan Men that can be ordered in 3 different spice levels--original (highest), medium, and mild. I chose to begin with the original cuz I'm always in the mood for a good kick. Not nearly as spicy as the dreaded "Special 2" from their upstairs neighbor, this original Tan-Tan Men has just enough spice to still make the flame enjoyable. And aside from its spiciness, there's also a great nutty flavor that permeates a heavy, concentrated soup. The noodles are average at best, but most importantly they match the soup almost perfectly. The toppings (ground pork & spinach) are typical of a simple tan-tan ramen and just as important as the noodle itself.


On the backside of the menu, a brief explanation of the inherent benefits of this type of soup are explained in Japanese. Apparently, the ingredients that make up this ramen (including capsaicin) are very good for you. From increasing circulation and promoting a healthy digestive system to stimulating the brain and building a better immune system, this bowl may end up quieting all the ramen haters out there.


Karaage Ramen (Shoyu): Aside from their signature Tan-Tan Men, they also offer a few bowls that use a traditional Shoyu or Shio base and the Karaage Ramen is one of them. As basic as it sounds, this shoyu-based ramen is simply topped with spinach and a few pieces of fried chicken. The soups flavor was enjoyably strong, but it was also a tad too oily. Perhaps it was the added oil from the karaage? The noodles were the exact same as above and not any more impressive.


The one thing that stood out the most was in fact the Karaage. I was shocked to see that it had held its crunch even after being submerged in the soup. Impressive! And oh yeah, the flavor of the Karaage was excellent!...though I'll probably just order them as an appetizer next time.


Gyoza: Notably fresh, they weren't as flavorful as one would expect. But dipping them in the tan-tan soup gives them a unique identity.


Overall, I would still prefer Shisen's soup head-to-head, but let it be known that there's a new Sichuan ramen-ya in town--a ramen-ya that can definitely hold it's own weight!

Open Daily
Lunch: 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner: 5pm-10pm

Tampopo - Gardena, CA

15462 S. Western Ave. #102
Gardena, CA 90249
(310) 323-7882
Tozai Plaza

I first met Tajima-san (the original owner) shortly before he closed the Rowland Heights Tampopo earlier this year. As we talked, he acknowledged the public's familiarity with Tampopo, the movie, and confessed his desire to build a franchise of Tampopo restaurants along the West Coast. After first opening this Gardena location, he went on to open three more in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and the aforementioned Rowland Heights. Sadly, those three are now closed and this last remaining Tampopo is owned and operated by somebody else.

What I'm about to say next might irk Tajima-san (and others), but I hope he gets to read this so he understands the reality of what's going on. The Gardena Tampopo is not at all living up to the aging movie. In fact, it may be tarnishing the name instead. Soon enough, Tampopo Ramen will no longer be associated with a wonderful movie, but with a bad taste in one's mouth. I hate to say it, but that's the truth. Tajima-san, please come back and open YOUR Tampopo before it becomes too late...onegai!!


Tampopo Ramen: Supposedly a tonkotsu base, this Tampopo Ramen tasted only like pepper. Honestly, I couldn't taste much else. It wasn't creamy, it wasn't rich, and it definitely wasn't very good.


The menma was from a can (I think I have some in my cupboard) and the chashu was borderline nasty. I swear, the scab on my knee probably tastes better.


I think I've said enough. This will be my last review for 2008. The next post will be what you all have been waiting for... |^o^|

Gyu-Kaku - Pasadena, CA

70 W. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 405-4842
www.gyu-kaku.com

A friend once told me that Gyu-Kaku's ramen is really good! Specifically, they said Gyu-Kaku's ramen in Pasadena is really good! And this was the same friend that said Tokyo Table's ramen is really good. Can you see where this is going? Yup, I'm definitely gonna have to reconsider this friendship over the holidays...hehe.


Goma Negi Ramen: The menu describes it as: "Ramen served in a special SHIO broth topped with ample Green Onions & Sesame Seeds." I will describe it as: "Sapporo Ichiban noodles overcooked in a stone pot and served in a special instant-like soup with a touch of Green Onions & Sesame Seeds." I'm sorry, but I could've made this at home.


The only positive thing about this ramen was the chashu, but that still wasn't even great. There's also a raw egg dropped in that gets cooked in the soup. You know, just like when you make instant ramen at home.


Thank goodness this is a Japanese BBQ restaurant and not a ramen-ya! My favorite is the Harami Miso! So next time you're stuck in Pasadena and desperately craving ramen, just chew a stick of gum until that craving dissipates. But if you must eat the ramen here, please do so at your own risk. Otherwise just stick to the meat and beer!


Okay, you can still be my friend...

Lunch:
FRI-SUN 11:30am - 4pm
Dinner:
MON-THU 5pm - 10:30pm
FRI-SAT 5pm - 11:30pm
SUN 5pm – 10pm

Ducks Restaurant - San Gabriel, CA

1381 E Las Tunas Dr #1
San 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!

Hakata Ramen Shin-Sen-Gumi - Gardena, CA

2015 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 329-1335
www.shinsengumiusa.com

The original Hakata Ramen Shin-Sen-Gumi location in Gardena has been around for more than a decade and is still considered the best (imho) compared to its Fountain Valley and Rosemead siblings. (I just can't believe I haven't posted this location yet!) So where should I start? All Shin-Sen-Gumi restaurants have a lot of character and it probably would be unjust if I tried to explain their mission in my own words, so here's a little video in "their" own words.

Hakata Ramen: As stated in the video, you can modify this ramen to your liking by specifying the texture of the noodle, the amount of oil used, and the amount of flavor added. It's like having your own personal ramen chef! Unfortunately, you can't take them home. Anyway, like I said before, the Gardena location is my favorite out of the three. There's definitely a harmonious feeling of originality that transfers over to the soup. I've never been to Hakata (or just too young to remember), but this is probably as close as one can get in Los Angeles. Its creaminess rivals that other place and on some days may even be better. The toppings (chashu, shoga, negi) are great too. Kaedama Onegaishimasu!


Gyoza: Top 5 for sure!! I got mine with the A-set. Highly recommended!


Feel like ramen on New Year's Eve? This location will be open until 5AM New Year's Day for all post party celebrations. So get yo drunk-a** down there!

That makes me wonder...does ramen qualify for toshi koshi soba?