Chabuya - Los Angeles, CA

2002 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-1013

After a strong feeling of disappointment was literally trapped in the pit of my stomach, I decided to walk across the street to see if Chabuya had a cure. Okay, I didn't really go in the same day (I've learned my lesson since my Daikokuya-Mr. Ramen encounter), but maybe I should have. Chabuya is probably the nicest ramen-ya I've ever set foot in. I think I was more impressed with the decor than the actual food. Anyway, Chabuya's ramen is famous in Japan (not sure if it still is but who's keeping track). Friend's that live in the area claim that it has the best ramen on the westside. Is that really true? With Chabuya being the last of the big four in the area that I've visited, perhaps I can assist in making a final judgement.


The Classic: A shoyu-tonkotsu ramen that is definitely one-of-a-kind. It's look and presentation is elegant and cocky with what appears to have the endurance and stamina to last a 15-round prize fight, but unfortunately its lack of strength fails to deliver that knockout punch. The ramen wasn't bad, but the flavor was not all there. The noodles were thin, straight and firm like a quick jab to the throat with every slurp. Sadly, they reminded me of an instant ramen I once had that was even more flavorful. The toppings (chashu, menma, egg, negi, and glazed scallions) were interesting at most. The chashu tasted surprisingly more like thinly-sliced roast beef than pork. I guess in the end, I would have to say that the ramen battle on the westside is a draw. I can't decide. If I had to choose one though. I might just stick with the sleeper--Ramenya.


Gyoza: Despite a slightly pasty aftertaste, this gyoza was delicious and 100 times better than Asahi's. The thin, light-tasting skin gave way to a succulent, moist pork filling. Chabuyaaaahhhh.

Asahi Ramen - Los Angeles, CA

2027 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 479-2231
www.asahiramen.com

Back when I was in college, Asahi Ramen was the only good ramen-ya in the Westwood area. I never considered it the best ramen, or even really good for that matter, but it was decent and always fulfilled my weekly ramen craving--especially during finals. I've often wondered why I haven't been back since those days, but I guess I've just been too busy trying the rest. I even received an email the other day from a reader saying: "I can’t believe you’ve never blogged Asahi Ramen?! " Well here it is. I hope you enjoy it better than I enjoyed the ramen.

Shoyu-ramen: I wish I could say a(aaaah)sahi...but it's not even worth the oxygen it'll take to do that. I think I may have been overly looking forward to this ramen because it was a serious disappointment. The soup was very bland. According to their website, "the broth is derived from meats and 10 different types of vegetables and steeped for over 24 hours." What meats? I couldn't taste a thing! Even the noodles were overcooked. The toppings (chashu, egg, menma, moyashi, and negi) were also sub par. The chashu weren't as dry as they look in the picture, but they still couldn't rescue this review. I think the trick here is to NOT get the shoyu-ramen. I remember the mabo-ramen being good in the past and I've also heard good things about the tan tan-ramen. Next time, I'll definitely be trying one of those.


Gyoza: Do you really want to know how these tasted? They were like rubber erasers with thick skin and a hint of garlic. I was utterly disappointed. Enough said!

Kinchans - Los Angeles, CA

2119 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 445-0031

Happy day after Thanksgiving! Another perfect day for ramen!! My initial destination today was Asahi Ramen (after a reader emailed me to say she can't believe I've never blogged Asahi), but since I didn't have time to wait in a long line, Kinchans was the suitable replacement. Being on Sawtelle during the middle of the day for lunch brought back many fond memories of my college days. Oh how I wish I could go back. Anyway, Kinchans wasn't around back then so hopefully those memories won't interfere with this review. I just want to quickly mention that the service here was great. I was able to get in and out in 20 minutes fully satisfied.

Shoyu-ramen: An average ramen that was somehow better than average. That's the only way I can describe it. The simple soup was slightly strong and surprisingly satisfying. It's not as complex as some other places, but you can still taste the effort that went into it. The noodles, at first taste, felt overcooked due to its slick coating, but after a few more bites they actually tasted pretty good. They even reminded me of my favorite thick soumen noodles that mom used to make. The toppings (chashu, menma, spinach, corn, and negi) blended well with the rest of it. Although the chashu wasn't the moist kurobuta kind, it was still full of flavor. I would go back again.


Gyoza: This gyoza was also surprising. They were very juicy and full of garlic. Definitely not a disappointment. The only downside to them is that the garlic will stay with you throughout the day, but is that really a downside?

Ramenya - Los Angeles, CA

11555 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 575-9337

Hmm...what should I name my ramen-ya? That's it! Ramenya!! I wonder if that's how the owner came up with the name. It's not very creative but it works. Let's just hope the ramen works too. After a 20 minute wait in the hot, dry LA summer heat, we were finally seated and greeted with an ice-cold glass of mugicha, a welcome sensation that felt like jumping from the boiling jacuzzi to the unheated pool. I instantly became coherent and free of all heat-stroking effects. I was ready to try this ramen-ya called Ramenya!



Shoyu-ramen: Simple but serious and well worth the wait. Nothing fancy here but the flavor was enjoyable and a welcome change from the oily soups that I've been tasting. The soup had a nice crisp, refreshing feel with a boring yet sensational kick. The noodles were your basic crinkled kind but just cooked better. The toppings (chashu, moyashi, menma, and negi) almost went unnoticed, but that doesn't mean they were bad. A good ramen shouldn't be overshadowed by the toppings anyway. The chashu was actually pretty good. And this shoyu-ramen is not to be taken lightly.


Shio-ramen: The shio-ramen on the other hand was missing something. It was definitely more bland than the shoyu. It tasted like a plain, clear, salty soup. A dash of vinegar helped to make it bearable but I would still prefer the shoyu over shio every time.


Tenshin-men: Described as a shrimp omelet with gravy on ramen, this tenshin-men looked more like a Martian delicacy. If you are craving intense, amazing flavor, this is the way to go. The gravy just adds tons of it to the normal ramen. The shrimp omelet also adds a delightful twist to the otherwise boring ramen. The tenshin-men even seems to contain a different type of noodle. One that is straighter and firmer, but I could just be imagining things.


Gyoza: The gyoza was very average without much of an identity. Feel free to pass on these to save room for the chahan.


Chahan (Fried Rice): Quite possibly the best chahan I've ever tasted at any ramen-ya! Seriously! Not too dry and not at all greasy. It was also full of flavor. No need to dip this in the ramen soup. It's a generous portion so if you feel like you won't be able to eat it all, order it anyway and take what you don't eat home.