Northern Cali Conclusion: Santa rules!

Santa Ramen
1944 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA
(650) 344-5918

I started out this trip determined only to try new places that I've never been to, but with all the mediocrity in the city I just HAD to visit Santa! It's been almost a year since my last visit and my dreams of "pure kotteri heaven" have never been matched. I needed a quick reminder to ensure that it still exists. And indeed it does...

(Shout goes out to Lynae of the Clippers Spirit!)


Shoyu Ramen w/Stewed Premium Pork: To be honest, I felt a little nauseous after eating at Kahoo today. I wasn't sure if it was MSG overload or just plain heartburn, but this ramen made everything feel better. No joke! It might have been mental, but there's nothing fake about this Shoyu Ramen. Rich, bold, distinct, deep. There's not enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe it.


I also heard great things about their Kakuni, but never had a chance to try it until now. Amazing! Every intoxicating bite was tender and addictive. Seriously, the sake was permeating perfectly!


So that's it! It's time to head back to LA. I hope you enjoyed my posts as much as I enjoyed the trip. If I had to do a northern cali ramen ranking based on places that I've been, it would probably go something like this:

1. Santa Ramen
2. Ramen Halu
3. Shoki Ramen House
4. Kahoo Ramen
5. Maru Ichi
6. Ramen House Ryowa
7. Katana-Ya
8. Suzu
9. Osaka Ramen
10. Iroha

IMO: Everything outside of this top 5 is probably not worth trying unless you live close by and don't have any other choice. Oyasumi!

Ramen Club - Burlingame, CA

723 California Dr.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 347-3690

I tried joining the Ramen Club today, but they were closed. What's up with that?! Closed on Sundays AND Mondays? Oh well, there's always next time.


You want to join the Go Ramen! Club? Membership includes a free t-shirt! Okay, so there's not really a Go Ramen Club YET and t-shirts are on back-order, but email me if you want one! (Btw, not sure who the dork in the pic below is...)

Santa Ramen - San Mateo, CA

1944 S El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA
(650) 344-5918‎

Apparently, I've been a good boy this year because Santa Ramen has just delivered some of the best presents a ramen lover can ask for. About 10 minutes south of SFO, Santa Ramen (in their new location) is a must-eat-on-a-regular-basis ramen-ya that will leave you speechless. I already can't wait to return.


Shoyu Ramen: Heaven. Pure kotteri heaven! It's been awhile since I've tasted something so good--and I'm not even in Japan! The only thing missing were the tempura chips like you get at Musashi, but who really cares--I didn't. If you're looking for something assari, then you're better off ordering the tonkotsu (ya you read that right). This soup is very rich and contains the perfect amount of shoyu. The toppings (mouthwatering chashu, menma, negi, and a piece of roasted seaweed) were almost perfect and the firm, chewy noodles were amazing. But the soup definitely played the starring role.


Tonkotsu Ramen: A creamy broth that also soothes your soul. Surprisingly light tasting, some might even call it dreamy. The toppings (savory chashu, sliced kikurage, and negi) rested peacefully atop a milky sea. The noodles were the same as above and performed magnificently once again.


Miso Ramen: Mi-so good. A sweet miso flavor with a hint of spice. If you don't like miso, then you must give this one a try. It may not be straight from Hokkaido, but it does a great job of acting like it. The toppings were like above with the addition of bean sprouts. And the noodles were once again amazing.


I doubt the noodles are home-made, but even spaghetti noodles would taste good in this broth.


If you ever visit SF and only have enough time for one ramen-ya, then definitely go kick it with Santa. You won't be disappointed!