Japan Ramen Chain Menya Hanabi Opens First U.S. Location in LA | Eater LA

"Opening July 28 in an Arcadia strip mall, this Nagoya-born shop (founded in 2008 by Naoto Niiyama, the original pioneer of mazesoba) is making its U.S. debut with its signature mazesoba — a Taiwanese-influenced, broth-less ramen topped with spicy minced pork, fresh garlic, a raw egg yolk, seaweed, and dried fish powder that diners mix together before eating. Niiyama says the “dry ramen explodes with flavor,” and the dish is billed as having a more intense, umami-forward profile than typical ramen. With more than two dozen international locations, the brand emphasizes producing a consistent product without sacrificing quality; the Arcadia outpost will stick close to the original menu while offering more side items and a modern, industrial interior touched with Japanese influences. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m." - Cathy Chaplin