Japanese Ramen Royalty Expanding to San Diego | Eater San Diego

"I'm excited that a highly-renowned ramen chain is coming to San Diego. Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai, founded in 1958 in Kitakata city in Fukushima prefecture, operates over 60 branches in Japan and has U.S. outposts in Orange County, the Chicago area, and New York City. They specialize in a shoyu (soy sauce) pork-based soup that's relatively light and clear, but also serve an Aburi miso ramen, green chili shio ramen, and a mixed green vegetable ramen. Their distinctive flat, wide, hand-crumpled noodles give a chewy texture, and they're known for toro chashu (marbled pork belly). The menu also includes tsukemen (dipping ramen), gyoza, chicken karaage, rice bowls, and small appetizers. A company rep told Eater they hope to open the San Diego shop by early next year, and a source indicates it will be in the Kearny Mesa area." - Candice Woo