Kumako Ramen

Ramen restaurant · Japantown

Kumako Ramen

Ramen restaurant · Japantown

1

211 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

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Kumako Ramen by Kumako Ramen
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Kumako Ramen by null
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Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
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Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
Kumako Ramen by null
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Highlights

Rich broths like tonkotsu & duck ramen; katsu curry  

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211 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112 Get directions

kumakojapantown.com

$10–20 · Menu

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211 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112 Get directions

+1 408 286 2111
kumakojapantown.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Aug 14, 2025

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11 Essential Ramen Shops in San Jose and the South Bay | Eater SF

"In San Jose’s Japantown, the quaint but inviting Kumako Ramen offers all the expected staples including shio, shoyu, and tonkotsu, which has pork broth that’s noticeably lighter than usual. But for something with a bit more kick, try the Mabo Ramen, which comes with ground pork, tofu, and a sour, spicy broth, or the Chili Ramen with cilantro, corn, scallions, and spicy ground pork in Southwestern-style broth. The options at Kumako clearly run the gamut, as the shop even offers low-sodium ramen and chilled ramen in the summertime. The handmade gyoza is also a hit." - Paolo Bicchieri

https://sf.eater.com/maps/best-ramen-san-jose-south-bay
View Postcard for Kumako Ramen

R Klinger

Google
Went here for lunch during the week in Japantown. Nice joint for good Katsu Curry and Rice which what I had. Several people were ordering the Ramen so I will have to try that the next time I come. 18 seats total including the counter. Service was very friendly! Menu has lots of options for those who have a variety of tastes from appetizers to mains and drinks. Prices were reasonable compared with the current food inflation.

Daniel Parvin

Google
Every aspect about this restaurant was amazing. They were open during the 2 hour block where most restaraunts were closed so I went in with my cousin visiting San Jose. The employee/owner was very helpful and showed me all the vegetarian options they had. I ended up going with the item listed as “stir fry” which was delicious. It was like the best of both worlds of noodles as it still was a noodle with soup, but also had stir fried parts to it like the cabbage and noodles which was delicious as somebody who loves cabbage. I definitely would recommend coming here, especially if it is your first time trying non instant ramen like me, but even if you have high ramen standards I’m sure Kumako won’t disappoint! Also for the Bay Area and how much food I got and how long I stayed in the restaurant, the price was very good too.

Marce Coral

Google
Kumako Ramen never disappoints. I’ve been coming here for years and will continue for many more. The Bay Area is known for its excellent Japanese food, but the ramen at this shop stands out. Rich, flavorful, and consistently delicious. The recipe never changes, so you can always count on that familiar, satisfying taste. The curry is another standout, packed with deep, comforting flavors that make it the perfect dish. The service is always warm and welcoming, adding to the overall experience. While the line can be long, it’s well worth the wait. Rain or shine, I’ll always be in line for my turn.

Henry Thai

Google
I just had lunch at Kumam Ramen and it was an extremely disappointing experience. First of all, the space is tiny, hot, and uncomfortable — there’s barely any cold air circulating, making it feel stuffy and miserable to sit in. As for the food, it was shockingly bad. I ordered the clam seafood noodle, expecting something fresh and flavorful. Instead, I received a bowl with just a few small clams, no shrimp, no vegetables, and what tasted like cheap instant noodles. There were no real toppings either — the whole dish felt lazy and thrown together with zero care or quality. This is absolutely not worth the money, and I honestly regret coming here. I wish I could give this place zero stars. With so many great ramen spots in the area, I strongly recommend avoiding Kumako Ramen. Don’t waste your time or your money. I will never come back.

Man Do

Google
We come as a recommendation from a friend in early evening to avoid the crowds. The service lady, who is also the owner of the shop, is very attentive to the customers. The food was great. The Takoyaki is meaty and crispy. The gyoza is crispy on one side and soft on the other, and juicy inside. Deep fried oysters are crispy and good size oyster not too big and not too much batter. The ramens are excellent. The noodles are perfect compared to many popular franchises. Black garlic soup base is so savory, sweet and smooth at the same time. The eggs are juicy if you like soft boiled. The pork tonkatsu is crispy but the meat is tender and juicy.

Alvaro Hoyos

Google
The food was good and came out relatively quick. The ramen and curry were solid and the gyoza was not the standard issue one you get at most Japanese restaurants, which sold with adults but not kids. Staff was friendly and helpful. The place is a bit on the smaller side, but we were lucky to get a table right away. Not necessarily their fault but the TV was pretty distracting and it stood out moreso than usual due to the size of the space.

Andrea Favela

Google
My sister and I are not from the area we came for a concert. We were unsure where to eat but we are so glad we ended up here. The food was really good and the service was amazing. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. We hope to be back soon.

Porschephilia

Google
Friendly quick service, solid ramen, reasonable prices. The calamari was quite good as well.

Kars L.

Yelp
The food was great and the lady serving us was amazing and very considerate, especially when she found out it was my birthday! The atmosphere is also very nice. I would definitely stop by again next time I'm in San Jose :)
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Eva L.

Yelp
Broth was thinner but full of umami flavor. I realized after having Kumako's that ramen broth doesn't have to be the creamy porky type kind to be really good. Their's was lighter, less oily and I wanted to drink it after I ate all the ramen and toppings. It was a little sweet, with soy and garlic flavor. The noodles were perfectly cooked. And it somehow has some flavor that is complementary to the broth. Even the marinated egg went well with the broth. It was on the sweeter side. I was glad it wasn't the briney kind. Salty eggs on ramen makes the ramen too salty IMHO so I'm glad Kumako's Tonkotsu had a well balanced of flavors. The yolk was not as jelly as others but I didn't mind. Only downside it's extra $1.70 for the egg. The Gyudon was the best Gyudon I've had. Came with steamed rice. The shreds of beef was flavorful. Was very thinly sliced with sweet, soy and onion flavor. Reasonably priced for about $11.
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Chi N.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I had lunch here. I was hesitant because of the 3-star average but we wanted to give this place a shot. We ordered the popular gyoza dish as well as Tonkatsu and Shio ramen bowls. The filling for the gyoza was good but the skin was mushy. The ramen bowls had way too much noodles and very little broth. I would suggest adding more broth.
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Stacy C.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try Kumako for a while now because I'm a big gyoza fan and I read theirs is award-winning. I ordered the gyoza and miso ramen soup with added corn and Charsu pork through DoorDash. I usually don't like ramen unless it's from the place inside Mitsuwa Marketplace, but Kumako's ramen was quite good. Loved the miso flavor of the broth and the sweetness of the corn. The tofu was good in an ordinary kind of way, but the pork was flavorless. I was disappointed there was no egg because the picture on the DoorDash menu included one. I'm sorry to say the gyoza was terrible. I don't understand how it could be award-winning unless it has changed since they won the award. The wrapper kept falling apart as I tried to pick it up and the meat inside didn't taste good to me. The dipping sauce wasn't any better. I would definitely order the miso ramen again, but next time add an egg instead of pork.
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Ana-marie L.

Yelp
Food is really good here. I got the Tonkatsu plate. Big portions as well. Service was fast. The place does get packed. But I recommend this place. Ambiance is nice and casual
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Tsu-Li L.

Yelp
Came here Sunday afternoon around lunchtime. There was a slight wait of around 15 minutes. You have to go inside the store to add your name to a waitlist, but there isn't much space inside so you have to wait outside. We ordered the mabo ramen, tonkotsu ramen and chicken karaage. The tonkotsu ramen was comparative to other ramen places around town, but the noodles were more firm. The mabo ramen tastes like a mabo tofu dish but made more soupy with noodles. It was not too spicy but had a good meaty flavor and worked well as a noodle dish. The chicken karaage had a little too much breading for my liking, but was very crunchy and came with pickles too. There's only street parking in Japantown, but usually it's pretty easy to find parking unless there's an event going on.
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Trizzie P.

Yelp
This review is dedicated to Jeremy, the owner, manager, and superwoman of Kumako Ramen. Long story short, we had stopped visiting Kumako Ramen for the past three months because we thought they had sold the restaurant. Each time we called, Jeremy was not there, and one of their long-time workers was no longer present. It seemed to us that Kumako had undergone a change in ownership or management. During those months of absence, we tried over a dozen different ramen restaurants around the Bay Area, but none came close to the quality and service that Kumako Ramen offered. Over many years, we have tried ramen all over the Bay Area and even in other states, including Hawaii, but we value Kumako as the best. During the last several months, we were disappointed with those we tried during our hiatus. With the Lunar New Year, we decided to give Kumako another chance, regardless of whether there had been a change in ownership or not. To our amazement, Jeremy greeted us at the door. It felt like seeing a family member we hadn't seen in ages. She welcomed us with sincere hospitality, remembered our orders. When we tasted the ramen, complete with their house-special hot sauce and homemade kimchi, it sparked all our taste buds and touched our souls. It felt just like the comfort, contentment, and deliciousness of eating at a family holiday party. Our family of six came in hungry and left with contentment in our stomachs and hearts. In our opinion, Kumako Ramen is the best ramen spot in all of the Bay Area, surpassing the overhyped ramen restaurant in Valley Fair Mall and other ramen places in the Japanese market in Moorpark, leaving most other ramen restaurants in the region far behind. Cheers! Must try new item on menu : Kakiage that comes 3 pieces of deep fried vegetables pancake drizzle with okonomi and may. You won't be disappointed
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Matt N.

Yelp
Cute little Ramon restaurant in Japan Town in San Jose. The Roman was delicious and good size for the right price. A lot of sodium and you can taste it but it was good. The fried pork was crispy and tender. The eggs were flavorable (not like any other supermarket eggs). Meat was tender. The restaurant was very small with around 6 tables and bar stools. Place was clean for a mom and pop asuan restaurant. Reasonable prices.
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Genee L.

Yelp
My husband & I found this amazing Ramen restaurant on a spontaneous trip to San Jose from Sacramento and I am so glad that we did! All the food was off the hook! The ramen, the takoyaki and the shrimp dumplings was delicious. You cannot go wrong here! My husband & I do a lot of traveling & tasting foods with ramen & takoyaki being our faves, so trust me when I say they are the best! You can really feel the sense of pride of the restaurant owner Mike and his lovely wife with the food they serve, their hospitality and overall ambiance of this place. It is a real gem of San Jose. We are so coming back.
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John P.

Yelp
A nice quaint place to grab food. It's fairly small and a tight space but it creates a very nice atmosphere. I got the katsu curry rice and it comes at a very filling portion especially considering it's rice. The katsudon is fried well, it has a nice crisp and the pork is still nice a juicy. The curry broth also comes with a generous amount of pork and carrots and is extremely tasty. The meal paired well with the Sapporo that I got.
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Priscilla C.

Yelp
Kumako, I have a soft spot for you. Your staff is always so kind, and you can tell it's a real family business! A true staple of Japantown. I dropped in for a quick lunch during a weekday and was seated immediately. I think I got the shoyu ramen. It was perfectly salty, umami, and didn't fill me up to the point of feeling sick! Inside is very cozy with not a whole lot of tables or wiggle room. If I still lived nearby, I'd be back again and again.
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Melissa G.

Yelp
BEST ramen in San Jose :) love coming here! The lady (and seemingly the only wait staff I've ever seen) is absolutely wonderful.
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Melissa K.

Yelp
We came into Japantown to actually eat someplace else... the original restaurant was closed, so we walked around and decided on Kumako. I'm glad we did, our meal had a surprisingly home cooked meal vibe that was actually why I wanted to originally eat at Minato's. We had... gyoza, that could have been made by my mom! Tonkotsu ramen, very flavorful. 3 orders of their ramen egg, side of fried rice, chicken karage appetizer, and my son ordered their beef rice plate, which tasted like sukiyaki meat (and what I had planned to order at Minato's!) Pros- the home cooked meal vibe was a really nice surprise! The servers were also very friendly... made everyone feel at home. The farewell greeting was, "thank you for coming, see you next time!" I thought they said that to all their regulars, but they actually say it to everyone! Cons- fried rice was on the oily side. And more on me, but I splattered ramen soup on my shirt! So if you're a messy eater, don't wear anything you don't want to get dirty with splotches of soup!
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So B.

Yelp
Every time me and my dad go in there the always are really nice to us and the egg is so goooooood and i always get a lot of fish cake and the miso ramen the noodles are so smooth and they make it feel so nice and homey and the service is do good in there yall are just in poor taste this is a 5 star restaurant Believe It!
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Warren A.

Yelp
Kumako Ramen is one of those rare gems that feels like home the moment you step inside. Tucked into a cozy space in the heart of Japantown , the small shop ambiance is part of its charm--welcoming, intimate, and buzzing with the energy of people who truly love what they do. The open kitchen lets you witness the excitement firsthand, as the team works with skill and passion to prepare each bowl with care. The heart of Kumako is the husband-and-wife duo who run it, and their warmth makes every visit special. From the moment you walk in, they greet you like an old friend, making sure you feel like more than just another customer. The menu is just as inviting. Whether you're in the mood for a rich, deeply flavorful pork tonkotsu broth, a bold and satisfying curry ramen with a crispy cutlet, or a fiery bowl of spicy ground pork ramen, there's something for everyone. But my personal favorite--one I always come back for--is their truly unique stir-fry ramen. A savory tonkotsu broth serves as the base, but the real magic is in the generous helping of stir-fried vegetables piled on top. It's comforting, hearty, and packed with so much flavor that I often joke with the owners that it's my weekly serving of vegetables. Every bowl at Kumako is crafted with care, and every visit reminds me why I love this place. If you're looking for ramen made with heart, from people who genuinely love sharing their craft, this is the place to go.
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Joey D.

Yelp
Amazing place with great food and even better service. One of my new favorite spots to visit! Love bringing people here because they always leave happy!
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Mayra D.

Yelp
I used to love coming to this place because of their chili ramen, but for some reason it lacked flavor this last time I went. It is difficult to find parking and the parking is paid, unless it's Sunday. The place is small and they cannot fit a group bigger than 4 unless is a slow day. The waiter who served us seemed nice at first, but when we asked for a fork and something else, she looked irritated. I love ramen places that have kids ramen in their menu so this is a plus.
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Ashish K.

Yelp
We went on a Friday evening and it was crowded. Their service was great and our server was friendly. The food was decent, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit again. I got the Katsu curry, their most famous ramen, it was okay. Broth was very less, I think our server realized it and got us tonkatsu broth on the side. Some of the fried pork was hard to eat so I left it. My wife got Tonkatsu ramen and it was average, it could use some flavor. The veggie ramen was interesting, it had a black pepper kick in the end. It was good if you like spicy ramen. Overall, decent place, try it once atleast!
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Susan B.

Yelp
Dark, clean little place with a counter and a few tables. Easy to grab a table on a random weekday. The waitperson was super warm and friendly, and she stopped by often to see how I liked this and that. I was torn between two dishes, so she recommended a dish that combined the two, the katsu curry ramen. It was fabulous.
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Sandy Q.

Yelp
I met up with 2 friends for lunch here. We ordered calamari as the appetizer and tonkatsu ramen (added boiled egg) for each of us. Everything was good and the ramen portion was huge (2 meals for me). Unfortunately, our ramen did take a while to arrive. The restaurant was only 1/4 full at that time so we don't know why our ramen took so long. Parking may be difficult to find since it's only street parking here.
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Jo C.

Yelp
This ramen spot is small with very limited seating. Prepare to wait if you are with a group. It was just two of us and we waited for 10 minutes. There's two people preparing the food and one server/host/busser. She was doing a great job moving things along by herself. The charsu ramen was flavorful and simple. I would come back to try their other meals.
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Sarah T.

Yelp
No frills cozy restaurant, a good choice for a solid bowl of ramen if you happen to be in San Jose Japan town. I tried the tonkotsu ramen and the broth was good (not too salty). Also, I recommend the kaki appetizer (4 pieces of breaded, deep fried oysters). Service was friendly and prices reasonable (on par with other ramen restaurants).
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Kevin V.

Yelp
Solid ramen with very fast service in a cozy environment. Our dishes were ready in 10mins or less which was excellent for our late night ramen run after a road trip. The ramen isn't the best ramen we've ever had but also better than something we could whip up in our kitchen.
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Antonia C.

Yelp
Food was so delicious & their service was great ! The chef even gave us extra side dishes! The food are great & the prices are just right for an order of ramen 2 people can share , main dishes can be good for two. Appetizers like karage, calamare takoyaki & goyoza will do for 6 people. My whole family enjoyed it!!!
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Kesavamani J.

Yelp
We tried vegetable & tofu ramen- its broth tastes good but we felt something is lacking Stir fry Napa cabbage ramen- not good. They have very limited vegetarian options. Place is very compact with very minimal seating capacity. Service is good.
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Daniel W.

Yelp
When i went in, the stall was already filled to the brim I bought the shoyo ramen and my brother bought yellow curry rice The soup was nice as well the meat and the noodles however it might be a bit underwhelming for more refined tastes but for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts it can give you a taste of the Japanese culture As for the atmosphere its quite busy for a stall and a bit less spacey than the other venues But if you like tight spaces and you can ignore all the traffic to enjoy your meal I greatly recommend On the other hand the Japanese soda i ordered is a bit stronger than the cola cola brands so i warn you to be careful not to drink too much and take sips before drinking If you're made of stronger stuff then i applaud you for drinking it wholesale
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Olivia B.

Yelp
My first stop to eat here in San Jose, and I was really happy with the food and service! Got the miso ramen and it was delish. The only strange thing was that each item on the check was $2 more expensive than menu prices, so keep in mind!
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Annabelle R.

Yelp
Got the duck ramen, low sodium ramen, and gyoza, and everything was flavorful and filling. The duck ramen had a generous amount of ingredients and a nice balance of seasoning, so satisfying on a winter evening. The low sodium dish was made up of their pork based house broth and was perfect for our dietary preferences. The gyoza was super tasty, a softer consistency than expected, but still quite delicious. The place was packed less than an hour before closing time on a Thursday, so service wasn't the fastest, but all of the staff seemed to be working hard, and they were very friendly during our entire visit. Cute and cozy space with simple but modern decor and furnishings, seating is a bit tight, but still a very inviting atmosphere. There wasn't a lot of street parking available during the evening hours on a weekday, but we were able to find a spot just a couple blocks away.
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Ashley O.

Yelp
You know food is good when you forget to take pictures of it . This has been hands down my favorite ramen outside of japan for going on 10 years. Located in San Jose's Japan town this small noodle house will blow you away with their rich broth. The most popular (and my favorite) being the duck ramen. Come early because it will sell out! Try out their takoyaki and their award winning gyoza. Open Wednesday-Sunday this will beat all your other ramen spots.
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Jocelyn P.

Yelp
Came here again yesterday with my best friend since middle school! Yes, even on a hot day I would still eat a bowl of ramen or soup of any kind! But the moment we arrived in the restaurant it was packed, so obviously I am not the only one who would eat ramen on a hot day! A delicious small business in Japan town with friendly waiters and cooks! They are attentive, fast and will make sure everything is tasting well! For appetizers we ordered a gyoza and for the main course I ordered a mango juice and tonkotsu ramen, i keep forgetting what my friend ordered but he did get a ramen that had curry in it. The mango juice was refreshing and tasted delicious. Along with the gyoza I'm a fan of it. Tasted delicious, fresh, hot, and soft with some crunch! The ramen was just as delicious as the first time I tasted it. The broth was delicious, the pork slices was cooked very well, the egg was boiled perfectly with some runny yolk.
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Kevin L.

Yelp
The gyoza was marketed as the best in Silicon Valley....and hot damn, I think they got it right. Wasn't anything like frozen gyoza, and it was super tasty. We also got the Tonkatsu and curry ramen and they both were very delicious. Didn't expect to wait for a table at 2:30pm on a Friday (very limited seating) so bring your patience! Staff is very friendly, and we will be back!

Cassandra N.

Yelp
100% recommend this well known Japanese spot! Super cute spot for any occasion, The owners are so kind and always welcoming. If you like spicy, ask for their chilis! They are super spicy and addicting, so add some for the perfect kick. My boyfriend loves the rice plates, he said he would want to eat it every day. So if you are in Japan town, it's a must try!
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Jahmal P.

Yelp
Really outstanding ramen. Was craving duck ramen but it was sold out and I don't eat pork so I wasn't trying the original miso. So I ordered the clam ramen and as an app Shumai. B ordered traditional ramen. I have to tell you the dumplings aka shumai were delicious instead of pork theirs are shrimp. First time having clam ramen but I enjoyed the flavors and the base spicy and salty but not overly.
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Kirsten R.

Yelp
my boyfriend and i regularly go to this restaurant and the staff is always friendly and accommodating! their ramen is super yummy but our favorite is their katsu curry! we always come back to eat here and we'll probably be back soon :)
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Jessamine J.

Yelp
4/5 for the food, service, and location. Visited this place for lunch and it was a delight! I was on a quick time crunch and they accommodated and provided great service. Food: I ordered the Miso Ramen. It was the perfect portion for me. I was starving and I thoroughly enjoyed the broth, the chasu, and noodles. The chasu was cooked perfectly, and there was a perfect noodles to soup ratio. Service: Great - my food came out almost immediately and I got my check in a timely manner. The servers checked on me frequently, no complaints. Location: The restaurant can sit about 20-30 people, so there may be a wait when it's peak hours. I came in around 2:45pm and had no wait. The restaurant was about 70% full when I arrived, and the environment was nice. You sit kind of close to others, but everyone was super considerate around me. Overall, I would definitely come back! Great place and the staff are all so friendly.
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Laguna J.

Yelp
One of the best ramen shops in San Jose. Flavor never fails and quality and quantity are always great. Highly recommend Kumako Ramen!

Hector F.

Yelp
Absolutely authentic Ramen place. I had the curry ramen andi t was delicious. We had 2 appetite the Gyoza and the Takoyaki both had a very special flavor to it. Do request extra boiled eggs in your ramen,you won't regret it. Evie our hostess was fun, and very attentive. Highly recommended
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David T.

Yelp
Always love coming to Kumako for a nice bowl of ramen. Been going for about 3-4 years now and they have yet to disappoint. The staff is always super kind and makes sure we're good, their shop is always full of life and warm, and the food is absolutely fantastic. Their Charsu Ramen always delivers and their Karaage is super delicious. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a solid bowl of ramen in SJ
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Alejandra A.

Yelp
We got the best Ramen in Japan town. And Emma gives always an excellent service. We can enjoy vegetarian options.

Tran N.

Yelp
A ramen revelation--Kumako Ramen Den delivers authentic, soulful bowls that hit every note
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My B.

Yelp
Lovely service ever! The staffs are very friendly, esp the woman who was a waitress, she asked and took care of us all the time. I quite love their foods, the BJ ramen is quite good but i think the claim isn't worth it. Btw, i will comeback and try more.

kuki s.

Yelp
Service is warm and welcoming as ever; the ambiance is cozy and filling. A favorite spot in Japantown! Takoyaki - Fluffy & flavorful! Cooks have gotten the technique down, and added just the right amount of sauce. Tonkotsu Ramen - As always, Kumako's ramens do not disappoint. Their broth is well flavored! Tonkatsu Don - The tonkatsu was well seasoned and crispy. Perfect additions, loved the side of mayo. Gyudon Combo - If you aren't feeling ramen, get their gyudon. The gyudon is so perfectly sweet and savory.

Jaya H.

Yelp
Emi is the BEST server ever! The food is DELICIOUS! The duck is seasoned and the broth! Omg!!! My man and I also love the atmosphere and vibe of the shop because it's quiet and a cute restaurant. The best Ramen in downtown San Jose!!!
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Ale R.

Yelp
Nicely located in Japan town. Staff is welcoming as you walk in. It's a small place. Not so ideal for a big group. We had Curry Don and Kids Miso soup. Both were great!
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Josh B.

Yelp
Awesome food and extremely friendly service far beyond what I could ever ask for. Extremely reasonable prices, especially in this current time. Initially discovered these lovely folks through delivery. The level of care they put into packaging parts of dishes in separate containers ensured everything arrived in pristine condition even after it traveled in someone's car beyond their control. That alone is worth some love. After a few orders delivered, I decided to bring my parent in. Holy heck it was amazing, cozy, very authentic feeling atmosphere on the main section on Japantown. They are some of the most friendly welcoming people I've ever encountered, service felt like I was a guest in someone's home in the best way possible. Quickly it has become my comfort food go to. I've gone through a lot of the menu and have yet to find something that didn't impress, but if I had to pick a few favorites: 1. Gyudon combo for when you just want some simply delicious thin sliced beef and onion in a semi-sweet sauce over rice, heart warming goodness. 2. Mabo tofu (in rice plate or ramen format) initially ordered for someone who had gotten some dental work and needed something soft, quickly fell in love with it regardless. A spicy/sour stew of ground pork and tofu over rice or noodles, pure filling comfort. great to warm you up on a chilly day. 3. Their Karaage chicken.... Will not disappoint. The most high grade chicken thigh "nuggets" in a light batter you will find. Served up with little pieces of pickled radish and a dip of Japanese mayo with some sweet soy element and a touch of togarashi pepper. Even as a delivery order these were lightly crispy and hot beyond what I would even THINK to ask for or expect. 4. The veggie ramen. While full vegetarian options may be slightly limited, the complexity and flavor of the broth and freshness of every vegetable element was impressive to the point that I had to steal from a friend's bowl a few extra times. 5. The duck ramen: generous portions of perfectly roasted duck. Combined with noodles and broth to form the kind of dish that 6. The fried rice: not much to explain, just look at the large chunks of pork, no random off cuts or leftover bits. Just perfect egg fried rice and delicious Char-siu pork. Would eat this every day if I could. P.S They make their own fresh chili paste that you've GOT to ask for.... extreme heat but retains the fresh flavor of peppers practically just off the vine. Be careful with it on its own, but it provides an excellent level of flavor and heat when mixed in to one's personal taste. They should package and sell this stuff There are far more items I could write a short essay on but il quickly sum the place up as: In-resturant or delivery, great food, with above and beyond service that leaves me happy to return and support as often as I can.
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Michael C.

Yelp
I come from a family of culinary chefs, so, I am very analytical of the quality, proportion, taste, service & pricing of any gourmet meal similar to Gordon Ramsay. My mother absolutely loves this authentic San Jose Japantown Ramen restaurant as it is very near her home, very high quality, tasty & affordable as she sometimes goes to Jinya at Oakridge that is opposite side of town. I have never waited more than 10mins for seating even when super packed during rush hours. I recently moved from Las Vegas, NV & always went to this Ramen House there w/ similar studio where it was always busy as well, but, seating sometimes anywhere from 20mins to an hour. My mother was ill w/ covid & as she goes there often, they were kind enough to gift her a free ramen that I brought back home to her. Overall, a marvelous experience always. Itadakimasu!
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Sonia M.

Yelp
The store is tiny and full of people, we sit at the entrance and was hit by everyone coming in. Ramen was the must try, although not jaw dropping good, they were decent and so was the price. Servers were nice and there were a lot of people waiting outside. The fried oysters appetizer was a pleasant surprise.
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Mariela L.

Yelp
This review has been long overdue! I've been coming here for a while now and the service is always great! Emi is so sweet. She's so nice to our toddler every time we come in. She always remembers us and that gives this place such a family feel! It's definitely a smaller spot and it always gets busy closer to dinner time so I recommend you come a little early. My fave is the tonkotsu ramen extra spicy The broth tastes so good & fresh. It never feels heavy and always leaves us satisfied. My husband loves the rice plate with chicken too. It comes with a little side salad & has good flavor! Def recommend KUMAKO!
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Jeff S.

Yelp
Tonkatsu ramen is delicious and the egg is perfectly soft boiled. Broth is rich and delicious. It's Japanese style too.. Get in and get out. There isn't alot of seating space so you eat and leave to make way for the next group waiting for a table! Just like in Japan