Cataleya S.
Yelp
As a Japanese-American who has lived in Japan and frequent Japan to visit family, I can FINALLY say I found a ramen-ya san (ramen restaurant) in LA area that I actually love and TASTES JUST LIKE JAPAN.
THE RAMEN:
From upon the ramen being put in front of me, I immediately smell the broth and KNEW, this is it!! Tasting it confirmed what I smelt.
Noodles, are actual legit ramen noodles. Not cheap cup noodle noodles that some ramen restaurants try to pass for (yet some customers still think it's good-clearly not actual ramen folk who know better).
The meat/tonkatsu, was DELICIOUS and pan cooked before added to the bowl just the way I like.
QUALITY. TASTE. TEXTURES. BROTH. NOODLES. even the added egg, chopped veggies, EVERYTHING WAS AUTHENTIC AND DELICIOUS.
They are Japanese staffed and so was able to order my food in Japanese which was nice as well.
THE RESTAURANT:
Is small and quaint. If going during lunch hour or during cold winter season, expect a wait BUT IT'S WORTH IT.
THE STAFF:
Work very hard, friendly, and know what they're doing. Again, give them some grace when it's busy--know ahead of time. I promise you the ramen is worth it still. Lots of folks order ahead for pick up too so this is an alternative if you choose.
I am coming back!