Jarrod A.
Yelp
After returning back from my 2024 trip to the Disneyland Resort, the one food item that I vividly remember from my previous trip the year before in July 2023, one that I wish I had returned to enjoy this year, was at the Tangaora Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill. So here I am, one year later because it's still embodied in my memory, this one dish, a review is written.
Located at the Disneyland Hotel, this casual dining spot does not offer table service, wish it did. And, it's extremely busy, especially with the adjacent walk-up bar next to the grill's entrance. Tables are hard to find as well if like me, you arrive for a dinner experience. Service by cast members are minimal and other than the live music by musicians we met during their break who were originally from Hawai'i, the dining ambiance isn't anything to rave about.
But here is the true winner, a dish that stood out from all the others we ordered. Even though multiple vloggers I follow raved about the Hawaiian Platter with Kalbi Beef Shortribs and especially the Tempura Battered Green Beans with Togarashi Aoili, I feel this dish I'm about to mention deserves more attention. A dish so worthy, so delicious, it bumps this dining establishment's rating to four stars.
Their Tonkotsu Ramen, with this rich pork broth, was extremely delicious, with great complexity and layers of flavors. So legit, you'd feel, like myself, you were dining at an actual ramen shop or in an Asian restaurant. But what a surprise to be enjoying this bowl of ramen, featuring ramen noodles with great texture and just a hint of sweetness, at a themed dining spot at the Disneyland Resort. Move aside Lucky Fortune Cookery at California Adventure because the ramen you serve there does't compare one bit to this one. Nope. Juicy pork belly slices, scallions, slices of shiitake mushrooms, a soft boiled egg and nori (seaweed) slices top off this rich broth that if traditionally prepared, is boiled with pork bones for hours. A true cooking method for Tonkotsu. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney's culinary team prepared it this way because this broth made this bowl of ramen, a star.
If you're looking for a great bowl of ramen, since there's not one ramen shop anywhere inside and nearby the Disneyland Resort in walking distance; and if going through the security checkpoint and walking pretty far from the park entrances isn't an issue, then make your way to the famed Disneyland Hotel. You'll find decent food offerings in this Polynesian themed, open-air eatery, lit up with tiki torches and live music at night. This bowl of ramen is better than some places in my hometown and my homestate, Hawai'i, which is saying a lot. A delicious dish, found in a surprising location. I guess that's what you would call, Disney magic.