Sherman T.
Yelp
Wadaya mean, dry ramen?! After a visit to Wadaya for my first experience of their signature mazemen, a ramen sans broth, I am a fan and hooked for the next tasting!
Wadaya, tucked to the side of a neighborhood shopping center that's populated by high rated eateries, cafes, and a grocery store, is the newcomer in town. Despite just opening in September this year, the place is quietly gathering a following and bringing in patrons from near and far. Not known to need reservations, most should be able to walk in but larger parties will likely have a tougher time as most of the seating are booths intended for parties of four or fewer guests.
As a novice to mazemen, the intrigue was enough to bring us in and fortunately for us, we came early and had our picking of seats. The brightly lit restaurant matched the positive energy emitting from the staff members greeting us. As we sat, we were introduced to the new cuisine and its method of consumption (which is detailed on their menu and signs around the shop) as well as the ordering process which could be done via the QR code or the staff servicing the table.
Perusing the picture-rich physical menu, which is simply categorized as appetizers, rice bowls, mazemen, and traditional ramen with broth, you'll be able to quickly decide your next meal based on what your stomach and tastebuds are craving. Of course, being their specialty, the mazemen will be the most logical choice but the ingredients and care put into each bowl is a great indicator that anything that's brought to the table will be sure to satisfy. For those with sensitivities to spices, you can ask for the hot stuff (e.g., pepper spiced ingredients, jalapeños) to be served separately.
Mazemen, was described to us as eaten typically by first mixing all the ingredients together, eaten with or without their house vinegar which is brined with kelp and pepper, and then finally finished off with a small portion of rice to soak up all the leftover umami in the bowl. For those looking to have a different texture to their bite of noodles, they may request the kitchen to cook the noodles longer or shorter. The standard is al dente which was perfect for us.
Takoyaki - coming in two versions, you'll have the option to consume their more crispy variety, the LA style, or their more traditional form. We ordered the former and it was delicious, came out piping hot, and was proportioned well with just the right amount of protein.
Karaage chicken - about 6 pieces of lightly breaded crispy chicken pieces served with a red, tangy and flavorful numbing spicy sauce and a house spicy mayo. Tender and juicy to go with the light crunch!
Deluxe mazemen - a good portion of noodles mixed using the poached egg with all of its components like the spiced minced pork, chives, scallions, seaweed, garlic, and pork chashu made for a hearty meal consisting of moist yet tender bites.
Kyoto mazemen - kale and chicken galore! This healthy bowl is sure to be a delight for those looking to pack on some power foods. When all mixed together, each bite comes with balance and the typically tough kale was easy to consume.
They do also serve desserts here but they're not made in-house. Although the cheesecake, mochi and ice cream flavors (matcha, sesame, and yuzu) did tempt my tastebuds, we were much too stuffed to pursue anymore. Give more reason for a return visit!
The staff were extremely warm and welcoming as we stepped foot in the shop all through dinner service. Two standouts, Michael and Vincent, were attentive, courteous, and informative in their service. Kudos to the training staff as the quality of service seemed to be consistent throughout the evening with multiple parties.
Overall, Wadaya is taking the ramen market by storm with its special dry version, mazemen. As the only place I know so far that serves this in the Bay Area, everyone should give it a try! Introduction to a new dish with excellent execution in quality and proportions in addition to being paired with fantastic hospitality, it's worth paying the premium for their deluxe bowls. Wadaya want to eat next? MAZEMEN!