the ramen blog & other goodies!

Ok, while this is not specifically ramen-related, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is generously providing a pair of free personalized luggage tags. All you gotta do is upload the image you want printed on your tags, and fill out your address, which is printed on the back side. I got my luggage tags in about 2 weeks and hopefully, my ramen-themed tags will let me easily pick out my boring black luggage from the throngs of other boring black luggage out there. I don’t know how long this offer lasts, so act now!

Now you can enjoy Ajisen Ramen at home! The globe-spanning Ajisen Ramen chain now has their very own kumamoto nama ramen! I don’t usually mention price in my reviews, but it bears noting that Ajisen’s nama ramen is the most expensive nama ramen I’ve seen, at just under $7 for a pack of 2. Another interesting thing about this nama ramen is that the 2 noodle servings are not individually packaged as every other brand’s nama ramen is: you’re going to need to eat both servings relatively soon after you open the package. Read the rest of this entry →

…my wife! Now, now…settle down! Ramen comes second! Imagine my surprise when I came home from work and saw what my wife bought for me. Thanks, sweetie!

If you’re in Torrance this weekend, you can stop by Mitsuwa to try the real Chibakiya ramen. The rest of us can settle for the bowl ramen version of their chuukasoba. Seems like a poor substitute, doesn’t it? We’ll see… Read the rest of this entry →

If you have a hankering for “the best ramen in Hawaii,” according to Honolulu magazine, you have one more day to head down to Mitsuwa to try Gomaichi Ramen.

While the Gomaichi stand was offering three different types of ramen, I chose the specialty they’re known for: the Tantan ramen. Gomaichi’s tan tantan men comes with a thin layer of chili oil, giving it a bright orangish-red hue which makes it look spicier than it actually is.

The soup was very rich and nutty. The chili oil added a nice touch of spiciness but didn’t overwhelm the flavor. It’s a very oily soup, which lets it ease down your throat with a warm sensation. Unfortunately, the noodles don’t pull their own weight. The thin starchy noodles were chewy but bland, and seemed unable to absorb any of the rich soup flavor.

The pork was lean, a bit dry, and surprisingly bland. The cha shu tasted like it was cooked in a plain water bath that leeched away its natural flavor.

The Gomaichi Tantan ramen could’ve been a contender, but the parts just don’t mesh. The bland noodles and cha shu distracted from than supported the tasty soup. This ramen gets a slightly above-average 6.

Gomaichi Ramen
(inside Mitsuwa Supermarket until 10/25)
665 Paularino Ave
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 434-1101
Cash only

I’m sick so I’m literally copying-n-pasting this from Mitsuwa’s web site. Sorry for plagiarizing. And remember to wash your hands, kids! Cough…cough…thud…

First of all, an in dispensable master of our event, “Shina Soba” of “Chibakiya Ramen”.
The secret of soup “light yet rich” is a blend of chicken, pork bone, and seafood. The thin curly noodle topped with a soft-boiled egg, and other all ingredients are chef-d’oeuvre of his 20 years career. It is definitely authentic and excellent.
10/22(Thu) – 25(Sun) Torrance Store
10/29(Thu) – 11/1(Sun) New Jersey Store

Secondly, “Tan Tan Men”, “Sung Hon Men”, “Shoyu Ramen” of “Gomaichi Ramen” will make their first appearance for this event.
Gomaichi is a fine Japanese noodle shop in Honolulu founded in 1995. Gomaichi’s symphony of savory flavors will delight the locals’ and visitors’ palates. Specializing in authentic Japanese and Szechwan style noodles, Tantan Men. It has great sesame flavor. Tender char siu is simmered in soup for 12 hours. Healthy sesame seeds are imported from Japan and roasted everyday!
10/22(Thu) – 25(Sun) Costa Mesa Store

Also, an instant version of Chibakiya’s ramen will be available at the Torrance and Costa Mesa store this weekend. Have fun!