This is a new Ramen spot that opened up just a few weeks ago on Monticello Avenue, nestled tightly between Sushi King and a 7-11, and one that also happens to serve Bubble (Boba) Tea and other drinks.
I first noticed the Yamachan sign on their front door last November, along with their "Opening Soon" sign. The Yamachan name sounded familiar to me, causing me to suspect a chain operation. I ran a Google search and found their corporate website with the same company logo I saw on their door.
http://yamachanramen.com/
They are based in San Jose, California, and are affiliated with Nippon Trends Food Service, Inc. They sell commercial Ramen products to Asian markets and restaurants all across the United States.
I also found their corporate Facebook page and asked them when their new Norfolk restaurant was expected to open. Their reply was as follows:
"Unfortunately, it is not our restaurant, but they will be using Yamachan products. Please stop by and enjoy Yamachan Ramen."
I also found the Boba-Bola Tea website, where they list the same products as those shown on their Norfolk menu. A toll free phone number is listed for franchising opportunities, but with no information as to where they are located:
http://boba-bola.com/
This restaurant appears to be marriage of sorts between these two corporate entities.
The decor is attractive and colorful, highlighted by the sparkles of a flashing red palm tree. I counted a total of 6 tables and 24 seats in the dining area, as well as a couple of soft easy chairs in the back near the restrooms for a cozy feel.
As the menu will show (See photo), they utilize a "Build Your Own" Ramen concept. You first choose your Soup Base, which can be ordered either Mild or Spicy, and then your Protein. Standard toppings are listed for all of their Ramen dishes with the option to eliminate any of them.
So far I have tried the following with all of their standard toppings included:
SPICY CHICKEN SHOYU WITH CHICKEN CHASU: The broth was bland and not as spicy as desired. Some of the toppings were sloppily presented, including the seaweed, which was floating on top of the broth. Some of the chicken was a bit tough.
On the positive side, the noodles were pleasantly spongy and springy with a full bodied texture. My Rating: 2.5 Stars.
SPICY TONKOTSU SHOYU WITH PORK CHASU: The broth for this one had more depth and flavor, although the pork bone broth was not as creamy as I like. One of the pork slices contained a bit too much fat. The seaweed topping was nowhere to be found.
This time I spiced it up a little from a shaker of Nanami Togarashi, a powdered chili pepper, until my hot tooth smiled. Once again, the noodles were pleasantly spongy and springy with a nice texture. My Rating: 3.5 Stars.
I also tried one of their Boba Teas from their list of Specialty Drinks. You can choose your own sweetness level at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%.
TARO LOVER: Sweet Taro with Premium Cream and Pearl Boba.
I love the taste of taro, so this one was my choice, along with the 100% sweetness level, fully iced. It was pleasant and refreshing. The tapioca pearls were large and exhibited a nice soft yet chewy texture. I only wish the taro mix was a bit stronger. My Rating: 4 Stars.
In addition to their Boba Teas, they also offer Smoothies, Slushies, and Milk Shakes. You can also create your own drink with either a Black Tea or a Green Tea Base.
Service has been friendly so far, with a little inexperience shown by my counter person during my first visit. She asked me to pay my tip right after ordering at the counter, even before receiving my food. She wasn't there during my second visit, and they are still hiring and training their staff members.
At this time, the Ramen I have tasted here so far comes in fourth place out of the five Ramen spots I have tried in Norfolk. The two Ramen spots in Ghent, as well as the one off Military Highway (See my last review), come out way ahead. The Ramen I tried in Waterside last year comes in dead last.
Overall, I find their Ramen to be passable so far with much room for improvement, which I believe will be made over time with more experience. I'll be back soon to see and hopefully taste the results. read more