Overpriced, bland and a place to skip.
Yelp brought us here. Don't be like us!
Overpriced, a very minimalistic but confusing menu is posted outside, the prices are quite high. We decided to go ahead since it's one of those cold weather days that needed to be fixed with ramen.
The interior is also very minimalistic, there are only a few tables for dine in (COVID-19 restrictions in place). The place has a lot of indoor succulents that are pretty to look at while you wait for your order.
We ordered, sat and waited. Suddenly, it smelled of bleach. An overpowering smell engulfed the place. Good thing our food wasn't out yet.
Our food arrives in waves after a while of waiting, the restaurant wasn't at all crowded.
One ramen bowl is served, we ordered 2. Here comes the menu becoming tricky. We were under the impression that a Tonkotsu ramen would come with Chashu pork, it did not. What ended up was both our ramen had 2 eggs instead of pork and egg. First dissatisfaction.
Takoyaki and chicken teriyaki bowl came next, lacking one chicken teriyaki bowl.
Chicken teriyaki was something I did not expect to turn out bad. I mean, even the $5 Chinese food place has better quality and taste than that of here. It came with steamed broccoli. No picture, it didn't come out right. But, my child was hungry and would only eat rice and chicken so he ate a few bites.
Takoyaki was at least edible, there's maybe a plankton size tako in there. The white and black sauce was awkward with it. My guess is, Kewpie mayo and teriyaki sauce.
Karaage arrives with the other Tonkotsu ramen bowl.
Karaage. Deep fried chicken in light batter. I think they forgot to season the chicken and the batter, even a sprinkle of salt would have made it better.
Here comes the ramen review!
Have you tried boiling water? Putting eggs, noodles, scallions and bean sprouts in it? Maybe add a little milk so it turns white? That was it. That's what it tasted like.
For a place with a Japanese name, I don't think they've ever heard or used dashi. Nothing was flavorful that our hangry mode has escalated after a few bites.
I've read reviews saying don't compare this place to San Francisco, Portland or LA or other cities for ramen. I won't compare it to those places. I would compare it to a homecooked top ramen. At least that has flavor. This one does not.
If you want ramen, maybe drive to Medford and find a place there. Or cook at home if you really have no choice.
Quick ramen recipe: boil water, put instant ramen flavor packet, put egg in boiling water for 4 mins. Remove egg from boiling water. Add noodles and boil for 3mins. Turn heat off. Peel egg and dump in noodles. Add a little soy sauce, milk, bean sprouts, scallions if you have them. Probably costs a fraction of the ramen from this place.
* writing this review makes me mad and upset that I have be reminded of how I got blamed for choosing such a crappy restaurant that had 4 1/2 stars on Yelp. read more