If you're looking for a steaming-hot bowl of Ramen... maybe you need to specifically ask for it that way. Mine came out tepid at best... or rather, it was hot for the first minute.
Same with the Gyoza... it was kinda tough and rubbery, and not hot at all.
The place opens at 8 and we were among the first few people there at 8:30 (Kiku Chan is a rather small resto, and it did fill up pretty quickly). But cold food so early in the evening of service? At least service was prompt and the food came out fast.
I've had a serious craving for ramen for the past few months, and I was happy to find Kiku Chan... but when you've had seriously great Ramen in Little Tokyo or Gardena, California... well... this was Okay. I'd probably come here again when in want of soup. Note to self: ask for it very hot next time. read more