In the Rowland Heights area, there is no shortage of spots for some delicious Japanese food. But while many people see the volume izakayas and ramen shops, it's actually quite rare to stumble upon a traditional mom & pop spot that makes classic Japanese favorites. That's why I immediately came down to Tamaya when I noticed the laid back atmosphere, small storefront, and modest food offerings. Walking up on a Wednesday evening around 6:45PM, there was a line to eat in the small dining room. But we were seated relatively quickly. Looking at the menu, there were large variety of appetizers ranging from your chashu and takoyaki to tofu steaks and gyozas. But what I was interested in was the amount of different ramen options, curry plates, and don bowls. With so many choices, you're definitely in for more than your typical Japanese spot. For this visit, I decided to try their Meat Lover's Ramen which was $19.25 at the time of this review. And looking at the bowl, I was very pleased. For one, large chunks of beef, chicken, and chashu pork were all on the surface with some vegetables and cilantro. The noodles to ingredient ratio was pretty equal at about 50% noodles to 50% ingredients. And with a soup base that filled up to the top of the bowl, there was no justification needed for the $19 price tag. If you're looking for a ramen with mass quantity, Tamaya is definitely the spot for you! Taste-wise, the flavors did clash a little as the meats all had different flavors to them. But nonetheless, they all paired well with the rest of the ingredients. While the chunks of beef had a soy sauce undertone to them, the chashu was more sweet and fatty. The chicken tasted lightly stir-fried, but was chunky and filling. The noodles of this dish were softer, but tasted great with the creamy broth. And although the greens were garnishes, they tasted freshly washed and added some fresh flavors to the bowl of ramen. There are so many ramen shops in the San Gabriel Valley that get the hype from so many reviewers. And to that, Tamaya does just as good of a job at making a great ramen (if not better)! The place feels cozy and approachable for those looking to try different kinds of Japanese food, the prices for the food were very good in the Rowland Heights area, the food tasted delicious, and the offerings are very diverse compared to many other specialized places. Because of these offerings, Tamaya easily earns a 5/5 in my book and is a place I will return to again and again. read more

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This is a restaurant I've been coming to for over 10 years. Back then, every time I ordered ramen, I would also add their small fried rice for only $3. Now that same small fried rice is $7, so these days I usually just stick with the ramen. The interior has barely changed over the years, and the restaurant has stayed in the same location the entire time. What I really appreciate is how consistent the food quality has remained after all these years. I also love ordering their iced coffee every visit. It's funny because this is a ramen restaurant, but the coffee is surprisingly good and perfectly matches my taste. One of the reasons I enjoy coming here so much is the atmosphere. You can often hear the staff speaking Japanese, which really adds to the authentic vibe and makes it feel like you're eating at a small ramen shop in Japan. Definitely a place I'll keep coming back to. read more

Tamaya always brings great nostalgia to me since my parents took me here all the time when I was a little kid. And even after all those years, it is still my favorite ramen place in the area. I always order the gyoza, and I love how crispy the skin is and how flavorful the filling is. My go-to ramen orders are either the tonkotsu ramen or the shio ramen. I love that they are extremely flavorful without being too salty, and sometimes I get a side of karaage to go with my meal and Tamaya has the best karaage. I highly recommend Tamaya! They have an extensive menu of ramen and rice dishes as well, so there is something for everyone! read more

Tamaya - Shio ramen - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

I've been an excellent customer to Tamaya and can honestly say the place is SO good. The Kottori ramen is my personal favorite. It's savory and has a lot of depth. The sweetness kicks through the corn so be sure to play with the textures offered in the toppings to ensure you're getting all possible options. The Katsu don is my favorite addition, I usually add a minibowl to my order since it's a deal. The egg is so perfectly cooked and soft. The caramelized onions really shine in this dish. I also love the perfectly cooked fried rice that sits underneath it. The housemade gyoza is absolutely to die for. The filling is extremely flavorful and packed with love. The skin is perfectly thin and holds the moist filling so perfectly. It's an absolute MUST every time I visit. The ambiance is very casual, not flashy whatsoever and is meant to be enjoyed by ALL. The music is subtle and lets you speak comfortably without feeling like youre shouting to be heard. Service is super quick and everyone has been friendly. I have yet to have a negative experience in my 10+ years of being a loyal customer. Parking is a BREEZE. 10/10! read more

Finally got to try this place after hearing so many good things about it. Cute little restaurant and love the location it's in. Easy to find parking and I love that it's by Miniso and Daiso. I got their infamous Kotteri Tonkotsu ramen. The pork melts in your mouth! It's so good!! The broth was a little rich for me, but it was still flavorful and good. I wouldn't get it with Bean Sprouts though. The Fried Rice and Chicken Teriyaki Don (Mini Bowl) were SO GOOD too. It was perfect for my kids. It's just crazy how a bowl of ramen costs more than $15 these days. I wish this place had more Japanese seltzer/highball/liquor instead of beer & soju. It would also be great if they had Happy Hour! I'd definitely come more often! read more

Home style Japanese comfort food will soothe your soul. Been coming here for years. Family owned establishment that never fails to hit the spot. Ramen is absolute perfection read more

Great Kotteri tonkatsu ramen! I've been looking for a place since leaving SGV and finally found one! It's authentic; all the servers can speak Japanese. Would 100% come back! read more

Tamaya - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

Very good Ramen place. I had the tonkatsu Ramen with corn. When we entered, we were one of two tables filled, out of about eight. Within five minutes the restaurant was full with people waiting outside. Not a large place, but somewhat of a large price for Ramen. The egg in the Ramen was nice and the flavor was good. I didn't taste much substance to the meat. The staff were friendly and quick to tend to water refills and iced tea refills. I was not disappointed. read more

Tamaya - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

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Their ramen is consistently good. I usually order the miso nikkuyasai. The chanpon is also very good. The spicy beef ramen tastes very similar to Taiwanese beef noodle soup . Or sometimes I just want the simple shio or shoyu ramen if I don't to feel weighed down. The side dishes are tasty too. I like their stir fried eggplant, seasonal greens, cold tofu and gyoza. The eggplant is stir fried with pork, bell peppers and a miso based sauce. umami addiction inducing The monthly special is a pretty good deal. It usually a combination of ramen and a side dish. The ice tea is served with simple syrup on the side in cute tiny pitcher. The shaved ice I see people get looks tempting. The hot tea is decent quality loose leaf sencha, yay! read more

Tamaya - closed temporarily for construction, re-open May 13, 2021, but I'm hungry now :(... - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

Staff is kind and the food tastes great! I love their Kotteri Tonkotsu ramen and their chicken teriyaki rice bowl

Local, smaller Japanese restaurant that's always packed. For good reason! + Karaage ($7.50): 4-5 massive chunks of freshly fried chicken thigh, moist and crispy. Served w a spicy mayo (8.5/10) + Cold tofu ($6.75): classic soft tofu topped with green onions, bonito flakes and the slightly sweet soy sauce (7.5/10) + Hiyashi ($18): massive, vibrant bowl of cold al dente ramen, cucumber, tomato, seaweed, lettuce, pickled ginger, sliced chicken thigh, and half a medium boiled egg. The sesame sauce is amazing, perfectly chilled, nutty, and sweet (9.8/10) read more

Tamaya holds a special place in my life, filled with countless memories and stories. As a piano teacher, when I was younger and pregnant with my daughter, I spent my weekends traveling to my students' homes for lessons. During lunch breaks, my favorite thing was to enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen at Tamaya all by myself. Time flies, and now my daughter is in her twenties. Like me, she has explored various ramen restaurants, but her favorite remains Tamaya. Among the many dishes we've tried, we both love the Shoyu Ramen, no meat, less salt, and sometimes with a flavored egg. The noodles are always cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of chew, and the broth is light yet full of flavor. Paired with their amazing cabbage and pork-filled gyoza, we both agree that the simplest dishes often showcase a restaurant's true craftsmanship. I've visited Japan nine times, and my favorite experience is walking to a ramen place at night, savoring the unique charm that only Japan can offer. Tamaya, with its cozy, family-like atmosphere, often transports me back to those cherished moments in Japan. It's no wonder I've introduced all my family, friends, and colleagues to what I believe is the most authentic and delicious ramen in Los Angeles. The staff--Masa, Kiyo, and Masumi--are incredibly friendly, always welcoming us with warm smiles and exceptional service that makes the experience even more special. Thank you for being there and letting your ramen bring such comfort and joy to our lives! read more

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We had a great meal at Tamaya recently. We ordered a bunch of items for the 3 of us. Portions were generous. Service was fast. Food tasted fresh and well prepared. Tables were turned over relatively quickly. Staff assisted patrons with smiles on their faces. Always a plus when this happens at Asian restaurants. Ian demolished his fried rice (Add on $7.00)and Katsu ($9.30). I polished my karage ($7.50) and soup ($16.75) with ease due to their delicious flavors. Mrs. loved her vegetable broth ($14.50). We recommend this restaurant for your Ramen fix!! read more

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Pretty good food at inexpensive prices! Came here on a Sunday at noon with family and it was a good time. read more

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Small Japanese owned and run place. Love this place! Can't go wrong with any of the dishes- so much to choose from and I love that they have a side donburi bowl to eat alongside a bowl of ramen! Their potstickers are some of my faves. Servers are always so friendly- reminds of me being in Japan! read more

Took my mom here a few weeks ago & she said it was the best ramen she's had so far this is one of the top ramen places we go to! Food is always yummy, good size portion for the price you pay; 1 bowl can feed 2 ppl in my opinion especially if youre getting other items! Gyoza is a MUST! Employees are always nice & friendly! Small restaurant but worth the wait! read more

I've been here quite a few times now for different types of ramen and food. My favorites so far have been the meat lover's ramen and the curry katsu ramen. They also have a number of rice dishes, which I've tried and thought were average. I think ramen is definitely the way to go if you come here. The prices might seem a bit high, but they do give you a lot of food, and the service is great! The restaurant is not too big, so you might have to wait if you have a larger party. read more

Tamaya - Meat lover's ramen - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

Was considering going to Little Tokyo for Japanese food with family but decided to try somewhere closer and searched for a place off the 60. Discovered Tamaya in Hacienda Heights, a restaurant open since 2003! So glad we gave it a try. The parking was easy and luckily a table had opened up right when we arrived. Every table was full while we were there. The restaurant was cozy and very clean. The music was not too loud unlike many other restaurants so we could have a nice conversation. The staff were very kind and friendly. Excellent service! Now to the food. I am Japanese so I am pretty particular when it comes to Japanese food. Our party of 4 got different types of ramen: meat lovers, kotteri miso, vegetarian, shio. I had shio...sooo good! It came piping hot as it should, the broth was delicious and the noodles had a perfect bite and spring. Everyone enjoyed their choices. We also tried gyoza that was generously filled and perfectly cooked. We ended the meal with refreshing strawberry shaved ice. Definitely coming back and highly recommend this gem! read more

There was a bit of a wait when we got there, but it was worth it. We got two types of ramen and potstickers, it was all really tasty. The inside of the restaurant was a bit small so it was a little loud but we were still able to enjoy our meal. read more

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Two adults and one child went to dinner on a Friday night at Tamaya, a Japanese Ramen restaurant inside the same plaza as 85 degrees bakery in Hacienda Heights, California. Kotteri Tonkotsu: best ramen here Kotteri Spicy beef ramen: if you like beef and slightly mild spiciness, more like hint of spicy in the soup. Mini bowl katsudon: $7 add on sweet katsu with egg and rice! This Japanese Ramen spot has been around for a long time and it's a small ramen shop. Service is quick as there is one waitress handling everything. The food tastes good and portions are generous. read more

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Haven't been back to Tamaya for years now but I stopped by this week to try their ramen again. Everything is still as good as I remember. Service is friendly, my food comes fast and the taste is so good! read more

Tamaya - Tsukemen, chicken karaage, and mini katsudon - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

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There are so many wanna-be Japanese restaurants with some of them even owned & operated by Koreans. Nothing is as authentic as this place which has been around for over 20 years even before the Ramen craze started to bloom in the area. My dad & my daughter, who both have been in Japan, can attest to how so similar in food taste & ambience of the place. And service was fast & courteous as respect is ingrained in the Japanese culture. read more

Customer service is always great. Food is amazing and so comforting. I come here pretty often, at least a couple times a month. It's a very special little spot and it's definitely worth trying. read more

I really enjoyed the food at this place and thought that it was really delicious. I got the tonkatsu and it has deep and rich flavoring. The noodles were chewy and the meat was perfect. The Karage had a nice branch but if I am being honest there was nothing special to it. However, I do believe that if you like Karage you should get it. The Tonkatsu don was good but we did also get the Teriyaki don and I do have to say that one was better. My aunt got the chanpon and if you like more seafood then meat I would recommend this one. While the food was delicious the pricing with everything somewhat fair. It is affordable and with the amount you get it's hard to complain. read more

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This small little Japanese restaurant is an absolute gem. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming every time, and try to get you seated and served as quickly as possible. The food always comes out hot and fresh and the prices are still an incredible deal for menu items. I love the hand made gyoza here! read more

Tamaya - Gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

Great spot near home when you're looking for something hot and soupy. Just an fyi, the rice used in the musubi, inari, and any other sushi like item is not sushi rice. This works for me as I don't like vinegar, but if you're not expecting regular rice, it can be a surprise. Service is always great, but it gets busy fast. read more

Tamaya - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

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Nice cozy place. Food is really delicious. And price is very affordable. Good for family and friends hangout. Authentic Japanese food. read more

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Real Japanese food from real Japanese staff made me feel like I was back home again in Japan! delicious food, great portion size!

Was surprise with long line for late lunch. This place has been here for long time. Small place so will have long waiting if they have long waitlist. Service quite fast. Food was hit and missed the last time we came here. Kids love their homemade Gyoza. The Tsukemen dipping ramen using the same broth of Tonkatsu. Al dente ramen with good chasu. The Oyako Don tasted great. Same sauce with Katsu Don. Overall, food was good. read more

Tamaya - Tsukemen Dipping Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

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The service was so attentive and friendly. We tried this restaurant on a whim. The ramen was delicious. I had the vegetarian and my aunt had the meat lovers. The homemade gyoza is worth ordering. The restaurant was clean and comfortable. We would return and recommend. read more

Great food, love the Beef Curry Rice. Can't go wrong with the Ramen. Service is always great even when it's a packed house.

Stumbled upon this cute Japanese ramen house in Hacienda Heights, and I'm glad I did! We visited around 6pm and there were only a few people. An hour later, the restaurant was full. It's a small, quiet restaurant with a cozy atmosphere located inside a shopping plaza. Parking is free. We ordered the Kotteri Tonkotsu ramen, takoyaki, and chashu roasted pork. All were tasty and very well- seasoned. Service was slow as there were only 2 servers at the time attending to all customers and to-go orders. They were nice and got our order quickly; but since they were so busy, they're unable to check on customers on water refill, etc. Price was reasonable. They can only split the bill into 2 credit cards per table. Overall, Tamaya is a good place to visit if you're craving ramen and Japanese appetizers. Will be back ;) read more

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There once was a Tamaya on Main Street in Alhambra...maybe at least 10 years or more ago. We used to frequent the location due to proximity to home, varied menu and tasty food, especially their gyoza. Sadly, the location closed and was replaced with another restaurant. We heard that there was a location in Hacienda Heights but since we are never in that area, we've never been...until recently. It's located in a very busy shopping center off Colima Road...neighbors include Ranch 99 and Daiso, as well as other local and national businesses. Finally getting inside, we noticed that the vibe kinda felt the same...along with the color scheme and decor. The menu was extensive and I kept changing my mind on what to order. They also still have their "monthly special" which is a ramen + a mini chicken teriyaki bowl. I feel their menu has expanded and seems more exciting...there's a little bit of something for everyone. I finally opted for their clam ramen since it seemed "different" and I haven't seen it anywhere except Japan (maybe I'm not looking hard enough around here). We also shared an order of gyoza, which I'm happy to say tastes the same as before...crispy and juicy! It was pretty busy during lunch and they seemed to do a lot of takeout orders. Every table was full and the staff was handling everything very efficiently. I would go back if in the area to try some other items. I'm glad it's still around! Good food, fast service, reasonable prices...what's not to like? read more

This is my go to place to eat before or after a movie at AMC. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. It is small, so if you have a big group I would call ahead. Around 630ish, it does get crowded and theres usually a waitlist. Food wise the oyako-don is my favorite. Always comes out perfect and is super delicious. The katsu curry is also amazing. Definitely recommend if you're craving Japanese food. read more

If you haven't been here you got to come try. Tucker away in a local strip mall, this place has Great service and good food. The ramen is delicious and comforting and the home made gyoza is a must try. read more

I really like their handmade chicken dumplings. I also like their Kotteri Tonkotsu ramen. The broth is very rich, I could not tell until I did take out. It comes with chasu, a boiled egg, beansprout, seaeweed and some bamboo I believe. Their fried rice is delicious too! read more

Best miso noodle in Hacienda Heights. They are a little thirty with the meat servings. Overall great taste and great service.

My wife and I had plans to see a movie in City of Industry, and we are always craving Japanese food. We saw this interesting Japanese restaurant, and we decided to come stop by. Tamaya had chanpon ramen, and when we see chanpon on a menu we always make it a point to try it. I hadn't had katsudon in quite a while, so I got the katsudon set meal, which came with miso soup and salad. The miso soup and salad were fairly standard Japanese restaurant fare. The katsudon was super amazing. The rice portion was super generous. The tonkatsu was juicy and the sauce was classic donburi sauce. The chanpon was absolutely amazing, and contained clams, fish cake, shrimp, and vegetables. The broth was super rich. My wife and I both loved the chanpon ramen, a classic Nagasaki staple noodle dish. This was an amazing restaurant, one I can see myself visiting time and time again. read more

Tamaya - Katsudon - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

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This place made me love ramen. I had never had authentic ramen and my husband took me here when I first moved to Hacienda heights almost 3 years ago. We now bring out baby here. Best ramen, always hot, good service, relatively quiet. We love the Spicy Beef! read more

Tamaya - Spicy Beef Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Hacienda Heights, California

They are small so there would be a wait if you go during prime time I think closing at 830p is quite early especially weekend (Fri-sun) Food is delicious though read more

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