Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles

With the cold weather in Minnesota, we decided to travel out west for ramen to Los Angeles. It’s been a while since we last visited the Golden State where the ramen scene is forever changing. This time our research brought us to a ramen joint in Sawtelle Japantown (formerly known as Little Osaka) in West L.A. called Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles. Their signature dish is the Tsukemen ramen or “dipping ramen” but they are also known for their Tonkotsu ramen. When we arrived at Tsujita there was already a line of people outside hoping to land a spot at the ramen bar or a table, which got us excited because we felt we were in for a treat! We threw our names on the waiting list, peeked at the menu to pre-plan which ramen bowls to order, and observed the reactions of the customers leaving the restaurant. We were soon to be enlightened by the restaurant’s motto, “The ‘Taste’ creates ‘Bond’ of people, that is Tsujita’s belief.”

We got seated at the bar. Tsujita gives you the option of choosing between soft, medium or hard noodles (hard noodles = al dente). Their noodles are not made on site and instead are prepared by Sun Noodles. We ordered the Cha Siu Tonkotsu Ramen and the Killer Tonkotsu Ramen (spicy). The Killer Tonkotsu came with three tender pork belly slices, green scallions, nori, black fungus, and red chili peppers. The spice level was just right so if you’re in the mood for spicy ramen, we highly recommend trying the Killer Tonkotsu. The Cha Siu Tonkotsu had a rich, salty pork flavor but with a bit too much green onions. We enjoyed the soft boiled egg served warm. Overall, great atmosphere with modern décor, friendly wait staff, and well crafted ramen bowls.

Ajiichi Ramen

At the city of Danang in Vietnam, we came across a Japanese Ramen Shop called Ajiichi. This Ramen joint known for making their own noodles caught our attention. Walking towards the restaurant you will notice that the decor resembles that of a Japanese ramen restaurant and had this fargrant pork broth smell that tantalizes each nostril when you breath in. We didn’t realize it when we first arrived here that the owner/chef of this restaurant was from Tokyo Japan. This delighted us as we sunk our heads into our ramen bowls to get a good whiff of that shoyu broth as it arrived to our table.

Our first impressions were positive. The shoyu bowl we ordered came with bean sprouts, green onion, fish cake, hard boil egg and pork belly. For the price of about 120,000 Vietnamese dongs that is equivalent to about five US dollars. The price of this delicious soup makes for a nice treat and affordable meal in Vietnam. If you happen to visit Danang, Vietnam check out Ajiichi for a good bowl of ramen.

 

Ippudo

Stopped here right before our flight to the Whitsunday Islands. There are several locations in Sydney. We went to the one located on the 5th level of Westfield Shopping Centre.

Pictured: Shiromaru Motoaji

Great ramen! We heard about Ippudo, not specifically this one in Sydney, but back home in the U.S. The broth was well balanced and flavorful — full on pork flavor! Pork belly slices were very tender and the noodles were perfectly cooked with great slurpability. The bowl of ramen cost $15 AUD or about $11.53 USD.

 

Monta Ramen

Pictured: Tonkotsu Ramen

Definitely one of our favorite ramen places to hit up in Las Vegas. It’s off The Strip, but it’s a short 10 minute drive only and you will not regret doing it. It is also very decently priced. Monta’s specialty is the Kurume- style tonkotsu ramen which is known for the thick and rich pork based broth served with thin, straight noodles. The broth is made from pork bones and a unique soy sauce imported from Japan. Monta Ramen is open Monday through Sunday 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Get there early because usually a long line forms outside the shop well before the doors even open!

 

Moto-i

If the scale was from 0-5, the broth would be rated at 0.  There was no flavor whatsoever; instant ramen broth has more flavor!  Noodles were done fine.  Probably the best part of the ramen was the pork belly which was roasted, flavorful, and tender.  If it wasn't for the broth, the rating for the pork belly would be higher.  Unless Moto-I has changed the recipe since 2014, do not come here for ramen!

 

Masu Sushi & Robata

Pictured: Pork Belly Ramen (extra slow roasted pork belly with poached egg)

(Updated 2/10/2018): Masu does not state the type of broth in their pork belly ramen, but the flavor resembles that of a shoyu based broth.  For $1 more you can make the broth spicy which does have some kick to it but does not alter much of the shoyu flavor (although the spice level is not always consistent).  Masu has always done their pork belly right which is slow roasted with generous slices, but more recently has seen a dip in quality.  In our opinion, the poached egg sets their ramen apart from others!  Get it during happy hour (or late night) for only $12.50 ($2 off the regular menu)!