Tonchin Ramen, originally established in Tokyo in 1992 by brothers Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno, has recently opened its doors in Los Angeles in 2023, bringing its renowned flavors to the United States. With a mission to bring people together through excellent food, Tonchin Ramen has earned the reputation for using the freshest ingredients in their dishes. Excited to try their Los Angeles location, my friend Eric and I did our research and eagerly anticipated our visit.
Upon entering Tonchin Ramen, we were greeted by a spacious, modern, and upscale atmosphere. The staff displayed great energy and vibes, instantly making us feel welcome. As we got seated, we could sense that our experience was going to be remarkable even before placing our orders. Glancing at the menu, Eric and I look at one another and knew we had to try the classic Tokyo tonkatsu ramen, the signature dish of Tonchin.
Upon our bowls arrival, we were impressed by the presentation. The focus was clearly on the depth and flavor. The bowl featured thinly sliced chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and spring onions. However, what set this bowl apart from other Ramen bowls we have tried was the complexity of the broth. With each slurp, we could taste the harmonious blend of dark soy sauce-based kaeshi, pork bone, and other carefully selected ingredients, creating a delightful dance of flavors in our mouths. The broth was both clean and savory, with a subtle hint of salt.
If we were to provide constructive feedback, we would have preferred a slightly more generous portion of the perfectly balanced chashu pork slices. I believe it would have added an extra dimension to complement the overall bowl. However, the handmade noodles elevated the entire experience. Their texture and quality surpassed many other ramen shops we have tried in Los Angeles over the years.
Leaving Tonchin Ramen, we were left with a positive impression and a sincere appreciation for the staff's outstanding service. Finally having the opportunity to taste Tonchin's offerings without stepping foot in Japan was a true delight. We highly recommend Tonchin Ramen to anyone in the area who is seeking a memorable ramen experience.
Tonchin Ramen not only stays true to its philosophy of bringing people together with excellent food, but it also sets a new standard for quality ramen in Los Angeles. With their commitment to using the freshest ingredients, crafting complex and flavorful broths, and delivering exceptional service, Tonchin Ramen has undoubtedly found success in their expansion to the United States. Our visit left us longing for more and grateful for the opportunity to savor Tonchin's authentic flavors right in our own backyard.