Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi - Gardena, California

Address: 2015 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247

Items Ordered:

• Hakata Ramen with chasu, spicy miso, bean sprouts
• Takana fried rice
• Cold tofu with bonito flakes

Ramen is delicious. I don't know if it's the loads of MSG or pork fat in the broth, but I'm always up for ramen even when it's 80+ degrees outside. My current roommate had recommended Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi (HRS) to me before we visited Daikokuya b/c she said it was her ultimate ramen destination. I arrived around 5:30p on a Sunday and luckily there was no line. I chose my medium-oil miso broth with firm noodles and added spicy miso for a kick. When the bowl arrived, I immediately took a sip of the broth and while it was rich, it wasn't as fatty and full of flavor as Daikokuya's miso broth. The chasu was tender and flavorful though, and the noodles were just the right firmness, however, I still prefer egg noodles over white noodles. Overall, the ramen was excellent, but Daikokuya is still the reigning ramen champion. If you visit HRS definitely get the fried rice b/c my sister and I managed to finish off a bowl of ramen each, tofu, and the fried rice b/c it was so tasty.

--y

Orochon Ramen - Los Angeles, California

Address: 123 S Onizuka Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90012

Items Ordered:

• Orochon Ramen (Spicy Levels of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in Salt & Miso soup flavorings
• Gyoza

Lured here by the publicity of appearing on Man vs. Food, each of us set out to test our spice thresholds. They really aren't kidding when they say this bowl of noodles was spicy! I got the Salt #3 (Impact) and even though I was so hungry, I had difficulty eating it without gulps of water between spoonfuls. Adam Richman took on the Special #2 - the challenge was to finish the entire massive-sized bowl (noodles and soup and all) within a 30 minute period. I would be scared to even attempt it! Overall, I enjoyed my meal but I think my taste buds would have appreciated it more if they could actually taste it all after being numbed by the spiciness. Yes, I realize I just got the 3 (fifth spiciest), but I swear the Salt one is spicier than the other soups! Be prepared for long waits for the small restaurant, but definitely worth going to attempt the challenge (special #2 or otherwise)!

--v

Daikokuya - Los Angeles, California

Address: 327 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Items Ordered:

• Daikoku Ramen: noodles in pork bone broth with boiled egg, bamboo, & bean sprouts

Finally got to try Daikokuya's ramen, and it definitely lives up to the hype. Quite possibly the BEST ramen we've had in L.A. yet. The broth was rich and savory, the noodles were cooked perfectly, and the pork was melt in your mouth tender. Large enough of a bowl to keep us stuffed throughout the night. We arrived at 5pm on a Sunday and waited only 5 minutes for 3 seats at the bar. This place is a must visit!

--v & y