From LA to OC: Daikokuya Ramen
April 7th, 2008, 3:20 pm · 10 Comments · posted by Kat "I eat 'til my pants hurt" Nguyen
Ramen-heads out there already know this but Daikokuya, hailed by some as home to the best ramen in L.A.’s Little Tokyo, has just opened an OC outpost inside Marukai supermarket in Costa Mesa. I’ve been looking forward to checking out this noodle joint ever since I read about it on The Ramen Blog and today’s mild weather prompted the need for a steaming bowl of soup …
The shoyu-tonkatsu broth, made from soy sauce and pork bones — is a specialty of Daikokuya’s special “raumen.” It’s the only type available at the Marukai location — unlike the plethora of options at other OC ramen houses like Santouka. The first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of fresh chopped green onions spiking the broth. It’s pretty, but if you’re not a big green onion fan, you might want to try asking for it on the side. The broth wasn’t as piping hot as I would like, but warm. And while there’s something to be said for clean and simple flavors, I was expecting a bit more of the pork flavor to come through. The noodles were al dente, which was nice. The chashu or slices of pork were tender and fatty and practically fell apart once you picked it up with chopsticks. Still, it was somewhat bland.
I really enjoyed the soft-boiled egg that’s soaked in a special sauce all night before it’s served, according to Daikokuya’s website.
I have to mention the gyoza here, they’re not your average fast-food style serving. The delicate, rectangular-shaped potstickers at Daikokuya were really fresh and supple. The combo came with three pieces. Of course it came slathered in another heap of chopped green onions.
I could have eaten 5, were it not for the ginormous bowl of noodles. I’ll be back to give Daikokuya another try soon. I’m hoping the flavor of the broth will deepen and be shimmering with rich pork goodness next time. Otherwise, I’ll have to go back to my standby, Santouka Ramen at Mitsuwa Marketplace.
Daikokuya (inside Marukai Market)
2975 Harbor Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA
714.436.0151
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 7th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Though it’s not the most flavorful in the world, I think bland is a bit harsh of a term to use. Otherwise, your entry describes my experience with their ramen perfectly.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I’m sure it’ll get better in a couple of months, but until then, added garlic will do!
April 7th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Keizo,
Doh, I was in such a hurry to slurp that bowl down that I totally forgot about the big vat of minced garlic available at the counter! Thanks for the reminder!
April 8th, 2008 at 11:27 am
If you like ramen, try Kairakutei in Tustin. I think the pork broth of the Charsu ramen bowl is quite flavorful. The karaage and fried rice are also good.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Hiromi,
Thanks for the tip! So many ramen houses to try in OC now! Will definitely give Kairakutei a try — it’s close enough to the office for lunch.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am
That Kairakutei place is about 2 miles from my office. Didn’t even know it was there! Do they take Visa or is it cash only?
April 10th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Kimo,
It’s cash only. If I remember correctly, set meal (ramen+rice dish+shumai) is $7.95. Ramen only is about $5.50.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Kewl! Thanks!
April 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Are there any good ramen places close to Los Alamitos/Long Beach? With gas prices being what they are, I feel guilty driving to Costa Mesa or Torrance or LA for good ramen… Ramen is my special occasion food now! Can’t wait to try this new place though.
April 21st, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Hey moooo (ha),
Hmm, Costa Mesa is pretty much the capital of ramen in OC … but how about Stanton or Fountain Valley? That would be the closest to LB that I can think of for ramen off the top of my head …
There’s Shin Sen Gumi in Fountain Valley, right off Brookhurst off the 405 at 18315 Brookhurst St. — (714) 962-8971. It’s in the same plaza as a Ralph’s and it’s next to a Corner Bakery.
There’s Ebisu in FV too, but SSG is way better.
Or Gomen in Stanton, off the 22. Addy: 7147 Katella Ave — (714) 761-8007