If you weren’t aware, there are a lot of ramen places in Southern California. The king is probably still Daikokuya in Los Angeles’s Little Tokyo, while Santouka probably holds the title of most convenient. So where does that leave Ramen Yamadaya? I’m honestly not too sure. While everything they offered was pretty good, it wasn’t nearly as good as Daikokuya and not nearly as quick and easy as Santouka. I suppose if you’re looking to eat ramen, but feel weird taking your date to the food court of a Japanese market, Ramen Yamadaya might be the place for you. But who do you think you’re fooling? Just the other day I saw you fish a half-eaten Hot Pocket out of the garbage and eat it. Don’t pretend like you’re too good for the Mitsuwa food court, because you’re not. You’re not too good for anything.
Kara-age Chicken
Gyoza
Tonkotsu Ramen (basic pork broth ramen) – The first time I came here I ordered some sort of spicy ramen. It was pretty spicy and honestly not that flavorful, so I’m glad I came back and tried this. If you live closer to Daikokuya or Santouka just go to one of those places, because while this is good, I wouldn’t say it’s better and it doesn’t really warrant the drive. Plus, look at that egg. That yolk isn’t nearly runny enough. The egg in a true bowl of ramen should have a runny, drippy yolk that makes the average person question whether or not it’s even safe to eat.
Chachu Bowl – Again, doesn’t quite meet the level of Daikokuya. It was good, just not as good. It’s like eating a generic store-brand frosting-stuffed chocolate cookie. It’ll do if there aren’t any Oreos around, but it’s just not the same.
Ramen Yamadaya
1175 Baker St
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-0091
