I am proud to present to you my first San Diego Ramen post, which I think is interesting and might change my game a bit.
I think it's interesting because since I started this post I really haven't blogged or posted ANY of my favorite places in SD. Not pizza nor ramen, which are without question my two favorite foods. And I think this might be a game changer because damn it, I'm gonna post them shits!
I'm talking about Luigi's, Urbn, Tajima, even Bronx and Hamilton's and Alexander's and the Venetian and Blind Lady Ale House, and every other place that is part of the main stay of my diet.
Why haven't I blogged them sooner??? Dang, who knows! I'm sure there's something in my little brain that's making me avoid blogging them. Something stupid cause it sure hasn't made me avoid eating there.
So, be ready see them in your email soon.
Now on to Ramen-Yamadaya....
My favorite ramen in San Diego? No.
Most authentic "Japanese Ramen" in San Diego, I think so, and for a few specific reasons, which I'll explain.
First, enjoy a look in the bowl
This is Yamadaya Ramen, Tonkotsu broth. Tonkotsu essentially means pork bone broth. It's one of the standard broth's of ramen. And this one is really good. And Yamadaya doesn't go lightly on the pork flavor. One thing that they do to increase the flavor is float a layer of pork fat on the top of the soup, very traditional. It coats EVERYTHING and makes everything it comes into contact with greasy and porky and yummy. It feels like you just slathered your lips in your favorite chapstick (pork flavored) and sat in the sun so that it got all melty and juicy. This broth is just the porkiest thing ever, yummmmm.
The Yamadaya ramen also includes two types of pork pieces. One is this large reddish pork chunk, no idea what cut this is
And the other is this slice of loin, and there are 3 of these slices in the bowl.
There is also an egg, two halves which I think is nice. This egg is very good and perfectly cooked.
Another thing I liked about this place is that you can have the option of just ordering a bowl with the noodles and broth and add whatever options you want. Select the pork, egg, nori, whatever
"add in's" you like. Customize your perfect bowl. Sounds like a great thing. I imagine that this is also possible to do at the other ramen shops around, but Yamadaya has it clearly noted on the menu, almost encouraging you to create a bowl that you know you'll enjoy. Smart.
Three more things that make this place very authentic Japanese.
1) The noodles aren't made on the premises. They are shipped in from Japan, and you can tell by the look and size of them that they are authentic, and delicious. The size is quite small, even half the thickness of other shops. And the fact that they are shipped from Japan means that they are dried, which makes them a bit more firm that the fresh version. For this size of noodle I think it works. Oh believe me, and most of you that know me will agree, that I wanted to hate all over them for not making their own noodles much less having them shipped in from another country. The saving grace for them is that the rest of the bowl kicks ass so hey, get real Japanese noodles, it works.
2) The look and feel of this place is that of a real ramen shop in Japan. Ramen in Japan is fast food, casual dining. And usually they ONLY serve ramen. By only I mean that there are NO other noodles served. They can have some sides and munchies, but not sushi or other Japanese favorites. They are focused on ramen, and sitting and eating fast, and then moving on to the rest of your day. This is that kind of place, and I like it.
3) There is an option to purchase more noodles, an extra portion if you will. This is also normally an option in Japan, and one I haven't seen at my favorite ramen shop. But it is HUGE and makes great sense. Most often you are eating the noodles and other stuff in the bowl and you are left with lots of broth that, for me, ends up getting slurped from the bowl. Seems like super duper awesome to be able to add more noodles and hit it all over again! I like this also.
The biggest negative about this place, for me, and for this visit, was the temperature of my ramen. Not hot, and for soup, I want it to be scorching! I think the problem is that all of the pork and egg added to the bowl are from the fridge, and being cold they bring down the temp of the soup. Kinda stupid, but almost a deal breaker because there isn't a good remedy. Microwave it? That's even more stupid. Shouldn't eve be one of those on the property.
Then
Some random kid sat down and said she was hungry, so I bought her a bowl...
Eat more ramen
DVA
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