First time here- ordered the special, Kuro pai-tan with thin noodle, and gyoza (5 in one order). kuro pai-tan soup is creamy but not too heavy, a lot of garlic flavor which I love.
Portion was just right. However, the guys wanted to order extra noodle afterwards- which was not an option. Waiter explained that they cook the noodle with the soup, so if you want more noodles, make sure to add it at time of order. Consider adding on extra noodle if you’re a guy.
Service is good and fast, place is clean. Will come back.
Pretty good paitan ramen. I ordered the Pai-Tan with spicy paste and an extra egg. I'm fairly picky about hard-boiled eggs and I really liked the ones here. The well seasoned egg was perfectly cooked: medium boiled with a creamy yolk that was a bit liquidy at the center. The noodles were all dente and toothsome, exactly how I prefer my noodles. I did find the addition of arugula to be a bit random and would've preferred maybe some green onion/negi instead. I'm definitely adding it to my go-to lost of South Bay ramen spots.
Very pleasantly surprised by this place. Cool vibe, great ramen, quick friendly service, pretty authentic. Glad we found it
Tasty chicken-centric menu. 5-piece takoyaki appetizer was delicious. We'll definitely be back!
Light but still really tasty soup with healthy noodles. You can sip the very last drip of the soup.
This was my first time trying Paitan ramen and it was absolutely delicious. I ordered the side of rice and garlic butter to add to the leftover broth. It surprisingly did taste like risotto but was also a bit excessive after having a bowl of ramen. I want to go back and try everything else on their menu especially their ramen salad!
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More like 3.5 *** rounded up to 4!!!!
Fairly new Ramen spot in Japan town, SJ...as of this review. The restaurant is small, if you are walking around without paying attention, you will miss it. Its a bit cozy inside due to the size of the place, I don't think they can accommodate big groups.
I got the Pai-Tan Ramen with a side of Garlic Butter & Rice.
Haven't eaten Ramen like this before. I don't know if this is a variation of traditional Ramen or from a different region of Japan or fusion Ramen. It's unique alright.
Not sure if I am a fan of it...so far I'm indifferent to it. I always thought one of the key characteristics of Ramen was supposed to be an accompanying piece or several pieces of Pork instead of any other meat, while the broth could vary. The Pan-Tai had a piece of chicken breast, instead of Chashu Pork. I prefer the Pork...IMHO the Pork is much more flavorful and has a better texture...I think it just works better. I'm also not a fan of the wheat noodles...I think those work better for a cold Soba, but not so much here. I prefer the regular Ramen or Udon noodles. The Side of Rice with Garlic Butter as a Risotto suggestion was interesting. I do suggest putting some of the Garlic Butter into the Soup when it is hot. The addition of the Garlic Butter does exactly what you think...adding a Garlicy, Buttery taste.
The service was fine here, not a whole lot to interaction, the staff was pleasant and the food came out in a timely manner. I will return and try all the Ramen dishes here before I decide if this particular style of Ramen is not for me.
Great ramen place. We had chicken Pai tan ramen, which comes with very creamy and smooth chicken broth, nicely chewy whole wheat noodle, and shrimp wonton. Very yummy.
I'd also ordered the optional garlic butter rice with this ramen. They recommend to put the rice into the ramen broth and have it as risotto. This is surprisingly good -- I'd like to recommend this option.
Edited: Temporarily closed according to the sign out front. This place is/was a beloved neighborhood spot and one of the best shio chicken ramen I've had. We miss you, please come back soon.
Really tasty shio ramen. The broth is clear and really well balanced with the dashi. My only complaint was the noodles, I didn't feel like they were very elastic almost as if they were made with dry noodles or the gluten in the noodles didn't have time to develop. The takoyaki here is great, it's got that molten inside that good takoyaki has and the ginger and seasoning was well balanced with the "okonomiyaki" type sauces they drizzled on top
The taste of the ramen here is pretty complex as every thing has its own different flavor. For example, the soup base is creamy, made from chicken and there are fried garlic inside as well as bamboo shoots and shrimp wonton (I ordered Pai-tan Ramen). They have 3 ramen on menu and they're priced 12.5 to 14. The half-boiled egg is pretty well made and the chicken slices are tender. However, there aren't too much protein inside for the price.
The store is pretty small with bar and mostly 2 seat tables. There are four 4 seat tables in store and open kitchen.
It's the best chicken noodle soup in the area! I highly recommend the cal tan, the fresh veggies make the broth so much more umami and mineral rich broth. I feel guilty eating too much ramen but not this one. Chicken kaarage is so so good, the batter is different than your typical kaarage, not sure how they did it. In love with this gem at the heart of japan town!
Not traditional tonkatsu ramen. Everything here is chicken based, so light, but very good if you're feeling ill. Somewhat expensive for ramen-reminding me more of a California style-but I would still recommend it if you want to change from Kumako; which is still my favorite.
Tasty chicken-based broth ramen! Had the limited Kuro pai-tan ramen which was pretty unique and flavorful. Wish it came with a little more meat/other toppings but the taste is good. Very clean and very friendly staff as well!
Broth is chicken-based rather than pork-based but still light, creamy (pai-tan) and tasty. Noodles were done well with right amount of firmness. Tried their soboro chicken (marinated ground chicken over rice) which had a nice flavor to it, takoyaki which was cooked like off the streets of Japan, and their karaage which was crisp and flavorful. Definitely would go back for a lighter ramen option.
Maruten is a great find! The ramen broth is light and tasty. The chicken karaage has an amazing, crispy- sweet combo that is delicious. I'm excited to go again!
Broth was complex but light and delicate. Service was super fast. Probably one of the few times I think I have seen a restaurant over staffed. They just opened 4 days ago. Already operating like a veteran restaurant. Will definitely go back again.
Very good ramen!! The broth was excellent and fresh veggies.
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