Dashiwa Ramen

Really solid spot with surprisingly large portions for the price. The char siu is the standout — thick, tender slices, several pieces in every ramen bowl, and they finish it with a quick blowtorch so you get that nice charred flavor on the edges. Very good. We tried all four inari: crab, bulgogi, char siu, and tofu. Each one was generously filled and tasty. The cold soba with green onion, garlic, nori, onsen egg, and char siu was also a nice combo — refreshing and flavorful. The katsu don (pork cutlet rice bowl) comes in a huge portion. The cutlet was crispy outside, juicy inside, and the house sauce was well balanced. Honestly, one order could easily feed two people if you’re not super hungry. Portions are genuinely big — four of us ordered multiple dishes and still had food to take home.

If you want a tasty and satisfying meal, the easiest choice is Japanese ramen! Trust me, ramen is the most budget-friendly option. This ramen spot is absolutely foolproof—the menu has pictures, so what you see is what you get. It’s my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal! Recommendations: TanTan Ramen – This one really hits the spot for me. It’s translated as "Dan Dan Noodles," LOL? The meat sauce has a unique flavor—I dare say you won’t find another place with the same taste. It’s incredibly fragrant and just slightly spicy. Shoyu Old School – You really can’t go wrong with this at any ramen shop, but the flavor here is especially, especially classic. It’s that iconic soy sauce taste that boosts your appetite—you’ll easily finish a whole big bowl!

After a long, wet morning at the rose parade and a hot shower to rinse the chill off, I was left with a simple mission. Find warmth. Real warmth. The kind you eat. That search led me to Dashiwa Ramen. The answer was obvious the moment I read the menu. Tonkotsu red ramen. A pork bone broth cooked long enough to surrender everything it had. Cloudy, creamy, and dense with flavor, this is not a broth you rush. Chili is folded in with restraint, bringing heat that wakes the palate without overpowering it. Each spoonful carried weight and intention, the kind of umami that fast food tries to imitate and never quite understands. The chashu matters here. Grilled before it ever touches the bowl, the pork picks up a gentle smokiness and caramelized edge that plays against the richness of the broth

No frills ramen spot that’s perfect for a quick, filling meal. Their lunch specials and happy hour deals offer great value, and the staff was happy to provide chili oil on request. I tried the black garlic ramen, which was very satisfying, though the chashu pork had a surprising sweetness to it that felt a bit out of place.

Surprisingly, this little ramen shop not only serves ramen and mazesoba but also has inari sushi and even a $4 curry rice! 🙌 Located near Pasadena/Arcadia, it’s a great spot for a casual weekday meal or some comforting weekend food. 🍜 Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen Perfect for chilly mornings—rich, flavorful pork broth with a touch of spice. The noodles have a nice chew, the chashu is fragrant, and the soft-boiled egg is spot on. 🍝 Mazesoba Chashu Noodles Loaded with toppings and a runny egg in the center. Mixing it all together coats the thick noodles in a slightly sweet sauce—super satisfying in every bite. 🍛 $4 Potato Curry Rice Got this as a small add-on, but the portion was bigger than expected. Classic Japanese-style veggie curry—perfect if you’re like me and want to try a bit of everything