Rokurinsha Ramen, Tokyo Station

This place has been on my list to visit for years and finally the day came.  Easily this was some of the very best ramen I have had in my life.  Every component of the Tsukemen is an amazing compliment to the other including the perfect noodles and egg.  Tasting the broth alone is interesting as it is very intensely flavored. However, when you dip the noodles in the broth and eat it as it meant to be, the balance is flawless.  The wait in the line was about 30 minutes around the lunch hour. Just a fantastic meal, I was blown away.

Santouka, Costa Mesa

Within minutes of my arrival in Orange County my mom and I were on our way to the Mitsuwa Market in Costa Mesa.  We enjoyed two bowls of ramen - shio and miso.  The ramen was great of course.  I always enjoy a good miso broth ramen although I'll give the edge to the signature shio broth today.  After lunch I picked up 4 liters of my favorite jasmine green tea, a glass of sake and some cheese almond crackers.  Mitsuwa is a fantastic market.

I'll have to come back and sample a few more tasty Japanese treats from the food court during my stay in Newport Beach.   

Jangara Ramen, Akasaka

Some of the best ramen I have had in Japan.  This little place was tough to find but find it we did.  Amazing broth, pork and noodles.  A must visit for any ramen lover.

Hard to top Ippudo in Tokyo

We missed you here Dave O.  My boy Nick Chong back in NYC would have been in heaven too.