Flickr shot by disneymike
Asahi Ramen was the first noodle shop I went to on Sawtelle, but once I was introduced to Ramenya around the corner I had forgotten all about it. And with good reason, I found out recently.
One Wednesday when I was craving my fave Ajo Ramen (garlic ramen) from Ramenya, my co-worker and I drove on over to discover that, to our dismay, they were closed on friggin Wednesdays!
Having already driven all that way (OK, 2 miles), I suggested Asahi Ramen to sate our noodle cravings. Bad idea! Looking at the menu posted outside the door, nothing really struck a chord with us. The menu selection was so limited compared to Ramenya, although the prices were cheaper.
Nothing drew me in, and yet I went against my instincts and went inside anyway. I wanted ramen, dammit! Plus, since it was packed during this lunch hour, I figured it must be good stuff.
My co-worker decided on the miso ramen and, frankly, I don’t even remember which one I ordered, I think it was the won ton ramen. All I know is that there were pieces of pork, green onions, a hard boiled egg, and won tons (which seemed like too much noodly texture when combined with the ramen noodles) in a soy sauce soup.
Eh. It was just average. Nothing really stood out about it. My friend felt the same way about her order. She was really disappointed that it didn’t taste the way she had expected it to. And she thought that maybe they mixed up her order since she didn’t get two of the ingredients her soup was listed to have on the menu.
Anyway, suffice it to say that we were less than impressed. No leftovers for us. I only ate about a quarter of the stuff before I just had to chuck it. What was the point in saving it if I didn’t like it the first time?
2027 Sawtelle Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90025
(310) 479-2231
That’s interesting … I’ve been going to Asahi Ramen for years and love it, but I am by no means a ramen expert. I will try Ramenya.
Have you been to the ramen place inside the food court at Mitsuwa at Venice/Centinela?
Well, sure, you love Asahi NOW but that’s just because you haven’t had Ramenya yet. ;) Actually, I don’t want to inflate your expectations so check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.
There’s a ramen place in Mitsuwa? That’s down the street from me so now I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
there’s a japanese universe inside mitsuwa! and clean fresh fish (and squid and eel and other weird things,) in the grocery for any adventurous sushi-at-home types.
Speaking of a Japanese store, I just got back from 3rd St. Promenade and a Famima just opened up! It’s like a Japanese convenience store, but it had all this yummy food packed to go. And where there usually is a hot dog heater at the cash register in 7-11 this one had a curry chicken in fried rice bread display. I’m telling you, yummy! Reminded me of Tokyo.
this has nothing to do with ramen, but why aren’t you listed with lablogs.com?
you should be, ’cause you’re cool and stuff.
Oh my god! There’s a FAMIly MArt in LA? Do you think there’s one in NYC? I miss onigiri-that-I-didn’t-make-myself!
Robert, thanks for the heads-up on that, AND the compliment. I’ve requested an add.
Jennifer, I don’t think there’s one in NYC yet, oddly enough. Their U.S. site only lists the L.A. stores. http://www.famima-usa.com/
it’s not a famimart, but on 3rd ave at 10th st. there’s a new M2M asian convenience store where the old jeans store used to be (was it a VIM?) i read mixed reviews about the prepared food, and they’re clearly cashing in on the NYU dorm crowd across the street, but still… mmm, black black and green tea!
Tangents are a few of my favorite things.
1. Like Kathryn, i’ve haunted Asahi for years and have yet to get a bad meal. Perhaps the problem lies in the won-ton – go for the rockin’ gyoza instead. Yokohama on Gateway’s also good for soba, udon and ramen (though decor sucks).
2. MITsuwa! Music, movie, food and appliances all under one roof. Still, i’m partial to Marukai downtown…
3. Check out Famima’s Westwood spot. More user-friendly.
4. I agree, you’re cool and stuff!
Stumbled upon your blog while reading up on Totoraku (still trying to figure out how to get an invite there) and have to say, you’ve got great taste! I was most interested in places that you didn’t like, and I wholeheartedly agree–especially Yakitoria and Asahi Ramen. Just out of curiosity, speaking of Sawtelle (I used to live right near there before moving up to the Bay Area) did you ever go to Furaibo, and if you did, what’d you think?
Hi Dave! Welcome! As for Furaibo, nope never been. But looking at it on Yelp, it looks good.