Afuri Ramen is one of the latest Tokyo-based restaurants to expand their operations into the US. They have locations in the San Francisco area, Portland, and recently opened in LA’s Art District in downtown LA. They are best known for their signature Yuzu Shio ramen; yuzu is a common fruit in Japanese cuisine.
I was already familiar with the area because I’ve picked up food from Crafted Kitchen, Yess Aquatic, and Guerilla Tacos. All three establishments reside on S. San Mateo Street within a stone’s throw.
Afuri Ramen’s interior is modern, stylish, and outfitted with a full bar. The restaurant is fast-casual with two kiosks to order in front. If you plan to dine inside, you’ll have to show proof of vaccination. Otherwise, tables are available outside in front.
Tonkotsu Tantamen is a Japanese take on Sichuan Dan Dan noodles. The noodles were chewy, and the tonkotsu broth nicely adhered to them. The addition of stir-fried garlic bok choy adds texture and mild sweetness. Marinaded shiitake mushrooms were tasty enough to eat by themselves. The creamy red pork broth has to rate as one of my favorite tonkotsu.
Conversely, with tsukemen, the noodles are served separately and dipped into the broth. A common mistake with first-timers is to pour the broth over the noodles. Since the tsukemen uses a dipping sauce, the broth is more concentrated than ramen. The lemon and grapefruit flavors from the yuzu fruit rind gave the broth a nice citrus boost.
Yuzu Shio Ramen is their most popular dish. This signature bowl has a light, delicate broth made from local chicken, dried sardines, smoked bonito flakes, dry konbu seaweed, and yuzu. They add a splash of yuzu juice into their chicken broth and use part of the rind as garnish—the taste of the broth pairs nicely with the chargrilled chashu pork.
Another signature dish is their buta (pork) gyoza which is first steamed and then pan-fried. The gyoza is IG-ready as it arrives at your table in a star pattern.
The Spicy Chicken Bun was a pleasant surprise. Branded on top of the bun is the Afuri logo. Peering underneath the hood is fried chicken, sliced cucumbers, yuzu kosho egg salad, green onions, and a spicy/tangy sauce. The next time I’ll try the Soft Shell Crab Bun with kimchi.
Afuri Ramen is one of the top ramen shops in LA. Unlike most shops that purchase their noodles, Afuri makes them in-house daily. Biting into them, you will immediately detect how fresh they are. Finally, according to Afuri USA CEO Taichi Ishizuki, they are one of a few ramen shops globally that don’t use MSG.
Afuri Ramen, 688 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021; afuriramen.com