While ramen was invented in the early 1900s, it didn’t make its way to the US until 1976 when Hiroshi Yamauchi incorporated it as part of the menu of his restaurant, Koraku. The movie, Tampopo, introduced and popularized it to many that weren’t familiar with it. Since then many ramen shops have opened across LA. One of the newest is Rakkan Ramen.
What caught my attention is that Rakkan Ramen uses a 100% plant-based broth. Traditional ramen is typically made from a soup base containing dried seafood, chicken, or pork broth. I’ve experienced vegetarian pho and didn’t care for it. Since Rakkan Ramen hails from Tokyo, I figured they had perfected a broth that would have broad appeal.
I’m not a big fan of take-out ramen because it is best enjoyed on-site. Nevertheless, I was impressed by the attention they had towards packaging and labeling everything. I pulled out my ramen bowls and assembled the ingredients so that it would mimic the on-site experience. While it didn’t quite match, it wasn’t bad.
I enjoyed the flavorful broth from both the Amber (soy sauce) and the Spicy Garnet Ramen (spicy miso) and I found it hard to believe that it was plant-based. The flavor was not characteristic of a vegetable broth; it definitely had the “umami”, or the 6th sense flavor characteristic. The noodles were freshly made and had a nice springy texture to them. Toppings include roast pork, green onion, and bamboo shoots.
My daughter quickly nodded in delight as she ate the Spicy Beef Gyoza. Unlike some gyozas that are only crispy on the bottom, the entire exterior was crispy. This gave it a nice crunchy experience throughout. While it was advertised as “spicy”, I didn’t think it needed that label.
The Takoyaki (fried squid balls) was comprised of complementary ingredients that worked well together. I enjoyed the taste but wished that it was prepared so that the exterior was crispy.
Other items on the menu include rice bowls topped with grilled pork or crispy chicken, spicy tuna, or an avocado tofu combination. Buns filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables.
Rakkan Ramen is also ideal for families as they also have a kid’s menu. Each of their ramen offerings is available in smaller sizes. They also feature gyoza and shumai which are popular with kids.
Due to the recent “Stay at Home” order issued by Gov. Newsom, Rakkan Ramen has again pivoted to take out / delivery only.
Rakkan Ramen also has locations in Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Long Beach.
Rakkan Ramen, 629 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277\
rakkanramen.com