The Ramen World Tour

So many flavors. Umami at it's finest!

It’s no secret that there is an exciting world of Japanese ramen that is sweeping the nation. I am not talking about the ramen noodles that shaped your character throughout your college years! I am talking about the warm broth like hug that engulfs your soul with every slurp. I am talking about the seasoned eggs and bamboo shoots along with the other priceless toppings that can be potentially added to this soup that can truly be made to fit your personal taste. I want to refer to these heavenly bowls of broth as soup, but I dare not.

Maybe my excitement isn’t shared by the rest of the world, but I highly doubt it seeing as though these ramen places are popping up everywhere. There are so many variations to pick from. My ramen journey started off in Sandy Springs, Georgia on a cold hungover afternoon. I was so desperate to try this place but was slightly intimidated due to all of the options. I asked what they recommended, and I went with that, along with zero modifications. Tonkostu Black is what I ordered while my dear friend got the spicy chicken ramen. I waited penitently as my hangover begin to subside and the thought of a heaping bowl of ramen made my mouth water. I peered at the various bowls as they flew by me hardly giving me enough time to question my own ramen decision. I held on to the menu, read it over and over again. I planned my next visit and what I would get next time. I pulled up yelp and IG to see what people were saying. I was building my own level of culinary anticipation. Then, the moment I was waiting for. Two large smoking bowls of steaming hot ramen were placed on our table along with a jar of fresh garlic and a garlic press. This is fresh I thought! I tasted mine, it was good! I tasted hers, and I fell in love. My friend comes here often, obviously and advised me that they are so nice and that all I had to do was tell them I prefer the chicken and they will swap it out for me. I did just that and I have been going almost weekly ever since. I have taken everyone I know that will enjoy this place.

Now, my wife and I have moved and even though they have the same ramen chain here in Orange County, I refuse to get sucked into eating the same ramen my first try. I must keep an open mind as there are still a lot of options. Here are a few things I know my preferred

ramen must have! These are my basics to start.

§ Seasoned egg

§ Soboro (ground meat)

§ Spicy

§ Bamboo Shoots

§ Extra Broth

§ Sprouts

We have eaten at two places since returning to Tustin, Ca. Today, I am in love with Habanero Miso Ramen. I want it every day. I am actually trying to figure out how I can convince my wife to let me have it, AGAIN. The Ramen Tour Continues.