味千拉麵
2700 Alton Pkwy #145
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 833-3288
http://www.ajisen-la.com
Time to explore Diamond Jamboree plaza again. We decided to try Ajisen Ramen because Dr. P was in the mood for some noodle and soup. I've been to Ajisen Ramen in San Gabriel when it first opened. Their ramen was really salty, and I never returned after that. Then my mom said she went to the branch in Temple City, and also thought the broth was too salty. But recently she returned to the San Gabriel one with her friend, and thought the ramen was pretty good. Maybe they improved the recipe of their broth?
We went on a Sunday night around almost 9pm. The place was full. Do Irvine people all eat late?
豬軟骨拉麵 Tender Pork Ribs Ramen ($9.75)
We ordered two different ramen to share. One was their famous Tender Pork Ribs Ramen. The broth was really rich. And just like my mom said, the broth was good, not overly salted anymore. The pork ribs was delicious. I like the cartilage bone a lot. The girl right next to us asked for extra cabbage when she was half way through with her noodle. I didn't know you can do that. Can people ask for soup refill also at Ajisen Ramen?
豬扒咖哩拉麵 Pork Cutlet Curry Ramen ($9.75)
Pork Cutlet Curry Ramen was light, and also very good. There were only cabbage and scallion in the ramen. I wished they would add a little bit more variety of vegetables.
So far we were happy with the noodle. But the pork cutlet came about 10 minutes later. We were already half way through with our noodle. If I ordered pork cutlet curry ramen, I expect my pork cutlet and my curry ramen came at the same time. The pork cutlet was a little tough, but still good enough.
So my second visit to Ajisen Ramen was much better than the first time. Maybe we'll come back again for lunch special?
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Haven't been to Ajisen Ramen in years! Last time was at Temple City when it was about 1-2 years old. Nice to hear that the food is still good! Ajisen doesn't seem to get as busy now compared to before.
ReplyDeleteI find it strange that recently I have been getting so-so pork cutlets. My meal at Jazz Cat Cafe in Alhambra had a very tough and firm pork cutlet!
I've never been to Jazz Cat. I wanted to try their hot pot before.
But then I heard they changed it to "soup" from the kitchen, rather than the individual hot pot on the table.
Now I heard they change it again, to sell spaghetti and stuffs.
Hmmm.... Now I have no desire to visit anymore.
try the ramen place in marukai costa mesa (off Harbor exit of 405)~~i like their ramen~~soup base is good~~not too salty like santoku ramen at mitsuwa~~it's just too bad they only have 1 type of ramen =(
ReplyDeleteI'll write that place down on my list to try. Thanks Mochi.
It's been a few years since my last Ajisen Ramen visit. I remember when it first opened in San Gabriel, the wait could be over half an hour long and the line was always big!
ReplyDeleteYeah I remembered the long line, too.
I was so disappointed though after a long wait.
I'm glad the food tastes much better now.
lots of MSG .........compare with "real"
ReplyDeleteThere's pretty much MSG everywhere in restaurants.... Too bad.
Doesn't like it - I have to say that Ramen has become so over played in the US, in terms of the gimmicks that these places try in order to get people in the door. Mind you the food is good. But the pricing is something that you would expect to see somewhere out in a resort town. This place is in the middle of "Asian Central" in terms of its location. Yet they continually rip off the college kids from UCI. What also sucks is the attitude. Sure they yell out the "cheesey" - Ira Shai Mase! That you get at any Japanese themed restaurant. But I really think the place is run by a bunch of Chinese managers. What sucks is that they run it like a Chinese restaurant. The attitudes of the management staff suck. The wait staff in whole are good and attentive. But god forbid you get the guy manager who looks like he is a character from the Sony Final Fantasy Games - or the chick she wears glasses and never smiles. Both are about late 20s to early 30s. They are the dynamic duo in black - they wear black button down shirts and slacks. If you've got food allergies - plan on sitting in while your party eats without you. The place does not allow (ANY KIND-even though people sneak boba drinks in) outside food of any kind. The managers will make a scene! They may say Ira Shai Mase! - but the Japanese attitude and respect is lost through a belief that all Asians are as rude as Chinese people.
ReplyDeleteLastly, here's the actual math. They will charge upwards of $8 for a bowl of their most basic ramen. That is with no frills or specials - just the soup and noodles. At another restaurant with the same Ramen Theme (that is also a big Japanese Chain call "FUJI-ICHIBAN" - their logo is a turtle) They break down the math to show people what goes into making the bowl. In total a bowl of ramen (basic) will cost a company about $1.50 to make. That's 1 bowl no frills or specials. Fujiichiban charges about $5. And believe me the quality in Fujiichiban's noodles is #1 because they make their stuff daily (all within their locations - that's one of their attractions - they show it all behind the counter so that you see the start to the finish). The quality in Ajisen is lost in the fact that they are GOUGING the consumer severely - compounded by the lousy service - and the fact that they cannot openly declare what goes into their food - in the event that you or a guest are allergic to food products being served.
Try and eat at the place once or twice, but just know that you are getting ripped off by people who are expecting you to enjoy the fact that you are getting ripped off. In regards to the attitudes of the management staff, all I can say is that racially you people bring a huge discredit to the Japanese community through your lousy attempts at imitation! For the unsuspecting western consumer - you will see what I mean when they try to cram you between some very rude customers at the "community table" - it's like a pig trough that over-eager ADHD-Chinese customers like to dine at!
Thanks for all the info.
I would love to try Fuji-Ichiban next time.