Best Ramen Spots: Slurpin' Ramen Bar
By the Food Editorial Team
Tucked away in a small plaza on West 8th Street in Los Angeles' famous Koreatown is something not Korean at all. It's a place where the lines get longer each day as word spreads amongst the Yelp-friendly crowds. We're talking about Slurpin' Ramen Bar.
After about a fifteen-minute wait, two spots opened up in front of the window-set countertop overlooking West 8th Street. It's not the most amazing view in the City of Angels, but you don't come here for the view. You come here for the food. The menu keeps it simple - 4 options for main dishes - Slurpin' Ramen (Regular 16 oz. or Small 8 oz.), Veggie Ramen, Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen), and the Chashu Bowl. Each ramen comes with the option for an added about of spice (0 - Not Spicy to 3 - Super Spicy).
It's lunch time which includes the option to add a combo to your order - an appetizer and a salad for $3 (USD) more. There's also a good amount of appetizers inclusive of the classic Sesame Chicken and Gyoza and even some special items such as Fried Squid Leg.
Today, we take a look at the classic Slurpin' Ramen (Regular 16 oz. size) with a combo, as well as the Veggie Ramen.
THE SLURPIN' RAMEN - COMBO
The most popular item here is the classic Slurpin' Ramen. A small salad starts off the 3 courses of the combo. It's a simple mixed salad that isn't necessarily anything special or extraordinary, but it was a fresh way to start off what will end up being a relatively heavier, depth-filled main meal.
The second course was the appetizer, and the one chosen was the Sesame Chicken. A classic at most Japanese restaurants, this dish is what you would expect it to be - a deep fried, popcorn-like chicken that' perfectly bite-sized. The team here at Slurpin' Ramen Bar will get extra points on this one as the Sesame Chicken truly delivered. It was fresh out of the fryer - perfectly crisp but moist on the inside. It had the right amount of flavor but wasn't overly salty and portioned just right.
Sesame Chicken Appetizer
Dual Sweet and Savory Sauces for the Sesame Chicken
And now... the main course - the Slurpin' Ramen - a "Tonkotsu" rich pork broth ramen that comes with green onion, garlic, dried seaweed, black garlic oil, and your choice of meat. Below is the ramen with chicken. Rich is definitely the right word for the broth as some may even find it the perfect companion on a rainy day. it came with 3 thick slices of tender chicken, and a ramen noodle with the right amount of chew. All in all, this bowl of ramen lived up to its slurp-worthy name.
Slurpin' Ramen with Chicken
THE VEGGIE RAMEN
One of the key differences that set Slurpin' Ramen apart is the fact that they have a vegetable-based ramen that is not only perfect for vegetarians but also gluten free. One may think that because it's a vegetarian ramen that this dish would be without flavor (but they would be very wrong). The broth was light but very flavorful. Not only was this bowl filled to the brim with a mix of assorted vegetables - including broccoli, corn, beansprouts, cabbage, and cherry tomatoes - the ramen was a wheat-based ramen that had the perfect amount of chew. This bright bowl of Veggie Ramen was then topped with a dash of dried seaweed. Whether you're a vegetarian or a carnivore, you won't leave disappointed.
The Veggie Ramen
If you're ever in LA and craving a bowl of fresh ramen, check out Slurpin' Ramen Bar. The staff was quick but helpful, and there's even parking available in a lot (though at night you do have to pay for valet service). All in all, it's definitely a new contender as one of the best overall ramen spots in Los Angeles.
(Oh and don't forget to check in on Yelp for a free drink or two extra toppings!)