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Asahi Ramen
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
2027 Sawtelle BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90025
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 479-2231
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
432 reviews for Asahi Ramen
Review Highlights
"Just don't forget it's cash only."
(in 80 reviews)
"I've also gotten their gyoza and ban ban ji."
(in 6 reviews)
"Anyway, the real standout here for me is MABO RAMEN."
(in 34 reviews)
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432 reviews in English
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Review from Paul A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/21/2012
Cheap ... excuse me, _affordable_ ramen.
We were saying if we lived nearby, this would be a great little place to pop in in lieu of having to cook dinner.
It's not really worth the trip across town for ramen or yakisoba specifically, but hey, it's not bad either.
And for $18 for two people, who's complaining.
We love coming to Sawtelle, so it's possible we would make another trip here for a dinner on the cheap, as part of a leisurely walk that included Beard Papa's or all the cool "Tokyo art / trinket" shops here. -
Review from Hannah T.
Placentia, CA
1/21/2012
I've always driven by Asahi Ramen before going to Sushi Stop or Volcano Tea, so my boyfriend and I finally decided to eat here since I was craving ramen.
Unlike other ramen places, Asahi didn't have a wait at all when we came in for dinner on a Friday night. My boyfriend and I both got the Shoyu ramen, and while I can't say that I'm a ramen snob, I've definitely had better.
Good News: I was surprised at the HUGE portion. There was plenty of noodles, slices of pork, yummy bamboo shoots, and half of an egg. For $6.99 (if I remember the price correctly...) it really isn't a bad deal.
Bad News: The soup base was really bland. There honestly wasn't much flavor to it. The pork slices also lacked in flavor and were pretty dry, even though they give you a significantly larger portion of pork than other Ramen restaurants. My boyfriend ordered an additional serving of chicken - but he mentioned that it was dry and bland. Also, they're cash only.
Based on my experience, I don't think I'll be returning to Asahi anytime soon. Though its cheap and has big portions, I can always find better tasting food (and ramen!) elsewhere for about the same prices. I'm sorry to say that Asahi may not be worth a try... -
Review from James B.
Asahi is a very small japanese ramen joint on Sawtelle. If you're gonna have an Asian restaurant, you better make sure your food stands out. I guess in a way it did... NEGATIVELY.
CASH ONLY.
Food:
The Chashu Pork Ramen was one of the blandest ramen I've ever had. The pork was tough and had no flavor. The broth had some flavor but minimal. I don't see myself coming back.
Service:
The service was mediocre.
Parking:
Parking is so annoying! No parking lot, minimal street parking. Your best bet is to look for parking in the neighborhoods around the restaurant.Listed in: Cheap Eats and Drinks
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Review from Andrew S.
2/8/2012
Do not be fooled by the multiple Zagat signs on the door/windows. This place sucks. I used to go to a tutor around here and came here a lot after sessions. The broth is weak, the noodles are weak, the pork is fine. I really don't understand why people come here. The best ramen is on Venice/Centinela (Santouka ramen). The service here is really good. The ladies are always really bustling around the joint but it just doesn't make up for the food. There's always a really long line for this place but I don't understand the hullabaloo
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Review from Vivian J.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've come here a couple of times now when we were too lazy to go anywhere else, but this ramen place just feels so uninspired. For starters, their spicy miso ramen is really not that spicy. The broth tasted lukewarm from the start. Although their portions are huge, the taste doesn't resonate with anything that could be said to be great ramen. Whenever I come here, I instantly regret my decision and wish I went to Santouka or somewhere else.
Also, this place is cash only.Listed in: Oodles of Noodles
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Review from Serena C.
12/15/2011
Don't let the crowd of people that are always in here fool you into thinking that this place is good because this ramen house is definitely one place you can pass on.
I had the miso ramen and found the entire dish lacking. The broth was slightly bland, the noodles were hardly QQ, and the meat was tough and flavorless. The only perk to eating here, compared to other ramen places that I've been to, was that the ramen portion was gargantuan.
Prices are about the same as other ramen houses, so you may as well take your $$ and eat elsewhere (I suggest Santouka or Daikokuya!)Listed in: Ramen YUM!
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Review from katie k.
Los Angeles, CA
12/21/2011 2 photos
I am in love with Asahi Ramen! I'm actually surprised to see all of the lame reviews.
I've been coming to this place for nearly two years now and each time I savor in the consistency of good hot well made food. The Wakame Ramen and Kimchi Ramen are my favorites and the portions are huge so you're sure to have leftovers. The evening waitress, Nori is super sweet and she's helped me practice my Japanese when ordering: "Wakame Ramen, to, Sprite onegai shimasu!" Wakame Ramen and Sprite please!
Plus, if you haven't noticed the prices are dirt cheap. Two people with drinks can eat for way less that $10 each. I've gone other places and have found their ramen to be much too salty or rubbery. This place is just right! Heads up vegetarians, the broth is meat based. Sorry! They close at 9pm every night and it's Cash Only! -
Review from Craig R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011
My co-worker and I were on the Westside with time to spare for lunch and since she knows I like Japanese ramen, we decide to hit Sawtelle. After finally finding a parking spot on the street, we settled on Asahi Ramen because it was busy.
We were seated after about 15 minutes in the cold at a table next to the wall and given some menus by a very friendly woman. She was by far the best part of our visit because the ramen was terrible. I tried the wakame ramen. The noodles were overcooked and the broth was somehow salty and bland at the same time. My friend had the mabo ramen and hated hers, too. We both only ate half or less before getting the check.
I feel bad for the waitress because she was nice, but there is no making up for this Japanese ramen that didn't taste Japanese. In the words of my mother, "Lawd, mi coulda do wid a wash out yah nung, mi belly bine up." which is Jamaican for my stomach hurts and I need antacid. Before heading back to our car, we walked down the street and found a small shop selling rice balls to take back to work and finish lunch there. -
Review from Nerisa L.
Northridge, CA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place. Quick Service and the Mabu Ramen was amazing! I went during lunch hour which I got lucky bc there was no wait in line. I've driven by this place in the past during dinner time and there is ALWAYS a line of people waiting to get in.
I would come back again but during non rush hours.....
FYI, parking is not that accessible especially when you have to find street parking. And they ONLY accept cash. -
Review from Jenny K.
12/12/2011
Can't imagine Asahi has been around for almost twenty years, as told by Mr. K whose family frequent this place every month or so since way back in time. The owner still works hard at the store every day, energetically greets her customers.
Please order the gyoza. They're the best I've had in years! Juicy meat stuffing is trapped in very thin gyoza wrappers, pan-fried to perfection, and served fresh in trios. They were handmade from scratch. Dip those little guys in vinegar and soy sauce to bring out the flavors, or simply eat 'em plain. You won't regret your visit!
Their ramen isn't the best, but it's unpretentious, and priced reasonably for such a huge portion. Do expect a little wait during peak hours (noon-2pm). Parking on the street can be daunting too. -
Review from LARRY W.
Laguna Beach, CA
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
awesome ramen althought the chashu was a bit tough and over-cooked. Great tasting broth. My personal favorite was the mapo tofu which was perfect. Zaru soba was a bit ordinary.
Reasonable prices but cash only. Parking can be tough around the area. -
Review from Chereta M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very flavorful soup/ramen...but it's ramen, lol. Not sure what else to say.
CASH only and not ATM inside. -
Review from Jean L.
I went on a Monday night, when it was not too crowded and parking was available.
It was cold, which really set the stage as the perfect ramen weather.
CASH ONLY.
...like a lot of LA...got it!
limited seating..well, you can see how likely you'll have to wait because you can see the whole restaurant through the storefront.
nice waitresses, fast service..check!
ramen;
prices: average. 6.50-9$ for the most part..
broth: pretty average, not spectacular, but definitely not terrible- again, I went on a perfect-weather-for-ramen kind of day, so everything tasted great.
decor: simple.
mmm, I would go again. -
Review from Siqi Z.
10/17/2011
Asahi Ramen was a huge disappointment. The service was ok and the prices were fine. The only problem was the ramen. I tried the wonton ramen and could barely eat a 1/3 of it before leaving and heading down the street for another place. The wontons were extremely salty. Really really salty. The soup had too strong a soy sauce flavor and the noodles were average.
Honestly, this is not the way ramen from Japan should taste.Listed in: The Ramenator: I'll be back
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Review from Jim A.
Los Angeles, CA
11/26/2011
This used to be my ramen place till chabuya opened across the street.
It's not bad. Tasty it is!
Cash only though. -
Review from Annie K.
11/19/2011
CONS:
Parking
CASH only
Can be really busy especially during dinner
I would rate their Miso Ramen 3.5 stars. I have tried better ramen down in OC and the bay area, so I can't say this is the best... but it was pretty decent for when I'm in the area and in the mood for some ramen. I've come here on several occasions so that says something? Total comes out to be around $10
Also the ladies working are usually really nice! So :) -
Review from mary l.
Los Angeles, CA
12/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
You want to feel full, I mean, really full, for only $7 bucks. This place will do it for you. The portion is so large that it's big enough for two meals. The broth is from meat and vegetables and my guess is that it's not painstakingly done. But it is a fast food type of ramen place and not the homey delicious ramen place. You can't beat the price though so I'm giving it 2.5 stars. The service was efficient but a bit terse. The ladies that work here are not the friendliest. They are the pretend friendly people but don't do a great job at faking it.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
Not as good as Tsujita, but the wait is shorter, the bowl might even be bigger, and its less expensive. Cash only and they've got a good array of choices and the service is pretty good too. Everything's pretty standard. Although its nothing to write home about, I'd definitely return here if I couldn't wait for Tsujita. =)
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Review from Suji K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yummy food. Definitely have become a regular since.
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Review from Twila B.
Huntington Beach, CA
12/27/2011
Hadn't eaten here for years since we're no longer in the neighborhood, and was pleased to find that it's still a good place to go. Big portions, big flavor, and nice little tsukemono. Laid back and casual. Had the mabo kimchi rice, the wakame ramen, and the miso ramen. The kids gobbled it down - broth, seaweed, beansprouts, noodles - the whole 9 yards.
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Review from Aris L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
i try the chasu ramen and the shio ramen..the soup base was very plain..i did not feel like eating ramen..the staff was very friendly though..
CONCLUSION = NOT RECOMMENDED!! -
Review from Oliver D.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2012
This little hole in the wall serves up truly massive bowls of piping hot ramen. As delicious as it may be, don't be a fool like me and resolve to finish the entire serving. Take some home, it's just as good the next day. The prices are reasonable but remember, it's cash only.
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Review from Elizabeth S.
Saratoga, CA
Came here on a whim for lunch by my lonesome self!
Arrived at around 11:45am- no wait and 3 or maybe 4 of the tables were taken by people. The ramen looks so picture-sqe! I therefore, had to take a picture of my derrishus miso soup.
Lots of green onion (looooveee that!) and did I mention their service was great?
I wish they had put in more noodles, but oh well. It was cash only, like other reviews said.
It did make me feel a little funny (I don't know if it's because it's too oily or if they use a lot of MSG but I'll assume the latter) in the head but it was good. -
Review from Chris K.
Marina del Rey, CA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's ok as you can see on my rating.
The "ok" feeling is similar to times when someone gives you a gift that did not want on your birthday, but since you did not pay for it, it's ok.
Ok that was confusing.
But the ramen here is confusing as well.
I'm from Japan and me and my buddies used to research ramen.
I've probably had went to over 100 different ramen houses in Japan,
but I did not see strange and confusing ramen like they had here.
But don't get me wrong, the ramen here is not bad, but also not great.
The noodle is alright, the meat is alright, the soup is alright, everything is alright.
Its like a student who gets all C's for his grade. Not great buy not bad.
That is why this place is "ok." -
Review from Seiji N.
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm probably biased because I'm Japanese, I love ramen, and the workers there are authentic japanese people.
Only negatives are that parking is street (try checking one of the side streets) and it's cash-only.
I've been here multiple times, and I noticed that this time around, they have a lot more items on the menu (including curry...). As most other people have attested, the bowls are huge and you can get extra noodles for 1 dollar extra. The price is pretty moderate for ramen.
I guess the thing that I like about Asahi is that they do the Hiyashi Chuka all year (even though it says it's seasonal). It's a cold-noodle dish with slightly more chewy noodles in a diluted sweet and sour cold soup. There's egg, cucumber, choice of chicken or ham (go with ham!), seaweed and mustard. I personally don't like the seaweed and mustard so I asked them to remove it from my dish. THIS DISH WAS DA BOMB! Oh man... it's not as greasy as the ramen and you don't have to sit and wait to eat it cuz it's served cold. I can't wait to go back to eat this again.
I def recommend this place if you want ramen around the area.Listed in: Mid-day snack, Hangover cure
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Review from Sylvan Y.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 10/24/2011
This cafe is the place where I usually took my fri to, delicious japanese ramen with a big bowl. You would never feel hungry after. I like the curry ramen and chashu ramen.
And banbanji is a good choice. -
Review from Kara P.
11/5/2011
food: not sure why people wait so long to eat here! it's really not that great at all!! the ramen is just salty with no depth in flavor.....
service: bad ;(
final thoughts: not a fan at all. but it's not horrendous... -
Review from Hannah C.
San Gabriel Valley, CA
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been coming here for almost 18 years. Often in my twenties since I lived in the Westside. Now that I moved to San Gabriel Valley, I still visit it every time I am in the area...maybe for nostalgia and loyalty more that anything.
I always order the wonton Ramen and an order of Fried Rice. I don't know what's so special about their fried rice...but it's really good. I love the cold cucumber and sometimes order a full order of that too.
The ramen is always consistent, chewy and broth is good. I haven't tried any other ramen there....I like my soups mostly clear.
Place is small but turn-around is quick. -
Review from Debra C.
Palo Alto, CA
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I do think I have high standards for Ramen so this place's ramen doesn't impress me much. I came here as they can quickly seat me (I was starving). The broth is mildly flavored and the noodle has an alkaline taste to it (they really need to rinse the noodle throughoutly!) and the meat is overcooked. It would be nice if the waitress add a smile. And finding parking in this area is a nightmare.
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Review from Ticha B.
Quick review:
- HUGE RAMEN BOWLS...A+!
- Tasty ramen, yummy gyoza, nicely priced ($7.95 for my Moyashi Ramen)
- CASH ONLY...not too good
- TOUGH PARKING...street/metered parking. Streets are dark at night so you gals out there make sure you're walking with someone to and from your car
- Bathrooms are in the back of the restaurant...walk outside and around the building to the shared bathrooms. :(
This place was packed when we walked in but we got a table right away. Ramen came out super hot and quick. The bowl was HUGE!!!!!
Service pretty good. A bit too far for me from Hollywood though and the parking is a big issue in my books. Plus all the traffic on Sawtelle makes it a bad time. Good food though! -
Review from Namella K.
Los Angeles, CA
Giant bowls of comforting ramen. Tasty, simple, fast. I had the spicy kimchee ramen and it was stellar. Iced green tea in a can and I'm good. Gyoza was deliciously fried and yummy.
No parking and on Sawtelle so get ready for a little hike. -
Review from Sid P.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2011
Solid three stars Ramen/Noodle house.
Fresh Tofu and Gyoza were fine.
Pork and Kimchi Ramen were solid - not the best - not the worst - just fine (kind of like the Goldilocks of Ramen).
Unpretentiously average decor.
Parking sucks (as it does all over this section of Sawtelle).
Bathroom is a bummer to get to (outside all the way around in the back of the restaurant).
Cash only.
Fine for a quick lunch if you find yourself in this part of town around 1PM. -
Review from Jessica Y.
Los Angeles, CA
9/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is my go-to ramen place. Cheap, quick and dependable.
I always get the shio ramen, the broth is a bit lighter, less salty. It's a huuuge bowl that I can never finish.
I've also gotten their gyoza and ban ban ji. I really like the ban ban ji (shredded cucumbers and chicken) but it is a bit spicy.
This is the place to go for a quick meal :) -
Review from Bill M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2011
Likes:
- great portions
- great selection
- clean
Dislikes:
- cash only
- hard to find parking
- customer service is not too great
Old lady server is the worst! AVOID HER SHIFTS AT ALL COSTS!!!! -
Review from Andrew L.
7/8/2011
I find that places that don't specialize in only one type of ramen don't do well in most of them. That's true of Asahi.
[=THE 411=]
Service isn't bad -- same as Tofuya, since I think they're the same owner. Parking, as usual, should be parallel to Sawtelle -- on Corinth. On this block, it's easier to find it on Corinth since it's a little bit of a walk away from the main plaza (with Volcano Tea House).
[=THE FOOD=]
Mabo tofu ramen. Curry ramen. Dumplings. Anything else that isn't normal ramen is most likely good. I've never liked my ramen here before, but that's because I came once... didn't like it... didn't come again for two years... then happened to order the same thing I got last time, and didn't like it. My friends who like this place only like a specific flavor they've tried. They're up against some Ramen Giants here in SoCal, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for my Yelp friends' sake and give 'em two stars.
The portions are generous, though.
[=VERDICT=]
If you want a good experience here, get something that isn't typically ramen. Not the one that sounds like it has the most stuff. Not the most basic one.
Honestly, only 2 stars because my friends who also LOVE ramen think this place isn't bad. I trust 'em.
If you're in walking distance here and want better ramen, go across the street to Chabuya. =] Sorry Asahi!Listed in: Sawtelle Eateries, LA Ramen: Best Ramen in the…
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Review from Will T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2011
Had the Chashu Ramen. Big portion, soup ok, but the chashu were tough and dry. At the end, it felt like I was chewing on some cooked cardboard.
Wife had the Miso Ramen. It was just ok too. There were a bunch of those tiny bits of meat at the bottom of the bowl and she only finished it because she was super hungry to begin with.
Parking sucks too, but that's just anywhere in Sawtelle. This is like the 3rd time I've been here and it hasn't improved since the first time. Won't come back for sure. -
Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
In theory, Asahi has some things going for it. A prime location on Sawtelle in J-town West. A cool name that sounds like a refreshing beer. A couple chairs outside as if people might actually wait for this stuff. It could be tolerable, if the food was palatable.
The Chashu Ramen is almost totally free of taste or character, a lump of curly vines in bland broth stolen from a Cup of Noodles. The Wonton Ramen, meanwhile, has a lonely tanginess, a hint of mild depression like the crazy lady down the street with 18 cats.
It could be the worst ramen I've ever had.
My wife only ate about 5 bites before giving up on the Wonton Ramen. The noodles were flaccid and the wontons were shriveled sodium sacks of frozen fodder. I stuck it out and did my best against the huge serving of Chashu Ramen which had equally lame noodles plus the addition of tough and impoverished Pork slices. How can meat be this dry when it's surfing in a bowl of soup?
The service was fine. The prices were ok. The eclectic stream of ethnically-diverse patrons through the door was constant. Clearly, Asahi Ramen is making money. Why is beyond me. -
Review from K P.
Los Angeles, CA
6/10/2011
I had the Miso Ramen. The portion was huge, comprising of 60% soup and 40% actual noodle and pork. Soup was 'meh', the noodles tasted like a chewier Top Ramen, pork was not as tender. My ramen also came with slices of bamboo that were really salty.
My boyfriend got a clear noodle ramen. His opinion: "it was OK"
We've both had amazing ramen in Japan, so nothing compares.
Tajima in San Diego has pretty good ramen.
Asa-sorry. -
Review from Francesca L.
Colorado Springs, CO
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Definitely the worst ramen shop I've been too. Exactly like Will T said, chashu ramen --pork was tough and dry. Broth was nothing special. Service is fine, atmosphere is casual, price ok.
Cash only.
I won't be back. -
Review from Joseph M.
North Hills, CA
9/8/2011
After a long day of walking and gawking at LACMA, we were decidedly hungry and the fact that the last exhibit we were talking through was their permanent collection of Japanese art, ramen seemed like the go-to cuisine for the evening. Called up my brother to see what places he recommended, but they were all closed. He suggested to try out any place on Sawtelle between Santa Monica Blvd and Olympic Blvd, since it's a nice little concentrated nook of Japanese restaurants and markets. We were just happy to see that some place was open and had empty seats for us to fill.
Asahi Ramen is solid but not amazing. Had the Kimchi Ramen - and yes, I know that kimchi is Korean and ramen is Japanese so maybe I shouldn't have expected their speciality, but it was #1 on their menu, so you'd figure they'd reserve the first dish for something they can be sure to do right. The portions were definitely generous, the ramen noodles were alright, the broth was okay, and the other ingredients were pretty good. Would definitely rate it higher if it was cheaper, but for the prices at this place, I'd hope for a bit better quality.
Hit this place up if you want ramen at a later hour than most of the other places stay open.
