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Ramen Halu
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
375 Saratoga AveSte M
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 246-3933
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon, Wed-Thu, Sun 5:30 pm - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat-Sun 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
739 reviews for Ramen Halu
Review Highlights
"They also have whole wheat noodles now."
(in 24 reviews)
"the fact that there is fat in the broth seals the deal."
(in 367 reviews)
"The Shio Ramen has such a really light and delicate flavor."
(in 82 reviews)
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739 reviews in English
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Review from Chris S.
San Jose, CA
2/7/2012
I feel a certain sense of nostalgia whenever Halu Ramen's Broth comes to mind. I have been coming and going from ramen shops from all across bay and was even able to experience it japan. But there is always that feeling of home when you come back to that place where you first experienced real ramen .
Halu's appearance is now quite different from when I first ate here, although sadly the old layout has changed the ramen here has stayed constant. That silky almost gravy like broth never changes and never gets old (gotta love the tiny bits of fat). The noodles here are some of the best of any ramen joints and the soft boiled egg is always done right. My only complaint is that the normal cha-shu has always been lacking, but I do have to say that kurobuta bara cha-shu is delicious and should replace the normal cha-shu all together!
I have loved this place from the beginning and still love it today. -
Review from Christie W.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ramen Halu is probably the first place I've been to that offers whole wheat noodle. Sounds healthy right?
1. Tantan men - Whole wheat noodle, char siu, bamboo, spinach. This is not your regular ramen where the noodle is in the soup. The noodle and ingredients are separated from the broth. It's also known as dipping noodle. It comes with a super HOT (temperature) bowl of broth for you to dip/warm your noodle and other ingredients, then the second small bowl consist of a thick sauce, that has garlic and vinegar. I get to play with my food.
2. Ramen Halu- House special ramen. The broth is thicker than most places, and not creamier. The char siu was flavorful by itself.
-It takes a while to study the menu at Ramen Halu because you can pretty much customize your ramen into whatever you want. You can add corn, ear mushroom, seasoned egg, less or more fat, less or more salt, but with additional cost of course.
-I like the tantan men because it's simply different and the whole wheat noodle taste great, maybe even better than the regular ramen noodle.
-One thing to keep in mind is the sizes here are portioned smaller than expected. Let's just say it's healthy portions. A regular is probably the usual small at other places.
-The layout of this restaurant can be better, I'm not a fan of the blue ceiling with paintings of fishes and octopus. But I definitely see a lot of potential in this restaurant.
-Also, cash only!Listed in: Ramen & Noodle
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Review from Arnold T.
Every time a server asks "So how was the food?" I always answer with a "good". Even though at times, it is an outright lie, I feel I owe it to them to have to say it. What am I going to say? "My dish was utterly disgusting; I've eaten rat heads that taste better!" (For sake of emphasis "rat heads" was used, I have never eaten one.) The extremity of the statement is exaggerated only because the general statement and not describing this place.
On the Friday before the Christmas weekend, I took advantage of the light traffic and headed toward Ramen Halu. Being my first time, after being greeted and sat down, the menu was head to toe impressing to the eyes. Fully detailed descriptions of what's what, the only thing lacking were pictures and pop up illustrated captures. Offerings range from small to extra large, being the tan-tan men the exception; small and regular were the only options for that one. They also have wheat noodles and thinner noodles as an option. I ordered the Halu ramen extra large with thick noodles! Usually Japanese extra large translates a medium for me, just like any Asian tailored clothes. At $13 bucks, the bar of expectation was set pretty high.
Out comes my bowl (or bucket) of ramen, and the server says "good luck". Presentation was pleasant, and if thick noodles are your preference, you'll enjoy the thick noodles here. They're ultra chewy and very filling. The broth was thicker, almost gravy like, and fattier than I would have liked but tasteful to an extent. I've never seen a ramen place that serves an extra large ramen, and once again, curiosity backfires on me. I got tired of it not even half way into it, and trudged my way to the end leaving collateral damage.
If I could go back in time and answer the question of "So how was the food?" the answer would be different. I'd let the question marinate and I'd tell the waiter, "It was just OK for me". The noodles were the best part. While the broth had some promise, the thickness was overwhelming due to its fatty nature. At the heart of the ramen from Halu, the arteries of taste are sadly clogged.Listed in: Top Ramen!
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Review from Shirley N.
San Jose, CA
This use to be my favorite ramen joint until I recently had dinner here the other night. I ordered the Halu ramen with whole wheat noodles, with less fat and sodium. The broth came out SUPER SALTY and had a thick consistency. The noodles didn't taste fresh at all. I don't know if it was a bad night but it definitely ruined this place for me. My sister agreed that her bowl didn't taste great as well. I managed to still finish 3/4 of my bowl, but downing two glasses of water with that :/ I did actually enjoy my pork bowl with rice as my appetizer. The pork is tender and sweet, but they gave too much rice and not enough pork! :P Would i visit this place again? I don't know..
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2011
My favorite ramen place! I came here for lunch with a friend when Orenchi ramen was close and boy am… Read more »
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Review from Johnny P.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
One of my favorite places in the Bay Area for Ramen. It's been a while, but what I remember is the Halu Ramen -- it integrates tonkotsu, which consists of pork bone broth and makes the broth thicker. The noodles are thick and chewy, which I sorta like. I usually get it "double" for extra meat. The toppings that come with it include garlic, green onion, dashi broth, ginger with shoyu sauce, so it's a bit unique and different from other ramen places that serve tonkotsu-based ramen. It's flavory!
I also get edamame. It's lightly salted and has a nice firm fresh crisp. Very tasty and nice snack to eat while waiting for the ramen.
I remember it was cash only and $11-12+ -- not sure if they got a credit card machine or increased the prices. I've always had to wait in line, so come a little earlier and don't get there extremely hungry or else the wait will kill your stomach.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. -
Review from Catherine L.
Palo Alto, CA
Lately I've been enjoying ramen more and more.
Ramen Halu had a pumpkin ramen around Thanksgiving and it was really good. Light and flavorful.
Will return! -
Review from Scotty S.
Santa Clara, CA
11/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The signage outside is very non-descriptive, it just reads: "Halu". I walked past Halu a number of times, not knowing exactly what is was. Is it a restaurant, a massage parlor, a chiropractor, a market? No way of telling unless you look through the window.
Having eaten here several times, I have a tried a good selection of the menu. Unlike many Ramen places, one can really customize what one wants to receive in one's bowl. That is great for those that have eaten Ramen at a restaurant but can be a bit daunting for the first timers.
The last time I was here at Halu there was a Autumn Pumpkin special on the menu. I would have never imagined that a pumpkin ramen ever existed but I was willing to give it a try. Wow! Was it good.
Get there b/4 noon or you will have to stand and wait.
Be careful about the pricing. If you modify your ramen you can quickly make for a very expensive bowl of soup. (~ $20/bowl) -
Review from Jenny K.
12/7/2011
The egg the egg the egg the TAMAGO is win!
I added two half-boiled eggs (SO GOOD) to my original thin halu noodles, and I must have been super hungry grumpy when I went 'cause Halu ramen was like happy ramen--mouthfuls of sunshine in my face all the way. I even gulped down the entire bowl of their infamous soup. It was housemade & low-sodium.
No line on a Saturday afternoon either.
P-e-r-f-e-c-t r-a-m-e-n, HALU. -
Review from Karina G.
11/17/2011
I wad hardcore craving ramen but Santouka was closed and I didn't have the patience to wait in Orenchi's line. So to halu ramen instead!
The husband and I went to halu a long time ago, but couldn't remember how much we like it so this was the perfect opportunity to check it out.
First, now they have whole wheat noodles, which I am a total fan of. These noodles have great texture and are overall, pretty tasty.
However, the broth left me wanting. I got the halu broth with light salt and it was still a little too salty for me. I'm not really sure what it is, but I just didn't enjoy the broth. It also felt a little thick for ramen broth. I asked for Tokyo negi on my ramen but... It wasnt Tokyo negi! The just put regular green onion instead. Don't get me wrong, I like regular green onion too but don't advertise Tokyo negi and give me regular negi.
Overall, good but not great. Works in a pinch if you can't be bothered with Orenchi or Santouka is closed. But... If it were me, I'd just go to Harry's Hofbrau across the street and make the point to get better ramen the next day.Listed in: The Ramen List
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Review from siuming M.
Mountain View, CA
11/29/2011
My rank: Halu, Dojo, Shalala, Orenchi, Santouka, Santa, Himawari, Ryowa, Maru Ichi, Kahoo
I like thick noodles, tonkotsu/meaty based soup... on the heavier side, i always order their Halu Ramen.
Line is not bad during lunch (unlike Orenchi and Dojo - which are CRAZY), and they never ran out of soup/noodles on me (unlike Dojo). -
Review from Jay Y.
Mountain View, CA
11/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here
One of my Japanese friends recommended this place.
I have tried Halu Ramen, Shio Ramen, Tsukemen, and Tan Tan Men. Some people say it's too greasy and fatty. Well, it may be true. But everyone has different taste. For me, that greasy and fatty broth seemed thick and genuine.
My favorite was Tsukemen. That's dipping ramen and after finishing your noodles you can put white hot broth into your dipping sauce and drink it all. Happy ending! I think it's better than sweet desserts.
I like their extra egg in ramen. It's half cooked and very soft. I tried ordering extra chashu, but they have much chashu already. You can add chashu only if you are a great meat-lover.
As other ramen houses, you can sit at the bar to have food alone. :)
Take credit card if it's more than 20 USD. -
Review from Carissa U.
Long Beach, CA
Not too bad...
Never been to the other places that everyone is comparing to since I'm from LA, but I did like the ramen here and would come back again. Not knowing which to get I opted for the regular HALU with buckwheat noodles (less salt, less fat - a recommendation from our waiter -- THANK YOU). Broth was good and I can't imagine it saltier or fattier than it already was. This place is busy too and the service seemed a little slow. Also I feel it's a little expensive to ramen...
I still like Daikokuya in LA. Bigger bowl, combos, and fast service in Jtown. Give it a try if you're in the area. -
Review from Toru K.
Cupertino, CA
11/27/2011
I'm a huge fan of Japanese Ramen. I was born in Japan and I have eaten tons of ramen there.
"Taste of ramen" is a very controversial topic. There is no "the best ramen for all." so you need to find your own. Accordingly, I was trying to find my favorite in this area. I did. This place.
I have tried every kind of ramen here. Halu ramen, shio, sho-yu, tsuke-men, and tan-tan-men. My favorite is Halu ramen. It's just a little bit too salty for my taste, though. The others are also good. Sho-yu ramen seems to be authentic.
I'm astonished by the quality of ramen restaurants in this area. I'm sure many of them can survive even if they are in Japan. However It's somewhat strange to me that almost every ramen restaurant here has a variety of ramen. (shio, sho-yu, tonkotsu, and so on.) They need to specialize and deepen. -
Review from Kyle D.
Milpitas, CA
11/6/2011 2 photos
I really wanted to love you Ramen Halu. But I have been terribly spoiled by Orenchi...and even though you seduced me in with your seemingly wonderful pumpkin ramen, I don't think I will be returning any time soon (Unless the other nearby ramen places mysterious burn down).
Honestly, I can only compare this little ramen joint to Orenchi. Orenchi was the first ramen place I have ever tried and I was absolutely smitten by every part of their ramen. Yelpers! You guys have let me down, because unfortunately, Ramen Halu cannot compare to the greatness of it's nearby competition.
Ordered the pumpkin ramen here with an extra egg (I was so in love with the egg from Orenchi). And honestly, it wasn't what I was expecting. I am a HUGE pumpkin lover...I love pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin facial masks...and the pumpkin ramen broth, while pretty decent, did not spark any of my pumpkin senses. The noodles were okay, chewy but not particularly noteworthy. The cheese was quite interesting. But the egg...Oh god, the egg was such a disappointment. Absolutely nothing on Orenchi's egg at all. And was this expensive...a bowl of this was $13. Not including tax, tip, or the extra stuff I ordered on top.
I also tried a bit of the signature Halu Ramen which my friend ordered. Neither she or I was impressed either. The broth was a bit too salty, and it had a really strange kick of flavor. Not to mention the crazy amount of fat that floated on the top of the ramen...that didn't make it appetizing at all.
Overall, it was just alright. While it did satisfy a cold hungry night, it did not fill my ramen needs. Sigh. Oh! And cash only, don't forget. -
Review from Andrew C.
First stumble after maybe 1/2 dozen visits.
I got my usual Halu Ramen. Remembering the Kurobuta pork from the Halu Miso Ramen (see prior review), I ordered the Kurobuta cha shu extra topping (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Unfortunately, it had a burned unpalatable crust on the outside from some pre-slicing searing and the inner part of the meat was dry too.
Still, Halu stays as one of my favorite Bay Area ramen joints.Listed in: Ramen
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2010
They have a Spring special of Halu Miso Ramen. The broth is a blend of a few types of miso and comes… Read more »
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Review from geoff c.
Mountain View, CA
12/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great chewy noodles. Service was a bit slow today, but the most irksome part was this woman in an orange coat and her bf that bogarted to the front of the line. Hopefully she'll be relegated to the 7th circle of hell where she waits in line for the drinking fountain while irritating demons continually budge in front of her. Some people have no manners.
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Review from Scott L.
Mountain View, CA
10/30/2011
Each time I come here I think the same thing... wow has this place changed... and why can't they get some window covering to stop the f*&king sunlight. Damn it is annoying.
For the food, good overall and if you get the larger bowls, enough for a sumo wrestler I'd think. Our fave waiter only works there once per week now, but the staff is really good overall tho. I think I prefer the standard noodles over the wheat ones.... just personal preference.
This place has changed a lot over the many years... but as good as ever. -
Review from Jessica T.
San Jose, CA
10/8/2011
Ramen Halu why you make me so sad?!?! Every year for the month of October, Ramen Halu serves their special pumpkin ramen. I've been meaning to try it out since last year and when I realized it was october, I dragged the bf with me to try their special, but little did I know they will not be serving their special ramen until NEXT WEEK which is later than usual (oh my aching heart). sigh high hopes for nothing....but anyway I ordered their signature ramen which was alright. I'm not a fan of thick noodles. Their ramen selection isn't that big, but you can have the option of how spicy you like. Ramen broth is pretty good. I wish they didn't charge for extra bamboo. 2 bowels of signature ramen with tsukemen totaled out $25. oh yeah btw, pumpkin ramen will be served until thanksgiving!
CASH ONLYD:
edit: alright alright..ramen halu unfortunately still has disappointed me again. Pumpkin ramen wasn't worth the $12 like I hoped. Broth was nothing special and the pumpkin wasn't even the orange ones you carve out of, but instead 3small pieces of fried paper thin kabocha. Uh....I waited a year for this?? Sorry Ramen Halu, your ramen is no bueno. -
Review from Tee K.
Milpitas, CA
This is my fav tonkotsu ramen base broth place. I love the creamy texture of the broth and the chewiness of their noodles.
The food comes out time and time again consistent. I like how they listen to customer and alter their level of slat and fat when customer ask. Before it was too much added if u ask for it to be added and too bland without. Now it is perfect;)
This is definitely my top ramen shop to eat for creamy pork soup!!! -
Review from Mercy B.
Milpitas, CA
9/15/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love me a good bowl of ramen. I don't just love it - I crave it.
Ramen Halu is in my ramen restaurant rotation depending on what type of ramen I'm in the mood for.
Their tonkotsu broth is rich and flavorful. My last visit, I tried it with the wheat noodles. Hmmmm - filling and satisfying.
Like it spicy? Their tantan-men ramen is guaranteed to turn up the heat.
It gets crowded/busy during the lunch and dinner hours. The line can sometimes go out the door. Be patient - they do try to turn tables as quickly as they can.
Staff is great - always very friendly and accommodating. Previous reviewers stated that it's cash only, but it appears that they've changed their policy as of my last visit, they did take my debit card as payment.
Guaranteed, you'll find me here again. -
Review from Tinick P.
Sunnyvale, CA
11/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've grown to love this place. What I love is the options for my ramen.
My pick tonight? Pumpkin Ramen with...(drum roll please) no cheese, onions or parsley, less fat and less sodium, with wheat noodles. Whew! Thats a mouthful. I felt so bad for being so picky, but they happily took my order and made it just the way I liked it. It was PERFECT for lil ol' me. I love all things Pumpkin, so the pumpkin is my instant fave.
The noodles are perfect, and the whole wheat noodles are equally good. You can taste a difference, but I think its a great alternative to the regular noodles they offer and they definitely put in some love into it. Its equally chewy as the original noodles. I love me some good noodles.
They also have soft-boiled eggs in their ramen.. I don't know why other places don't offer this as well. I always get an extra one (but don't sit near me after..HAHA) and it totally hits the spot.
Mm..now I'm hungry. :) -
Review from Andrea H.
Santa Clara, CA
Updated - 11/10/2011
I went back to Ramen Halu a couple weeks ago and ordered the original Ramen Halu as usual. I was extremely disappointed. The broth tasted different, not the yummy flavorful pork broth I had back in 2006. I wondered whether they have a different chef now or they changed recipe or something. In any case, although the noodle still has a good texture, sadly I had to cross this ramen joint out of my list due to the bad tasting broth * sigh *
Oh well, at least I still have Orenchi Ramen to go to!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/18/2006
This place can be a hit and miss, since the quality can be inconsistent at times, sometimes the soup… Read more »
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Review from Juan Carlos J.
Austin, TX
12/30/2011
The ramen at Halu is good, but I don't think it's worth the wait when the place is busy.
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Review from Mike C.
Cupertino, CA
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quality has gone down over the years, but still a solid choice for ramen with fatty tasty broth.
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Review from Leslie H.
9/9/2011
I can't believe I've never reviewed this place! I still remember when Halu, Ryowa, Maru Ichi, Ringer Hut and Do-Henkotsu (which has made way for Kahoo) were the only games in town. At the time, I thought that Ramen Halu was pretty tasty at the time, but now I've come to believe that their soup is a bit too heavy and salty. True, you can get it with less salt and less fat, but I still end up guzzling huge amounts of water after eating ramen here. Also, they are cash only, which I find pretty darn irritating. I do enjoy their noodles though, especially the thicker ones that they use with their special super thick halu soup. I typically stick with the shoyu base, which is less heavy.
Halu is still a decent bowl of noodles, but compared to the other new players (ahem, Orenchi and Kahoo and Santouka), it just doesn't hold up. The wait used to be super long, but I haven't been back since the other places open, so I'm thinking that there should be fewer lines now. Also, the prices just don't justify the quality and portion size of the product in comparison to these other places.Listed in: Ramen!
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Review from Randy F.
Updated - 8/8/2011 4 photos
3.5 Stars
I've never really been a fan of Ramen Halu. Even when they were one of the few games in town, I found their description of the broth on their menu a bit exaggerated and definitely found their prices on the high side (for example, when you order the works for toppings).
Now with even greater competition from places like Orenchi and Santouka, you'd think it'd be harder to compete. But I do think that Ramen Halu has stepped up their game. Plus they continue to be a favorite of some hardcore chowhounds.
They recently finished a remodel and the open space (vs. the walls that were there before) is definitely an improvement over the old cramped atmosphere.
The menu has also undergone some changes and the most notable is that they now offer the popular tan tan ramen all the time vs. it being only a seasonal offering.
Prices remain a bit high but generally are in line with other top ramen places in the Peninsula. It also seems that the small order, which used to be quite small, is a much better size to value ratio than before.
I've always found their broth to be more hype than reality, but this time, I had to admit I was impressed by their broths. We ordered both the signature Halu ramen and also the Tan Tan ramen.
I found both broths to be rich and creamy and ordering the original thick noodles is definitely the way to go (vs. ordering the wheat noodles). There is a bounciness and chewiness that is just right in the piping hot broth.
Others have complained about the oiliness of their tonkotsu broth and I remember that issue as well, but they've seemed to have focused on fixing it. Both our broths were relatively oil free and had no fat globules that I could detect.
The toppings are a bit sparse (especially if you don't order the Works toppings). My Tan Tan ramen did not come with a soft boiled egg, had no chasu pork and was still $11 for a regular sized bowl. The Halu ramen also did not come with a soft boiled egg, but did have a few slices of chasu.
Overall, I'd say Halu seems to have recognized the increased ramen competition in the Bay Area and made some notable improvements. The broth was really quite good this time and their noodles continue to be a strong point. If they are able to add more value to their ramen bowls, perhaps they will once again regain the lines that now seem to be heading for Orenchi.
Halu is cash only, but has just begun to accept credit cards. Another sign of the times, they say that they are only taking bills greater than $40, but will slowly transition to all bills. They will accept Visa and Mastercard, but don't plan to take American Express.
1) Orenchi Tonkotsu Ramen with soft boiled egg
1) Santouka Miso Ramen with toriniku pork (tied)
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3) Ramen Halu - Halu Ramen
4) Dohatsuten - Shio Ramen (mild and less salty)
5) Ramen Dojo - Spicy Pork Ramen
6) Kahoo - Kotteri Ramen (spicy)
7) Santa - Tonkotsu Ramen with stewed pork (decadent pork)
8) Katana Ya - Butter Corn Ramen
9) Ryowa - Butter Corn Ramen
10) Maru Ichi - Kuro Ramen
11) Shalala - Spicy Miso RamenListed in: AmEx Outcasts!, Cash Only!, Path to Ramen Enlightenment
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/23/2008
What better way to cap off a late night of drinking and partying than with a nice bowl of hot… Read more »
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Review from Terry C.
8/23/2011 2 photos
My ramen from Halu was delicious. the ramen was fresh and chewy, the broth was so rich and delicious. I ordered the tan tan ramen w/ an egg. I also tried the halu ramen and a couple of the salad appetizers and everything was very delicious.
Cash only - unless it's orders over $30. -
Review from Carrie-C N.
San Jose, CA
12/5/2011
I like ramen. I like salty broth. I like the broth doused in MSG (okay, sometimes I do). All that aside, Halu is EXTREMELY SALTY!!! Or maybe on the day I went it was. I was not able to finish it, and I always finish my ramen. Hence, two stars.
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Review from alan r.
Cupertino, CA
12/11/2011
I enjoyed my ramen with extra egg thanks Jenny k. had a nicer meal had 3 ramen fiends and reviews were 3-4 did find it a little too salty my flavorful. I know fat and salf eqauls flavor .
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Review from Spencer E.
South San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
i ordered the "tan tan men" but a better name of it would be bowl of oil with noodles. first of all i ordered "very spicy" from the list of spiciness. i do tolerate spicy better than people but it seriously did not even have any taste of spicy in my mouth. my mouth burns more eating ONE hot cheeto than this entire bowl. my taste bud was not satisfied one bit eating this ramen.
the ONLY thing i liked about my bowl of "ramen" (if you are even allowed to call this ramen) is that they do flavor the ground pork very well, but you don't get much meat so that does not even matter much.
very very disappointing... -
Review from Jon H.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2011
I went here with my gf coming in with high expectations. Ordered the regular Halu Ramen ($8.50). As I was eating the ramen, the broth tasted funny. It had some sort of industrial flavor that I couldn't put a finger on. It's hard to explain, but it just didn't taste right. I looked at the broth and it had lots of weird white flecks that I thought was fat. But how could that be? Shouldn't the fat from the pork have melted during the cooking process?
After we paid for the meal and with a slight puzzled look at my ramen bowl, the friendly waiter comes up to us and explains that we can order it with different levels of salt and different levels of fat.
I go, "What do you mean different levels of fat? The broth comes from a big pot filled with pork. How is it possible that you can individually adjust the fat?
Waiter replies, "Well, we actually have this tub of lard and we can add different levels of it."
Me: Cringed
Waiter, "Yeah, it's kind of gross, but we don't have to add it if you don't want."
Okay, when you say 'it's kind of gross' and you put it my ramen, clearly why the heck would you put it in there? If the only way to make your broth richer is by putting in manufactured tubs of lard, I suggest you go back and adjust your recipe. -
Review from Booker D.
San Jose, CA
1/20/2012
The Halu ramen is good. The noodles here are the best in the area and the char siu is soft and oishii. My go to place for shoyu ramen.
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Review from Lily S.
San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
South Bay - Ramen Shop Ranking:
1st - Ajisen
2nd - Halu
3rd - Orenchi
Halu was delicious and worth the short wait:
Noodles:
Freshly made and just the right amount of chewiness - even the whole wheat was delicious. Made me feel less guilty because my ramen was whole wheat =]
Soup:
Flavorful without being too salty - however, they add fat bits into their soup to make it hearty and to keep the temperature of the soup hot for a longer period of time, but you can ask for no, little, or more fat bits (sounds nasty, I know) At least you have a choice for non-fat!
Cha-Su:
The pork that came with the ramen was ok, nothing too special. However, if you order the kurobuta bara cha-su, its marinated and lightly seared on both sides and super duper good.
In General:
Options Options Galore. Small to Extra Large sizes
Noodles come in Thin or Thick, White or Whole Wheat
Cash only
Short wait during prime times - not like Orenchi though
Ask for no fat bits in soup -
Review from Grace L.
Berkeley, CA
9/18/2011
Craving ramen on a Friday night after a day of window shopping in Santana Row. Ramen Halu was just what we were looking for, delicious, no nonsense ramen.
I liked how detailed their menu was, they explain what they put in all their dishes, though unfortunately we were not hungry enough to try everything. Boyfriend got the Halu Ramen, while I got the Spicy Tan Tan men! Good portions, noodles were QQ and very flavorful.
Excited to have found this place, if I'm ever in the South bay craving ramen, this would be my first stop. :) -
Review from Lon H.
Fremont, CA
12/11/2011
I had the Halu Ramen, with thick noodles in the Tonkotsu broth which was really good. My son had the Tan Tan Men, which he loved and it had a kick to it too. Great to enjoy on a cold winter day.
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Review from Kilo L.
Cupertino, CA
10/2/2011
Delicious noodles and broth, great personable service.
This was my first try, loved it. I had the halu with original thick noodles, tasted very home made, flavorful both. The only drawback for me was the broth was bit salty, I will ask for low sodium next time or order the light broth.
The marinated bamboo was very good, but again could use less salt. -
Review from Mars F.
Santa Clara, CA
9/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Like a n00b, I didn't consult Yelp first and...
Thanks for telling me AFTER I finished my meal that it was cash only!
I said, "Don't you think there should be a sign posted or something?!"
They said, "Uh....I think it must've been taken down after we renovated..."
Good thing your ramen is freaking amazing. -
Review from amy n.
Milpitas, CA
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The consistancy of the noodles are really fantastic here, nice and chewy and tastes fresh. I got the Tantan ramen, slightly spicy, but a bit too salty for my taste though. This is my second time here, but I've never been blown away by the ramen. Great place to hang out with the friend, grab some ramen, and chitchat. :] Oh, the sesame ice cream is superb, though! It tastes like freshly toasted sesame seeds ground and incorporated with ice cream. Wanted to try the seasonal special, but it was rather pricey, more than $3 more than a regular.. not sure if it would be worth it.
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Review from Rebecca K.
San Jose, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
gross.
its soooooooooo... fatty and greasy...
TOO MUCH FRIGGIN PORK FAT ALL UP IN MY RAMEN! it was not good. i dont even know why i go to japanese ramen places. freaking pork broth is DISGUSTING. i thought orenchii was kinda gross too, but after trying this place, orenchi is faaaaar better.
and i got a small tan tan men ramen today and it was NOT WORTH 8.90 (plus tip and tax -_-)
they give you a dinky amount and its suuuuuuuper thick (the broth) that it feels like you're drinking fat down your throat. i dont remember if it was beef or pork broth (prob beef) but i didnt like it at all.
afterwards, my bf and i were like... wtf why did we come here. i didnt even want ramen -_-
never again. -
Review from Eugene D.
San Jose, CA
6/28/2011
My absolute favorite Ramen Shop! and over the 5 years I've been going to this establishment it still is right on point!
Appetizers: The Age Dashi Nasu is my absolute favorite I think I could eat that everyday! And the Okara Salad is very tasty as well.
Now time for the good stuff.... The RAMEN!
The Halu is a must and I would have to say the Ramen I eat second the most is the Tsuke-men Which is always fantastic. And on occasion I will have the Shio if I'm in the mood for some thing on the lighter side.
Most of the staff is great especially the week day lunch crew.
It's good to see that after 9 long years they are still open and doing well I wish them the best of luck!
