Considered one of Japan's hottest ramen specialists, Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai, opened its first LA location on March 1st in Torrance. The brand new strip mall retailer drew big strains with clients ready as much as an hour for a style of the brand new. (Diners waited outdoors the noodle store to open at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 4; the eating room was packed by midday.) The Japan-based chain opened its first location in Costa Mesa in 2014 and s ' has expanded into Orange County with eating places in Buena Park, Fountain Valley and Irvine.

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai's distinctive ramen model originated within the Japanese metropolis of Kitakata in Fukushima in 1927 when a 19-year-old Chinese language immigrant named Bankinsei opened a ramen store with shina soba (Chinese language-style noodles). Wavy, thick and barely chewy, the noodles lacked the bounce of typical alkaline noodles present in Japanese ramen corresponding to Sapporo's miso ramen and Fukuoka's tonkotsu ramen. Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai was based in 1958 by husband and spouse Shingo and Hisa Ban Nai, increasing to dozens of areas with chef Akira Nakahara within the late Eighties. There are at the moment 57 areas in all Japan.

The broth, noodles, and chashu set Kitakata aside from different kinds of ramen. The pork broth is obvious and nearly with out seen fats, which makes it lighter, however nonetheless tasty. The signature noodles absorb the broth greater than normal ramen noodles, whereas slices of fatty pork chashu are positioned circularly for optimum presentation.

Along with the signature Kitakata-style ramen is a inexperienced chile and scallion-topped shio model that brings a spicy twist; the sweet-salty miso provides a welcome dimension. The noodle store additionally serves a spicy miso broth and a creamy tan tinged with spices, plus a vegan miso ramen blended with seasoned tofu. A dipping-style tsukemen completes the noodle providing. As for sides, discover stellar fried gyoza, crispy karaage hen items, takoyaki and a salty pork bun.

The arrival of Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai in Torrance provides one other high-quality noodle soup specialist to the crowded South Bay ramen scene, which already boasts Yamadaya, Josui, Santouka, Shin Sen Gumi and Rakkan. Kitakata's seen perch alongside Pacific Coast Freeway subsequent to a busy H-Mart grocery store and ample parking ought to gas its reputation.

Kitakata Bannai is positioned at 4338 Pacific Coast Freeway, Torrance, CA, 90505, and is open Monday via Friday, from 11 am to three pm, then 5 pm to 10 pm On Saturday, it’s open 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sundays, it’s open from 11 am to 9 pm

A plate of brown dumplings piled high on a white plastic plate at LA ramen shop Kitakata Ban Nai.

Pan fried gyoza.

Ramen with white noodles, pork belly and chopped scallions in a white plastic bowl.

Customary ramen with 5 items of pork chashu.

An open kitchen with restaurant workers at a modern Torrance ramen spot.

The eating room and counter at Kitakata Ban Nai in Torrance.

A modern strip mall with Spanish-style tiles and signage that reads Now open below the Kitakata Ban Nai ramen restaurant.

Storefront of Kitakata Ban Nai in Torrance.

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