Ramen Tatsunoya

Ramen Tatsunoya Restaurant Review:

Old Pasadena was clearly starved for quality ramen, as evidenced by the popular opening of Tatsunoya. The company has 14 locations in Japan, dating to 1999, and president Mikitaka Nagamatsu led its first overseas foray. The space features brick walls, exposed rafters, an L-shaped bar overlooking Tatsunoya’s open kitchen, and light wood furniture that includes a communal wood table with a tree shooting up the middle. The menu has a tight focus, with three different ramens. Kuku tonkotsu features rich pork broth that starts to form a surface film if you let it sit for too long. Crunchy wood ear mushrooms, scallions and thin-sliced chashu come with each order, and you should probably supplement them with an oozing flavored egg. Jun tonkotsu touts a lighter, less creamy broth. Spicy miso is also an option. When it first debuted, Tatsunoya served tiny, thin-skinned gyoza, but they quickly disappeared. For beverages, expect soft drinks and green tea. Dessert brings silky coconut flan with a sidecar of matcha cream.