#crazyramenlady

Spicy Garlic Pork Ramen (extra pork, extra quail eggs): 4.3 out of 5 Cost: $12-15 If weed is the gateway drug. Then, I say Ramen Dojo is the gateway to my ramen obsession. Actually, it's safe to say I have an addiction. (Hi, I'm Anne, and I'm a ramen addict.) Having tried so many other ramen shops, I can't help but compare the Dojo to an old shoe or a fuzzy sweater -- warm and comforting, bringing back bouts of nostalgia of the first time I've ever had GOOD ramen. Their Spicy Garlic Pork ramen is what I base all my other ramen experiences to. The tonkotsu broth is a perfect balance of richness and flavor. Just the right amount of tanginess from the garlic. I always get mild spicy because anything beyond that is just a waste, IMO. Regular is a bit too spicy for my liking. You start to lose feeling of your tongue, as well as the flavor of the tonkotsu broth. The Dojo recently changed their noodles, which was disappointing. They are much more firm than usual. Probably the only thing I don't like at the moment. Everything else, the kikurage mushrooms, chives, chicken gravy, quail eggs, roasted garlic, and chashu are on point. There's not a whole of frills about Ramen Dojo. The menu is simple. It's a feel good experience every time -- kind of like that old shoe or fuzzy sweater.

Regular Spicy Garlic Pork (kikurage mushrooms and quail eggs): 3 out of 5 Cost: $10-$15 I have been here at least a handful of times, and everytime I leave, I am neither wowed nor disappointed.  Hence, the “3” rating.  My most recent visit was a little confusing.  We were told they were out of pork cheek and stewed pork (still don’t know the difference) and out of miso and shoyu broth, so I prepared myself for “leftovers” (it was one of those, “I really just want ramen” nights.) I ended up ordering the garlic pork broth, regular spicy with kikurage mushrooms and quail eggs.  The broth was good -- rich in flavor, nice consistency to it.  The hint of ginger did bother me a little. It’s not the flavor note I like to have at the end of my broth.  The noodles were outstanding.  Nice chewiness that used to be in Ramen Dojo’s noodles.  I can’t say much about the chashu since my visit was recent (see previous post about no meat!) From what I do remember from prior visits was that the chashu pieces were thin -- tender but thin.  All in all, it’s good ramen but not great ramen.  What can I say? I’m in love with the Dojo!