Everyone seems to be raving about this ramen place. I don’t really know why.

There’s always a line up, which I guess indicates that the food must be good. While waiting, you can check out their menu through their window which displays the dishes using plastic food models – very typical in Japanese restaurants. I know a lot of foreigners are so impressed by how real they look that they will go to this store in Japan (sorry, don’t remember the name or location…) and buy them as souvenirs, lol.

Once inside, good luck if you have to sit at the counter or at the huge table with everyone else. I personally don’t like sitting with strangers beside me (no offense to anyone especially when you’re crammed up together so closely and tightly. Last time I was there, I was sitting where there were constant traffic, and since it’s so crowded, you get bumped from behind all the time. Not impressed. So coming from Japan (though very long time ago), I should be used to this kind of environment…but unfortunately, I never liked it in the first place. I’d prefer sitting at our own table with my friends so that I can have a decent conversation, without strangers hearing every word we were saying.

It can get pretty hot inside – with the ramen cooking, and so many customers crammed in a small place. Not very comfortable. The noise level can be a bit high, so don’t go there if you’re wanting a relaxing dinner.

I ordered the Shio Ramen $9.95

Whether you like the ramen, I guess is based on your preference. If you like thick, oily soup base, then you’ll definitely like this place. I always found the noodles to be half cooked. I don’t recall Japanese ramen ever needing it to be al dente. I certainly don’t like it, and neither does my stomach. The portions are really small, or maybe it just seems like that because they use such a small bowl which they cram the noodles into. I find it a bit pricey, and since they type of ramen isn’t what I like, I’m not a big fan of Santouka like everyone else.

They don’t take credit card, so make sure you have cash or a debit card!

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