by: Fuyu Banno

Graphics Editor

The Bay Area is rich in flavors and offers a diverse selection of international foods. One of these popular foods is ramen. A dish known for its umami-filled broth and chewy noodles, ramen is a perfect meal to share with friends and family. But with so many options, it can be difficult to choose what is worth the buck and which restaurant offers the best experience based on differing preferences. From a self-proclaimed ramen connoisseur, here are five Bay Area ramen restaurants that always hit the mark:

Ramen Hajime: Located in Santa Clara, Ramen Hajime offers one of the best tonkotsu ramen in the Bay Area. The tonkotsu ramen consists of thin noodles in a creamy broth topped with two different types of meat (with other garnishes). Although they offer other ramen with different broths and noodle types, nothing beats their tonkotsu ramen. Unlike the other restaurants on this list, Ramen Hajime is not a chain restaurant. For people who want to support a local business, Ramen Hajime deserves their patronage.

Ramen Nagi: Known for the long line that curves around the second floor of Valley Fair Mall, Nagi is worth the hype. If customizability is crucial, this place is a must. To order, pick a basic ramen, then choose noodle thickness, spiciness, and toppings on a piece of paper upon entering the restaurant. Similar to Ramen Hajime, I recommend thin noodles at Nagi.

Ippudo: Located in downtown Cupertino, Ippudo is perfect for those who want to try other things besides just ramen. Ippudo offers some of the best starters, such as their gyoza and takoyaki, for people who want a little something extra before their ramen meal. As for the ramen they offer, Ippudo’s signature is their Tonkotsu ramen, split into two categories: Shiromaru and Akamaru. 

Santouka: Basic is best. At Santouka, ramen sizes are customizable, making the restaurant ideal for both people who don’t eat a lot and people who inhale ramen like air. One downside is that it is located inside a food court area of a Mitsuwa (Japanese marketplace) for people who want a more relaxed eating space. Unlike the other restaurants, Santouka consists of squiggly and thicker noodles. For those who have never tried ramen before, Santouka is a great starter. 

Hinodeya Ramen: Similar to Santouka, Hinodeya Ramen is known for its thicker noodles. They also offer a wide variety of different Ramen, so for people who don’t want anything basic, Hinodeya is the right choice. For those who are vegetarian, Hinodeya has the best vegetarian ramen out of the five restaurants introduced. 

There are still many options outside of the five restaurants listed, but these places stand out to me for their variety, customization, and, of course, flavor. If you are craving for some good food, these establishments will never fail to satisfy you.