Posted May 7th, 2009 by Meg
On a Thursday not so long ago, my boyfriend and I headed over to Sawtelle to eat at Asahi, but were unpleasantly surprised to find it closed. Instead of pouting, we I looked at the positive side of the situation: a chance to go to a new restaurant! Even though my boyfriend is a simple eater, he doesn’t like eating “new” things very much. So I said, “How about Chabuya? They have ramen and they take credit cards!” It worked. Hooray.
The service was pleasant and smooth. I ordered the Tori Soba, fresh homemade noodles with original chicken based broth, green onion, fried shallot, and charbroiled chicken. The noodles were more al dente than I am accustomed to (Asahi), but in a good way. Next time I think I would get with the house pork broth instead of the chicken broth to mix it up a little.
My favorite part of the dinner was the Shrimp Shiumai (shrimp dumplings). The delicate chewiness of a dumpling shell with the softest most amazing center. And mustard, a condiment I love, to dip in! This was a combination I never would expect to work, but was amazed to find how appropriately perfect it tasted. Four was not enough.
I plan to go back again someday, especially since I heard they have Sesame Ice Cream(!)
Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar
2002 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-9834
Posted April 26th, 2009 by Meg
I am not a big noodle/pasta eater. It just isn’t something I ever think about making or eating even though it is so easy, yummy, and inexpensive. I also never lived the cup o’ noodles / packaged noodles lifestyle that is popular in college. So when my boyfriend recommended going to Asahi Ramen restaurant many months ago, I was intrigued. We fortunately were able to be seated immediately after we walked into the small and busy restaurant. A polite waitress came over to our table and dropped off complimentary tsukemono (pickled cucumbers) and took our drink order.
I naively found the menu to be comprehensive for a restaurant that is all about noodles; I never had thought about the different ramen combinations available by mixing and matching different broths and toppings. All these choices made it hard for me because I wanted to try everything. Feeling as if I needed something more filling than “soup,” I ended up not ordering typical ramen and instead ordered the soupless Yakisoba (pan fried noodle dish with vegetables and chicken). When it came to the table, hungry eyes from a table nearby spotted my dish and contacted their waitress immediately to change their order to “what she has.” These noodles were everything I wanted that night: tasty and filling. It was also a large amount of food for a small amount of money ($8).
In a battle between eyes and stomach, I had also ordered Gyoza, pan fried potstickers, for the table ($3.50). Potstickers are also a dish that I never really have eaten much of in life. These have changed my ways, I now love potstickers. And they are the best I have tried, even though I have a limited potsticker experience.
It was a wonderful feast of food. I have been back to Asahi quite a few times since this recorded visit. Sadly, I never have taken a picture of their ramen, which I find to be just as wonderful as the soupless noodles. I am constantly changing my ramen order and don’t have a favorite merely because everything I order has been good. However, I usually add in wontons as an extra topping (for $2.25 extra) because it is the same dough used for the potstickers. I recommend! They do use MSG, unless you make it clear in your order that you do not want that in your meal. Helpful tips: It is usually always crowded during dinner “rush”, they only accept cash, and they are closed on Thursdays.
Asahi Ramen
2027 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 479-2231
