Sunday, August 1, 2010

Today's Ramen Adventure: Orochon Ramen


The top says "Orochon is Ainu (The indigenous Japanese language) for bravery"


Today was my 2nd time eating at Orochon Ramen in Little Tokyo. This particular ramen shop is known for it's daunting "Special #2" challenge. If you finish a super spicy (so spicy that you see it in a thick red soup broth) Special #2 in under 30 minutes, you get your picture on the Orochon board of fame. It's definitely not for faint eaters. I've heard awful horror stories about those who have failed >_<.

ANYWAY, today I ate here with my cousins and our friend Chris. Luckily there wasn't much wait time.

Orochon definitely takes pride in its' spiciness reputation.


Even at level 4, I could still taste the spiciness in the noodles and the broth. Made my lips numb after a few mouthfuls! Notice the "Eat at Your Own Risk!!!" above the Special #2 listing


According to Chris, this is the chili oil that they add in plentiful amounts to the ramen and broth.







Chashu (extra $1.50)


Extra Noodles ( Extra $1.50)




Before



After

I felt bad because I ate a small percentage of the ramen. I had forgotten that I had shared a single bowl with my cousin Chevy the first time I ate there, so it skewed my perception of what toppings to order. I hardly ate the chashu and didn't even finish all the noodles even though I ordered extra.

Seriously though, IT WAS STILL ALOT. THAT BOWL IS HUGE!

I don't feel so bad though because the chashu just felt like a slab of pork and not the super delicious chashu I love that just melts in your mouth. The noodles firmness was good (4/5). The broth was salty, spicy, and numbing. It was yummy, but not the best I've had.

I feel almost spoiled because while Orochon is good ramen, I always compare it to my favorite ramen shop, Santouka, and feel that nothing else measures up.

I may do a retrospect post on the Santouka that I had last week in Costa Mesa. It is after all my favorite ramen :)


~*Extra*~

It's pretty much become a tradition that my cousins and I eat ramen for lunch/dinner and dessert at Cherry on Top every time we're in Little Tokyo. It never ceases to amaze me how my cousin Krissy manages to eat a massive amount of  frozen yogurt after our ramen meal. Here's a few pics showing it.




Toppings



Depth



Mix-mix



ALL GONE




Satisfaction???


Until Next Time!

No comments:

Post a Comment