Little Tokyo: Curry Karaage at Ramen Manichi

 

Ever since I saw the signage of a new ramen shop opening next to Daikokuya last summer, I’ve been wondering what this Ramen Manichi was like. While walking down First Street the other day in Little Tokyo, I saw it had opened. They had been in soft open and opened officially on Valentine’s day this year.

I probably over-ordered but I was just so excited to try everything. I got a ramen combo that included a rice bowl. I chose the curry flavored karaage. The fried chicken was perfect. I might even like it better than the other stellar karaage I had recently at Ramen Champ.

Other rice bowls that looked tempting include the mentaiko (spicy cod roe), special bowl which is ground pork and fried rice.

 

I had to try the gyoza as well. Manichi offers it topped with green onions or with a spicy miso. I went with my server’s recommendation of the spicy miso. I liked it but I enjoyed the miso spooned over my rice after I quickly (greedily) ate all the fried chicken.

 

Manichi offers quite the choices of ramen. They have tonkotsu which they claim to have simmered for 20 hours and then it gets creative with what I’m calling variations. You can add miso to your tonkotsu. But there’s also red miso! Or how about a shrimp flavored tonkotsu? That’s what I’m trying out next time.

There’s also a veggie ramen in just miso-based broth (no meat) with spinach noodles. I’m kind of into this idea for hotter months.

But let’s talk about the pork. It’s pretty tender but thin. I’d be tempted to order extra pork next time if I didn’t already order a rice bowl or appetizer.

I liked this modern ramen-ya but I can’t say it beats the king of tonkotsu, Daikokuya, next door. Still, they’ll do great business as the overflow from the big D and udon shop, Marugame Monzo comes through.

Ramen Manichi

321 1/4 E 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012  — (213) 613-9888

 

© The Minty 2015