And the Search for my favorite SD Ramen comes to a Close

Ever since moving back from Las Vegas, I feel like I've been missing my favorite ramen spot Monta.  Sure I've been a huge fan of Santouka and even Underbelly on certain nights, but I just haven't gotten that Tonkotsu flavor I crave until I found Ramen Yamadaya.

On the suggestion of my little sister, I've discovered my new favorite ramen shop(at least in the San Diego area.)  Yamadaya focuses strictly on the tonkotsu broth, claiming to boil pork bones for 20 hours which really shows in it's rich flavorful broth.

Yamadaya even takes tonkotsu a step further with their koterri option, a rich fattier broth with black garlic oil.  If that's not your thing they also have a traditional tonkotsu or even a spicy choice(with 3 levels,) but for me it's about deep rich pork flavor so Kotteri is my usual choice.  Yamadaya has, by far, the best tonkotsu ramen broth I've had.  After a little digging I came to find out this restaurant originated in the LA area and is a favorite of ramen fanatics.

When ordering ramen, you have your choices of meat and toppings, this particular visit I went a little simpler with the already included egg, green onion, black fungus and bamboo shoots.  Of course you can add even more like corn or any of the already mentioned items.  The meat hidden submerged into the broth are roasted chashu pork, simple slices of roast pork taking it's flavor in from the broth with a perfect tender compliment.  The little plate on the side is an order of kakuni pork belly, if you're looking for your meat to add a little more flavor to your ramen this is it.  The kakuni has strong flavors of soy and ginger and is fall apart tender for that contrast to the creaminess of the Tonkotsu. 

The noodles are also a winner for me, thin with the perfect amount of chew.  They air on the side of angel hair as far as noodles go which so happens to be my preferred thickness.

I usually enjoy some grated garlic in my ramen so when I asked for my favorite condiment I was pretty surprised to see this.  This is the only place I've seen this offered but it's definitely a nice change of pace.  Being so fresh in your broth, this is a bit strong of flavor for some but for me I loved it, I don't know if I can go back to the pre-grated stuff again!

At about $8-10 for a bowl of Ramen, Yamadaya is competitive with the better choices in San Diego.  Add on some combos for chashu bowls and gyoza you're looking closer to $15 for a ton of food.  Overall Yamadaya wins me over on taste, with no gimmicks and great tonkotsu choices, I've found a clear winner when it comes to simple ramen done well in San Diego.  Just make sure you make your way there soon because this place is gaining popularity quick within the ramen-loving community.

Ramen Yamadaya

4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117

(858) 483-3431

http://www.ramen-yamadaya.com/