I had been going to Asahi for at least two years before I tried Ramenya, I was convinced that I had found the top Ramen place in Asahi and was hesitant to branch out. When we did finally make it to Ramenya (on a Thursday, when Asahi is closed), I was pleasantly surprised.

Similar to Asahi, Ramenya has limited seating, is cash only and can get very crowded. The first big difference you notice at Ramenya is the size of their menu. While Asahi may have a dozen or so Ramen options, Ramenya has around thirty choices. Not only that, but the different soups that Ramenya serves their noodles in have much more flavor and variance from dish to dish. Most of Asahi’s soups are mild soy based broths, whereas Ramenya has soups with a spicy kick and and tangy twinge.

When you sit down at your table, the server is very quick to bring out drinks. Admittedly, I am not familiar with the drink they serve, it is a cold tea and at first we joked that it was just dirty water. I know, not very PC, but we’re silly like that. The tea has a very earthy taste (thus the dirt comment) and it has grown on me. The first time we went, I only had a few sips, last night I was hoping that the waitress would refill my glass.

The menu is extensive, as I mentioned, and nearly every item is accompanied by a picture so that you can get an idea of what you are ordering. I have found the servers to be very helpful at explaining the items and they are open to substitutions, such as swapping ground pork for chicken. There are chili peppers next to the spicy items on the menu, and they should be observed. While many Japanese restaurants tend to run towards the mild end of the spice meter, Ramenya has a few dishes that are definite sinus drainers. Of course, that’s why I go there, the spicy soups are wonderful.

On to the Ramen…

As with most Ramen Houses, the dishes come out shortly after you order, served piping hot in large bowls. The actual ramen noodles at Ramenya are great, but I have to give the edge to Asahi on those. The Asahi noodles tend to be a little bit thicker, certainly not as thick as Udon, but enough to give a good texture. I do like the noodles at Ramenya, but they are on the thin size. The same goes for the wontons in the wonton ramen. Ramenya’s wontons are on the smaller side; where you can barely fit one Asahi wonton on your spoon, there is room for multiple Ramenya wonton in your scooper. Both are pork filled and tasty, but if it’s plump wonton you are looking for, you are better off at Asahi.

As for specific dishes, I have two favorites and they are both spicy! Normally I go for the Tan-Tan Men, a spicy broth with egg drop. The hearty, gelatinous broth thickens as you eat it and the egg sets. If you don’t like soup with that consistency, you might want to skip it. Last night I opted for the Tam-Yam Men, a hot and sour Thai flavored soup packed with chili peppers, cilantro and Japanese mushrooms and root vegetables. I swallowed a few bites too fast and felt the scorching down the back of my throat, definitely not for those with sensitive taste buds.

Unlike my dissertation on Sawtelle curry joints there is no clear winner here. If forced to delineate, I would give the noodle crown to Asahi and the soup crown to Ramenya. If you are looking for more variety, perhaps Ramenya wins, but there are certainly enough choices to be satisfied at Asahi. If you are eating on a Wednesday, Ramenya is closed, if you are eating on a Thursday, Asahi is closed. Both places are cash only, but you wont need much, two people can leave stuffed for about $15.

Tam-Yam left, Wonton right

Ramenya
11555 W. Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90064
310-575-9337
(closed Wednesdays)