Ramen is a funny thing. For most of us growing up and going to college, it meant a brick of dried noodles with a salty “flavor” pack on the side. Then you have live in an area that has honest to goodness traditional Japanese ramen and find out that there is so much more to this simple soup.

Santouka, located in some of the Mistsuwa Market food courts, has some of my favorite ramen in town.

The actual ramen noodles are good, but it’s the broth that makes the difference to me. It is rich and hearty, with a cloudiness that displays the time and ingredients that goes into making it.

Santouka Ramen

The pork slices are fatty and flavorful, but also tender. When you look at them in the broth, you think that they might be chewy, but the meat is tender in your mouth.

Like I said, Santouka is in the little food court in Mitsuwa. It’s a funny, but fun place to grab a meal. The worst part about this set up, though, is that all of the places close at 7pm! One night we were there literally at 7:05 and were flat out refused service. Must be something about the agreement they have with the market.

Another thing to note about Santouka is that it is cash only. It’s cash well spent though.

Other reviews:

• Rameniac
• Oishii Eats
• The Delicious Life

3760 Centinela Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310)398-2113