365 Places to Eat

Chabuya opened on Sawtelle a few years ago to great expectations. There were mixed reviews after the opening, including from me. The rich, thick broth was tasty, but at the time, was overwhelmingly salty. Since opening, there have been some changes and additions to the menu. The broth seems a little less salty and there are enough different menu options to suit anyone.

Chabuya is a bit higher priced than the other Ramen shops (around $8) on and around Sawtelle. Service and ingredients are a bit higher quality as well. As a note, the green salad is one of the best deals around and a nice companion to the noodle soup. The salad is a generous mix of fresh greens, along with some blanched veggies including asparagus and carrots. At $4, it’s a must add to your order.

The spicy ramen is nice when you need to clear some sinuses and the regular broth will soothe your throat on a cool night.

I do think that Chabuya has some of the best noodles in the area, but depending on your soup preferences, you may have another favorite.

Other Reviews

• Rameniac
• Mikey Hates Everything
• Noodle Whore

Chabuya
2002 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Asahi Ramen was the first local Ramen place I tried, years ago on a friend’s recommendation. Located on Sawtelle, Asahi stays fairly busy, be prepared to wait, especially for parties larger than two. The wait isn’t too long though, I think the longest I have sat in their outdoor plastic chairs is about 15-20 minutes. When you do sit down you are served a small sample of spiced pickles and water while you decide what to order.

All of the Ramen options are served in generous bowls, with salty broth which can be ordered with or without MSG. I usually opt for the MSG free broth, because I can’t taste the difference, so why not skip a little sodium. My normal order is the curry ramen, which has a nice spice to it and potatoes floating in the broth along with the noodles. When I have a cold or it is chilly, it can’t be beat. The Wakame Ramen is tasty as well, served with seaweed and other veggies. My wife sticks with the Wonton Ramen which, as the name implies, comes with both wontons and noodles in the soup.

Asahi only takes cash, but with most dishes priced between $5-8, you can usually find enough cash in your pocket to cover the bill.

Wakame Ramen

Wonton Ramen

ASAHI RAMEN
2027 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310)479-2231

Hide is the Southwest Airlines of Sushi Bars. Low frills, very reasonable prices, you will probably stand around for a while to get a seat, but in the end you arrive with your sushi craving satisfied.

I suspect that part of the reason that Hide offers reasonable priced sushi is the high turnover of tables. Southwest keeps their planes flying as much as possible and the sushi chefs at Hide turn out the orders with flying knives and quick fingers. A sushi purist may complain at the lack of ceremony, but a sushi purist probably also complains when Southwest flight attendants sign over the intercom.

Just like you will get the best seat on your flight by checking in as early as possible, your best bet for a short wait at Hide is to get there early. Although they turn over tables quickly, the good prices and quality fish ensure that there is almost always a wait list after the first seating.

A couple notes for when you are waiting. First, you can order a beer from the hostess to enjoy while you are standing around. Second, Hide is cash only. If you didn’t bring cash, there is an ATM on site, but depending on your bank, you’re going to pay some extra fees using it.

I have called in some take out sushi from Hide on occasion and have been pleased with the presentation and freshness. Of course, parking is tight in the Sawtelle area, so just park a couple blocks west and walk through the neighborhood. Do be mindful of parking restrictions though. I think I got a parking ticket in front of a church one night because I was in the loading zone.

I don’t recommend going to Hide with more that four in your party, the logistics of putting together large tables are not favorable in the small space.

If you can get a spot at the bar, I suggest sitting there. Service is quickest since you’re going right to the source. On the floor, waitresses are generally slammed and work to keep up with the fast pace.

Hide Sushi
2040 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles, 90025

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