Ton Chan Ramen is housed in what used to be Aji Man Japanese Restaurant, which closed just short of its three-year anniversary. :( In looking up other ramen restaurants I've posted, I discovered Kappa Ramen - Anaheim is now closed as well. Seems like only the ramen chains are weathering the economic storm, or I need to try more mom-and-pop ramen restaurants.
I went with the basic Shio (Japanese Salt) Ramen with black garlic oil, per Tony's suggestion. While at it, I figured I'd throw in gyozas and a pork bowl that I'd eat the leftovers later.
The shio features straight, thin noodles, $8.25.
Yummy porkiness. I thought the broth was pretty good, milky and porky. The black garlic oil gave it a very nice charred contrast.
Still, my siblings and I prefer Daikokuya Original Noodle & Rice-Bowl - Los Angeles (Little Tokyo)'s tonkotsu broth best. Actually, both my siblings, after traveling to Japan and eating the ramen there, said they preferred Daikokuya.
The chashu bowl, an extra $2.25 as part of my combo. It was fine, but not incredibly tender like Daikokuya's pork.
And a side order of gyozas.
Satisfied my craving.
Free mango pudding for dessert.
When Gourmet Pigs came back to town from the holidays abroad, we decided on dinner here so I could try another ramen.
This time I ordered the Shoyu (Japanese Soy Sauce Ramen), $8.25.
The shoyu broth comes with thick curly noodles, which I liked much better.
A shot of Gourmet Pigs' shio broth with straight, thin noodles for comparison.
Without the addition of the black garlic oil, I felt like the broth was too muted. My first visit was better.
Again, free mango pudding for dessert.
Lunch is cheaper at $7.25 a bowl, or get the specials for $8.95 which includes ramen and a choice of Spam musubi, curry bowl, chashu bowl, or a half order of fried rice.
At the same price point and same distance as Daikokuya, I always gravitate there instead. But for a non-chain option, even mini-chains, Ton-Chan Ramen will do.
It's right next door to Golden Deli Vietnamese Restaurant - San Gabriel, so be warned that finding a parking spot at peak mealtimes can be difficult.
December 1, 2013 update: Ton-Chan Ramen is now closed.
My other ramen posts:
Daikokuya Original Noodle & Rice-Bowl - Los Angeles (Little Tokyo)
Daikokuya Original Noodle & Rice-Bowl - Monterey Park
Santouka - Costa Mesa
Santouka - Los Angeles
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Gardena
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Rosemead
Ton Chan Ramen
821 W. Las Tunas Dr.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626-282-3478
*****
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Ooooh that looks good! Also, laughing at the name "Ton-chan" because that is so cute. I miss restaurant ramen! London has a few, but none of them are very good.
ReplyDeleteDragonkiri,
ReplyDeleteOh? What does ton-chan mean? I liked Wagamama when I lived in London.
"Ton" means pork! (Tonkatsu = "pork cutlet" and tonkotsu = "pork bone".) The -chan part is the common dimunitive you use for babies, children, cute things, close friends, etc. So the restaurant's name and mascot is the piggy!
ReplyDeleteWagamama isn't bad, but if you want a good tonkotsu broth and char siu it is not the place to go. :( I was spoiled living in the SF Bay Area!
Dragonkiri,
ReplyDeleteI knew the ton part, didn't know the chan. Nice to know.
Yeah, I didn't "get" ramen until I tried Daikokuya's. Wagamama's isn't the same, but it was the only place I liked for Asian food. I hit up a few mom and pop Chinese takeaways here and there, but those weren't memorable.
I remember liking the Prix Fix and Pierre Victoire bistros for affordable French food if you haven't been. Both locations are on Dean Street, 2-courses for 12 pounds, and 3-courses for 15 pounds. Even just ordering a plate of steamed veggies with aioli was tasty. Well, if it's still good. It's been a decade since I've been!