No importa de que raza seas, every culture has its very own comfort food du jour. Us Mexicans have tacos, los gringos have hamburgers, Italians have pizza, and Asians have ramen noodles. Now, most of us have had bad ass tacos, scrumptious burgers, and tasty pizza… however, muy pocos de nosotros hemos probado some really good and authentic ramen noodles. Perhaps the closest thing we’ve had to them ramen noodles are the ones in the sopa huevona. Yes, some of us might find cup noodles somewhat tasty, but real ramen noodles are nothing like that. Just like tacos y hamburgesas, ramen noodles are cheap, fast, filling, and so damn good, especialmente después de un trago. To experience the real deal, there’s no better place to go than “Daikokuya”.
Un paseo al medio oriente
“Daikokuya” is located in none other than Little Tokyo, which makes it even more authentic, but also a hard place to find gracias a la competencia. There are a gazillion ramen joints along 1st Street in Little Tokio, but this one always has a line despite other ramen noodle restaurants right next door.
That’s always a good sign, si un changarro está lleno es porque la comida está de poca mother.
“Daikokuya” is a tiny hole-in-the-wall that has gotten a bit too popular for its own sake. Since it’s small, it’s always full and there’s at least a thirty minute wait.
Aside from the waiting, this place is just charming. There are several Japanese posters covering the walls, a bookshelf filled with manga, and there’s even a TV.
The kitchen is also part of the restaurant, por lo que el lugar está super caliente… so if you have chance, sit as far away from the chef as possible or else you’ll be sweating up a storm.
¡A comer se ha dicho!
If you wanna take it easy and save the best for last, you can always start with some appetizers. At “Daikokuya” they serve some crispy and flavorful gyoza: little fried dough wrappers filled with pork and veggies and dipped into a tasty sauce. The tempura is 
also a great choice, the battered and deep fried veggies and shrimp te dejarán chupándote los dedos.
The Daikokuya Noodles are the most popular and the must-have dish at this joint. Even though it’s a fairly simple dish, it’s flavorful and well executed.
Perhaps the “secret” for such scrumptious ramen noodles lies within the special broth made with pork fat boiled for hours. The noodles have a strong consistency and texture which compliment the broth nicely.
After trying this dish, you will never see ramen noodles the same way. They are beyond deelish. Lo mejor de todo, es que the prices are reasonable for the portions being served.
“Daikokuya”, irasshaimase!!!
Daikokuya327 E 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213.626.1680
