Santouka Ramen

Okay, my title is "Could be the best ramen in OC" and I suppose some would call it that. Santouka certainly deserves to be in any conversation about "best ramen", but there are another four to five shops that would deserve to be in that conversation. Suffice it to say that Santouka has great ramen, that much is not in dispute.

Food Recommendations: Spicy Miso Ramen

It’s a great eatery in the Mitsuwa Marketplace. I highly recommend their Spicy Miso Ramen. Don’t expect it to be spicy. The spices added to it perfectly balances the Miso Ramen creating a memorable flavor.

Consistently delicious for the ramen taste. It's one main flavor all the way to the end, powered by the broth, unlike Butadon where you taste the multiple flavors of the ramen, pork, toppings. Reliable for a good bowl of ramen, although can be pricey as costs have gone up over the years. A combo meal set now costs $16.65 with tax, and honestly, a bowl of ramen with a small rice bowl & side isn't worth this. Also, the sides have been changing - eg. Instead of a generous amount of fish eggs on rice, they've taken some of the fish eggs and replaced them with cheaper fish flakes. Some new side combos are just wierd - e.g. egg salad + mentaiko?? Better to stick with just the ramen.

Great Ramen, very good and authentic ! Menu is a bit confusing for newcomers so don't feel shy to ask any or the friendly regulars in the surrounding Japanese market for suggestions.

Big thing! Make sure you bring cash, as that's the only form of payment they take.

Wonderful rich broth and the pork is so tender. Been here several times and so far the quality is consistently good. Parking and finding a table can take a while at lunch time. This is in a food court so there are other options available if you with a group.