Ocha Noodles and Ramen

I seriously am so glad I went to this place for an anniversary lunch while enjoying a day in Columbia. I wanted as authentic as I could get ramen since I had never had it, this ramen was really good. Maybe it was just me, but I did expect more flavor out of the Shio ramen since it said 'Loaded with umami flavor' and I really didn't get a nice strong umami flavor. My boyfriend got the Spicy Miso Ramen which he thought was super spicy so I figured I would too, but I took a bite and it really didn't seem that spicy to me. He chugged his Ramune and was breathing heavily to try to combat the spice so he didn't try drinking my drink too. The flavor was sooooo delicious though in the Spicy Miso, highly recommend!

The restaurant has a contemporary feel inside. The ramen itself was surprisingly good. My one critique is that the portion sizes were small than I expected.

Interesting startup ramen joint that’s still getting its legs underneath it. Good flow of customers show they have the right idea and good food. And I emphasize here at the outset, I’ll be back. But that being said, their cooking operation makes me nervous… Using a Coleman camp stove indoors (?!) might work - but it also might not be safe. There are also lots of open containers with the ramen components all over the place. The old Steak ‘n Shake motto, “In sight, it must be right” comes to mind - but doesn’t seem to apply, either. The storefront used to be a packaged meal place that closed (their labels remain on the grab-n-go coolers on the South wall), and then, it seems, these folks took over the space with its adequate refrigeration facilities, brought in some portable burners, and started offering decent ramen and noodle dishes. I used to live in Columbia, and the health department used to be really hard-nosed. How this place passes their standards? I don’t know. But like I said, they’re pointed in the right direction. It’d just be nice to see a real commercial stove with a ventilation hood, and a refrigerated stainless steel service bar to keep the noodle dish components safe and fresh. Maybe with the customer flow they can acquire those appliances soon. And as I’ve said above: I still recommend this place, and I will probably return when I’m back in Columbia.

Very cute and chic restaurant. Great first impression when you walk in. My ramen bowl was wonderful and very flavorful. Very small so if you're planning to eat in there are only a few tables.