I first went to Ramen Koika when they opened in 2014 and I remember not being very impressed with their ramen, so I haven’t made the trip back in recent years. However, I was in the area and I was craving some ramen so I decided to see if they have improved in the past few years.
What we ate: Triple Black Garlic Ramen – Bamboo Shoot, Roasted Seaweed, Soft Boiled Egg, Lean Cha-Shu (2pcs), Spinach, Green Onion, Garlic Chip, Triple Black Garlic Oil ($11.50) and Tan-Tan Men – Organic Cashew nut/Peanut Mix, Marinated Ground Pork, Spinach, Beansprout, Green Onion ($11.50)
I’m always on the look out for a good bowl of Tan tan men and unfortunately this bowl disappointed. The whole dish was bland! I appreciate that they don’t use MSG in their broths, but the soup just lacked seasoning overall. I know there was supposed to be peanut taste, but I really couldn’t taste anything. The noodles also just didn’t do it for me. They were too soft for my liking (and I had requested them to be firm).
Sadly with all the ramen joints in town, Ramen Koika just doesn’t stack up. I won’t be back again.