Shin Mama Ramen (Torrance, CA)

Shin Mama Ramen (Torrance, CA)



I opted for their Onomichi-style ramen, a chicken-based shoyu broth commonly found in the Hiroshima prefecture of southern Japan. This ramen included menma (marinated bamboo shoots), negi(scallion), naruto(fish cake). kaiware(radish sprouts), nori(toasted seaweed), tamago, and chashu. Because this broth is derived mostly from chicken and soy, it was straightforward, clean and darker in appearance. It doesn’t have the unctuousness you’ll find from a pork-based broth. Little to no oil or seabura (pork lard) was added to this ramen, even though it apparently is quite common to do so with onomichi. It tasted like something between homemade and instant broth.
Although a standard curly egg noodle is used, it had loads of integrity being made perfectly to al dente. Since the broth is intrinsically thin, the noodles don’t really absorb the soup much making the broth and the accompanying noodles distinctly separate entities within the bowl.
The sake-infused tamago was the best thing in this bowl. The marinated sake element was noticeable but not overwhelming. I absolutely loved it. In fact, this was the best egg I had in any bowl of ramen anywhere. The Chashu was underseasoned and a tad dry even though it was thinly sliced. It didn’t have the much-needed fattiness that a good version will.
All other toppings here were first-rate in quality and freshness. I especially loved their use of Kaiware (radish sprouts) both aesthetically and in the vibrancy that they brought to the entire bowl.
When I was there, the clientele appeared to be largely Japanese with a waitstaff that didn’t seem to speak a word of English. Regardless, they couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful.

An elegant, clean bowl of ramen. Certainly worth checking out.

Mama Ramen
24631 Crenshaw Blvd #K
Torrance, CA
(310) 517-9099

Other Los Angeles-area ramen noodle shops:
Hakata Shin Sen Gumi Ramen
Umemura Ramen & Shisen Ramen
Gardena Ramen & Foo Foo Tei Ramen
Daikokuya Ramen
Chin-ma-ya Ramen
Santouka Ramen
Asa Ramen