Los Angeles : Daikokuya [Pics]

Along with Thai, Arab/Middle Eastern, and Korean cuisines, Japanese food is also very strongly represented in the greater Los Angeles area. So, whenever I visit, I am not only sure to eat my fill of sushi and izakaya-style foods, but I am sure to drop in to at least one of L.A.’s many ramen-yas. One of my favourites, and one which is held in very high regard by Japanese people and non-Japanese people alike, is Daikokuya, in the Little Toyko neighbourhood near downtown L.A. And, fortunately, it didn’t require much effort at all to convince PIGMON to join me…


in the heart of Little Tokyo...


biru wa ikaga desuka?


why, kotteri-kei (miso and pork bone broth), of course!


PIGMON's daikoku raumen (ramen)


daikoku tsukemen, or daikoku raumen (ramen) "deconstructed"


kurobuta pork, beansprouts, scallions, and brined eggs


itte rasshai!

While there are a number of styles of ramen broth, Daikokuya serves only one, a variety of kotteri-kei, made from a long-simmered concoction containing miso paste and gelatin-rich pork bones. So, ordering could not be more straightforward: you can choose an "assembled" version (daikoku raumen) or a "decontructed" version (daikoku tsukemen). Either way, you are set up with wonderfully firm noodles, rich, comforting broth, and several slices of supremely tasty kurobuta pork. As many a rabid fan will tell you, a bowl of Daikokuya's ramen is an especially great way to start or finish the day.

Jonathan Gold’s 99 Essential L.A. Restaurants (LAWeekly)

Daikokuya Menu (Menu Pages)

Daikokuya Menu with Pictures (japaneserestaurantinfo.com)

Daikokuya (Offical Site)
327 E. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213.626.1680

E.M.