Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Buena Park

This ramen spot is a must for our family at least once when we're in the area. Simple ingredients but everything perfection. While the place can get packed, it's been nice that we've been say right away everytime we've gone.

I haven't had Kitakata since college 2020(?) but I love a good clear and rich broth. It's not to salty in my opinion and the pork is perfectly seasoned throughout each layer, a literal flavor bomb. The pork is tender and not greasy feeling at all. It's a simple bowl of ramen that is crafted very well.The green chili ramen was really strong in pepper flavor, more than I expected. It does change the broth of the ramen, so the original kitakata ramen would be best for first timers. I really enjoy that you can have a tonkotsu flavor without the thick milkyness that some may hold. I also really enjoy their soft and chewy noodles. It's a comforting bowl that isn't over the top, just simple and enjoyable.

Tasted great! I had the Kitakata ramen lunch special, which came with 2 pieces of fried chicken and one boiled egg. I got it with a side of spicy shredded green onion and cornThe waiter was nothing out of the ordinary and the service was fine. It wasn't too noisy, but it just gave off the good ramen spot vibe.

Tried this place about two times already and it's a pretty decent ramen place if you prefer more of light broth with chewy and thicker noodles. Personally, I prefer more thin al dente noodles but this ramen spot is still worth a try! I do love the chashu on the ramen tho, perfectly salty and goes really well with the broth. Their chicken karaage is delicious and honestly so authentic. Very similar to the karaage in Japan. Definitely a MUST-ORDER imo. The Takoyaki is a good choice to order as well but def try the chicken! This place fills up really quick especially during Fridays through the weekend. We literally got there before they opened and there was already a line out the door especially when we finished eating so plan accordingly if you're hangry and don't want to wait. The spot is not too small and has a good amount of space and seating compared to other authentic ramen spots. Service is great, servers are quick and food comes out really timely. They are really friendly as well. Even though I don't really prefer the type of ramen they serve, I still highly recommend this place for ramen lovers! Make sure you order the juicy fried chicken!!!

Be aware that this location is "cashless". For those of you who like "Top 10 Lists", Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is cited as being one of the top ten ramen chains in Japan. In The States, there are eight locations; five of them are in Southern California.This store is located in a shopping center at Beach Blvd (x) Orangethorpe Ave. Target is the primary anchor (if you're looking for a prominent landmark).The shop itself is nice and neat. There is seating at a bar, reminiscent of a sushi bar, if you are dining alone. There is table seating as well.The store uses the same ramen as the foundation for many of their noodle bowls. My observation is that the noodles had a good taste and texture; it provided a nice chewing experience. A number of meals include "chashu" pork as a primary or secondary protein. The chashu in my bowl was tender and prepared well.By the way: Per the menu, this store has vegetarian meals.

This is my favorite ramen place with the fresh noodles :: chewy and perfectly cooked. The broth is flavorful and the meat is tender and juicy. The kids meal is a hit because of the variety. We usually go with the spicy broth options which have decent heat without additional needed. The portions are large and filling.

The ambiance is nice. I got the spicy miso ramen and boy was it spicy! Tasted okay, not the best I've had but not bad. Service was fast and friendly.

TLDR: If you're tired of tonkotsu ramen and want a clear broth. This is a good option. The noodles here are a bit different compared to most ramen shops, and I feel that it's worth a try. Their best item here is the chicken, so there is an argument to come here anyway even if you're not craving chicken karaage. Mapo Tofu Ramen: It's a good concept but I think the attempt is a bit half baked. I felt that I was eating their regular ramen just topped with mapo tofu. What I got is a spicy bowl of noodles, tofu, and ground pork that mostly tasted like hot and numbing spice. On paper, this is how it's supposed to be, as mapo tofu goes give that effect. However, part of me hoped that they really leaned towards a thicker broth that was mapo tofu that came with their ramen noodles. I think it's worth a try, but I don't see myself ordering this again if it does make their permanent menu. Juicy Fried Chicken: The chicken size may have shrunk since I first ate in Kitakata, but there is no denying that the karaage is easily top 5 in terms of taste. It's the right kind of crisp where you know it's fried, but not enough to make your teeth hurt, and the juices are really flowing out for every bite. I can and will always recommend it. Service: It was a full house, so the kitchen took a decent amount of time to bring the food out, but I'm not gonna complain about it. Ambiance: A vibrant ramen shop that makes the most of the space that it has. Tables swap hands quickly, and the lines tend to happen, so plan to eat, enjoy, and move on after.

Kitakata in Buena Park has become our early dinner spot after Disneyland days. Nothing quite whets the appetite as a delicious bowl of ramen with fresh noodles and some of the most perfectly seasoned and cooked pork belly I've ever had (and plenty of it).They did have a special last visit that was ramen with their wontons and I'm so so sad it was a specialty item as it's gone now (boohoo). I've resorted to ordering their Chashu ramen with seasoned egg as my second choice. The Chashu ramen sports a whopping 15 pieces of pork belly Chashu (wow!). How to tackle all that meat? Easy.. I eat half of the Chashu and all my noodles and ask for the rest to go and order their uncooked noodles for take out and have a second meal the next day. It works! And the best part ? Their uncooked noodles have soo much spring being freshly cooked, it's like eating it fresh in the restaurant all over again.Their broth is flavorful, yet light, and very well balanced. I think it's now my post-Knotts location to visit now too (already thinking of when I can go back here!).

Just look at how much chasu they give you! Granted this is the ramen option where there is chasu added, their regular option still comes with plenty (5 pieces). I like that they specify exactly how much meat is in each option, and not only that, but they are delicious. The noodles here are also great, with a really nice texture. The soup has a nice, strong pork favor. This restaurant can be busy, but it's always worth the wait. The service here is also very attentive.