Kumako Ramen

Always love coming to Kumako for a nice bowl of ramen. Been going for about 3-4 years now and they have yet to disappoint. The staff is always super kind and makes sure we're good, their shop is always full of life and warm, and the food is absolutely fantastic. Their Charsu Ramen always delivers and their Karaage is super delicious. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a solid bowl of ramen in SJ

This review is dedicated to Jeremy, the owner, manager, and superwoman of Kumako Ramen.Long story short, we had stopped visiting Kumako Ramen for the past three months because we thought they had sold the restaurant. Each time we called, Jeremy was not there, and one of their long-time workers was no longer present. It seemed to us that Kumako had undergone a change in ownership or management.During those months of absence, we tried over a dozen different ramen restaurants around the Bay Area, but none came close to the quality and service that Kumako Ramen offered. Over many years, we have tried ramen all over the Bay Area and even in other states, including Hawaii, but we value Kumako as the best. During the last several months, we were disappointed with those we tried during our hiatus.With the Lunar New Year, we decided to give Kumako another chance, regardless of whether there had been a change in ownership or not. To our amazement, Jeremy greeted us at the door. It felt like seeing a family member we hadn't seen in ages. She welcomed us with sincere hospitality, remembered our orders. When we tasted the ramen, complete with their house-special hot sauce and homemade kimchi, it sparked all our taste buds and touched our souls. It felt just like the comfort, contentment, and deliciousness of eating at a family holiday party.Our family of six came in hungry and left with contentment in our stomachs and hearts. In our opinion, Kumako Ramen is the best ramen spot in all of the Bay Area, surpassing the overhyped ramen restaurant in Valley Fair Mall and other ramen places in the Japanese market in Moorpark, leaving most other ramen restaurants in the region far behind.Cheers!Must try new item on menu : Kakiage that comes 3 pieces of deep fried vegetables pancake drizzle with okonomi and may. You won't be disappointed

Awesome food and extremely friendly service far beyond what I could ever ask for. Extremely reasonable prices, especially in this current time.Initially discovered these lovely folks through delivery. The level of care they put into packaging parts of dishes in separate containers ensured everything arrived in pristine condition even after it traveled in someone's car beyond their control. That alone is worth some love.After a few orders delivered, I decided to bring my parent in. Holy heck it was amazing, cozy, very authentic feeling atmosphere on the main section on Japantown. They are some of the most friendly welcoming people I've ever encountered, service felt like I was a guest in someone's home in the best way possible.Quickly it has become my comfort food go to. I've gone through a lot of the menu and have yet to find something that didn't impress, but if I had to pick a few favorites: 1. Gyudon combo for when you just want some simply delicious thin sliced beef and onion in a semi-sweet sauce over rice, heart warming goodness.2. Mabo tofu (in rice plate or ramen format) initially ordered for someone who had gotten some dental work and needed something soft, quickly fell in love with it regardless. A spicy/sour stew of ground pork and tofu over rice or noodles, pure filling comfort. great to warm you up on a chilly day.3. Their Karaage chicken.... Will not disappoint. The most high grade chicken thigh "nuggets" in a light batter you will find. Served up with little pieces of pickled radish and a dip of Japanese mayo with some sweet soy element and a touch of togarashi pepper. Even as a delivery order these were lightly crispy and hot beyond what I would even THINK to ask for or expect.4. The veggie ramen. While full vegetarian options may be slightly limited, the complexity and flavor of the broth and freshness of every vegetable element was impressive to the point that I had to steal from a friend's bowl a few extra times.5. The duck ramen: generous portions of perfectly roasted duck. Combined with noodles and broth to form the kind of dish that 6. The fried rice: not much to explain, just look at the large chunks of pork, no random off cuts or leftover bits. Just perfect egg fried rice and delicious Char-siu pork. Would eat this every day if I could.P.S They make their own fresh chili paste that you've GOT to ask for.... extreme heat but retains the fresh flavor of peppers practically just off the vine. Be careful with it on its own, but it provides an excellent level of flavor and heat when mixed in to one's personal taste. They should package and sell this stuffThere are far more items I could write a short essay on but il quickly sum the place up as: In-resturant or delivery, great food, with above and beyond service that leaves me happy to return and support as often as I can.

We tried vegetable & tofu ramen- its broth tastes good but we felt something is lacking Stir fry Napa cabbage ramen- not good. They have very limited vegetarian options.Place is very compact with very minimal seating capacity.Service is good.

A nice quaint place to grab food. It's fairly small and a tight space but it creates a very nice atmosphere. I got the katsu curry rice and it comes at a very filling portion especially considering it's rice. The katsudon is fried well, it has a nice crisp and the pork is still nice a juicy. The curry broth also comes with a generous amount of pork and carrots and is extremely tasty. The meal paired well with the Sapporo that I got.

Kumako, I have a soft spot for you. Your staff is always so kind, and you can tell it's a real family business! A true staple of Japantown. I dropped in for a quick lunch during a weekday and was seated immediately. I think I got the shoyu ramen. It was perfectly salty, umami, and didn't fill me up to the point of feeling sick! Inside is very cozy with not a whole lot of tables or wiggle room. If I still lived nearby, I'd be back again and again.

You know food is good when you forget to take pictures of it . This has been hands down my favorite ramen outside of japan for going on 10 years. Located in San Jose's Japan town this small noodle house will blow you away with their rich broth. The most popular (and my favorite) being the duck ramen. Come early because it will sell out! Try out their takoyaki and their award winning gyoza. Open Wednesday-Sunday this will beat all your other ramen spots.

We went on a Friday evening and it was crowded. Their service was great and our server was friendly. The food was decent, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit again. I got the Katsu curry, their most famous ramen, it was okay. Broth was very less, I think our server realized it and got us tonkatsu broth on the side. Some of the fried pork was hard to eat so I left it. My wife got Tonkatsu ramen and it was average, it could use some flavor. The veggie ramen was interesting, it had a black pepper kick in the end. It was good if you like spicy ramen. Overall, decent place, try it once atleast!

Service is warm and welcoming as ever; the ambiance is cozy and filling. A favorite spot in Japantown!Takoyaki - Fluffy & flavorful! Cooks have gotten the technique down, and added just the right amount of sauce. Tonkotsu Ramen - As always, Kumako's ramens do not disappoint. Their broth is well flavored! Tonkatsu Don - The tonkatsu was well seasoned and crispy. Perfect additions, loved the side of mayo. Gyudon Combo - If you aren't feeling ramen, get their gyudon. The gyudon is so perfectly sweet and savory.

The ramen and the service here is amazing The broth was so rich and flavorful it was practically its own food group. It was the most bomb bowl of ramen I've ever tasted." Highlighting the depth and complexity of the broth, a key element of good ramen on top of that very chill environment so overall keep up the great work guys!!!!!!