Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is an American outpost of the famous Japanese ramen noodle chain, only the second ramen shop of the brand in the United States.
Based on the light broth-based ramen from the Japanese town for which it is named, Kitakata makes its noodles with a lot more water than usual. The resulting product possesses a considerable chewiness, similart to the hand-pulled udon noodle from China. Kitakata noodles are also "hand-crumpled" during preparation for that signature curliness and texture. The soup broths are made from scratch daily using only select pork bones and ingredients. The result is a lighter-weight broth than other ramen-yas, but with a deep, rich pork flavor. Ramen bowls are topped with rich slices of toro chashu, pork belly that is slow cooked daily in the Kitakata tradition. Select a variety of toppings for your ramen including a perfectly soft-cooked egg, scallions, sprouts or other fresh vegetables.
Locals love the deep-fried shishito peppers flavored with soy and the chicken karaage, deep-fried pieces of chicken. Serving various ramen noodle soups, chashu, gyoza, fried rice and other handmade Japanese delicacies, Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is a Costa Mesa favorite.
