🍜 Pasadena Asian Food Guide – Part 1: Eat Like a Local!

Whenever I’m in LA for research and data collection, I make sure to eat well — so here’s the first part of my Pasadena food series! 😄 🇯🇵 1. Osawa A true hidden gem in Pasadena — those who know, know! 😋 ✅ Must-try: BBQ Eel Don: Tender, not greasy, served with miso soup and sides. Shishito Tempura Stuffed with Spicy Tuna: Light, crispy, drizzled with soy sauce — flavorful and layered. Mini Curry Chicken Karaage: Perfectly portioned, great flavor. 🍵 Dessert: Their matcha desserts are incredible — delicate, layered, and topped with soybean powder. ⚠️ Skip: Uni Pasta — unless you’re a serious cheese lover, it’s overwhelmingly rich. 🇯🇵 2. Hiro Nori Crafted Ramen A dream for cold dipping noodle lovers! 🍶 ✅ Must-try: Spicy Cold Dipping Noodle: Chilled noodles with a savory, aromatic dipping broth — light soy, sesame, scallions, mirin, and a hint of citrus. Refreshing, especially in summer! 🇨🇳 3. Noodle Street (Arcadia & Pasadena) My go-to when I’m craving beef noodles! ✅ Must-try: Signature Beef Noodle Soup: Lanzhou-style broth with hand-pulled noodles (I always go for the thin “capillary” style). Qinghai Clear Cold Noodle: Solid liangpi (cold skin noodles), though a bit thick-cut. 🍜 It’s like a “Lanzhou Ramen fusion” — familiar Northwestern Chinese dishes with a Lanzhou twist. 📍 Pasadena location is quieter with better service; Arcadia can get busy. Happy eating, fellow food researchers! 🧡📊 #PasadenaEats #AsianFoodGuide #OsawaPasadena #HiroNoriRamen #NoodleStreet