Ocha Noodles and Ramen — Restaurant in Columbia Township

Interesting startup ramen joint that’s still getting its legs underneath it. Good flow of customers show they have the right idea and good food. And I emphasize here at the outset, I’ll be back. But that being said, their cooking operation makes me nervous… Using a Coleman camp stove indoors (?!) might work - but it also might not be safe. There are also lots of open containers with the ramen components all over the place. The old Steak ‘n Shake motto, “In sight, it must be right” comes to mind - but doesn’t seem to apply, either. The storefront used to be a packaged meal place that closed (their labels remain on the grab-n-go coolers on the South wall), and then, it seems, these folks took over the space with its adequate refrigeration facilities, brought in some portable burners, and started offering decent ramen and noodle dishes. I used to live in Columbia, and the health department used to be really hard-nosed. How this place passes their standards? I don’t know. But like I said, they’re pointed in the right direction. It’d just be nice to see a real commercial stove with a ventilation hood, and a refrigerated stainless steel service bar to keep the noodle dish components safe and fresh. Maybe with the customer flow they can acquire those appliances soon. And as I’ve said above: I still recommend this place, and I will probably return when I’m back...

I was disappointed by my experience here since the reviews were so positive and I’ve previously enjoyed meals at their sister location, Ocha Thai.

The food was fair to good, and it was served steaming hot. However, the service was exceptionally poor.

They were out of roughly half the menu nearly 90 minutes before close. Our group had to try ordering at least two dishes each before we found an item they could serve.

Our server gave our food to the wrong table, re-served the same dish to us when another customer pointed out the mistake, and didn’t bring us water until about 10 minutes after serving our food despite us asking for cups of water when we ordered. When we asked about our water, she walked away without acknowledging our question and then brought our water.

The staff were generally not warm or welcoming, telling us they were “about to close” with more than an hour until the posted close time.

Overall, the food was decent, but it was unfortunately overshadowed by the poor service. I do recommend Ocha Thai though, and it’s possible we just had an “off”...

On more than one occasion, this place has literally saved my life when I was battling a brutal cold. Their pho is pure magic. No matter which style or protein you choose, chicken, beef, or tofu, it always hits. The broth is comforting, deeply flavorful, and somehow makes you feel like everything is going to be okay.I also really appreciate their takeout packaging. It is efficient, secure, and holds up perfectly every time. Even when I am sick in bed, it arrives just right, warm, fresh, and ready to heal.

And let me talk about the robot server at this and sister location .Yes, they have one. It rolls right up with your food like it is on a futuristic mission and somehow makes the whole experience even more memorable. All my friends that I’ve invited to the experience loved it.

The staff is friendly, the space is clean and cozy, and the food is consistently excellent. Whether I am dining in or delivery, or simply in need of a bowl of comfort,always delivers physically and...