Yua Ramen — Restaurant in Edmonds

click "more" for updated review2022

This is my favorite ramen shop! They're always fast and kind with their service. I've never recieved a wrong order and I've frequented this place for going on two years - I stumbled across this gem right before it came under new (current) management. Imo the best ramen in the Mountlake Terrace area! EDIT -----MARCH8TH,2022: A few things... I changed my 5 star rating to 3 because of the following:

(-1 star for decline in service)I visit monthly, sometimes a couple times in one month. I don't see much (if ever. I can't remember the last time) of my favorite waitress anymore. The one who was kind and sweet. Although she didn't say much I miss her gentle presence, politely nodding her head and light laughter. The staff only takes your oder and heads to the kitchen - there's nothing special about the service.

(-1 star inconsistency in food)Each visit makes the expectation and experience, of what used to be a 5star+ establishment, go down. With each bowl of ramen being inconsistent - either lacking in various toppings, being too salty, chashu too fatty, or unseasoned egg. There have been times when I ask for some extra toppings and they say okay but then the bowl served is missing even the basic toppings that are typically - there was no communication of this.

Incorrect closing time/hours of operation (I'm aware that there may be certain factors that played a part in this point... such as, I typically don't go to a restaurant 30min prior to close - but it was unexpected and I figured that I already knew what I wanted, given that I visit so often and they're usually fast, it would be a quick in&out & maybe the hours changed due to business factors) There has been a recent change in hours. Now, my issue isn't the sudden change but the fact that we walked in 30mins (about 8:28pm) before close and got turned away... coupled with the fact that we overheard the entire conversation with the staff figuring out if they were going to seat us or not. Waitress#1 tried seating us by placing a menu on the table. (Another couple walked in beside us as well) waitress#2 (who was sitting on her phone, prior to us walking in) exclaims loudly to the kitchen staff "Didn't you put everything away already?" Then #1 & #2 go back one forth on if they're going to serve us or not - they decide against it, per decision of the person who was on her phone moments before.

If hours are changed please have them reflect...

I remember the first time I had a real bowl of ramen. Like so many kids I learned early how to put two cups of water in a pan, heat it to boiling, toss in a brick of dried noodles and the contents of a “Flavor pack”, stir and eat. That first trip to a ramen restaurant blew my mind. The noodles had a delightful texture and carried the flavor of slow cooked broth. Char sui and a boiled egg were the stars, but bamboo shoots, seaweed and bean sprouts were also yummy treats. I still grab a packet of instant ramen from time to time, but there is nothing like the real thing to scratch that itch I get for noodle soup. I was a bit suspicious when I drove up the road and pulled into the 99 Ranch parking lot. It is one of my favorite Asian grocery stores, but what had grabbed my attention this time was the little ramen joint a few doors down. I peeked through the glass door and was pleased to see the nicely done decorations and clean dining area. Could a shopping center ramen joint actually be good? Besides the location, everything about this place said I should give it a chance. A polite Japanese woman pointed to a table and handed me a menu as I sat down. All the usual suspects were on the menu. I picked a basic Shoyu with extra Char sui. In the corner, I saw that there were a number of appetizers, including my favorite - karaage. I got that with a little salad. I’m a big eater, so I wouldn’t recommend so much food for most people, but I was not going to go home hungry. The salad was great and the karaage was crispy on the outside and juicy inside. I missed having a sauce for the chicken, but it was still tasty. The main event arrived while I was still working on my appetizer. I like to get right at the broth while it is still hot, so I turned my attention to the bowl. It was everything I could hope for. The fatty-salty char sui was perfect. The egg had just the right amount of runny yolk. The little bites of seaweed and shoots were nice accents. I spooned up a bit of broth and slurped it up. It was rich and well seasoned. I could just drink this broth, but why miss out on the noodles? They had that bouncy texture that I like and were cooked to exactly the right texture. I ate everything before calling my son to invite him over for ramen...

Yua Ramen is a must try.

Upon walking in, the restaurant’s decor is simple and aesthetically pleasing. The staff was respectful of covid precautions (wearing masks) and we were seated as further away from other tables, as possible. The waitress was friendly and prompt.

I ordered the gyoza (not pictured), the okonomiyaki, the honey garlic karaage, and the black garlic miso ramen.

The gyoza was deep-fried (something I’m not used to with gyoza). It was simple, not too oily, and the filling was not dry.

The honey garlic karaage was served with a little salad garnish. The honey garlic karaage was not as crispy as I would have liked it, however it was flavorful, moist, and perfectly cooked.

The okonomiyaki was a standout. The Japanese cabbage pancake had an amazing crispy exterior (slightly charred, but it only added a smokier flavor to it, which I enjoyed) and a moist, delicious interior texture, with a balanced cabbage to batter ratio. It was topped with bonito, japanese Mayo, tonkatsu sauce, and nori, which enhanced the creamy pancake and provided sweet and umami notes in every bite. It was a pleasant surprise!

Now, for the “popular” the black garlic miso ramen. I had it customized just slightly; I substituted the thick noodles (with thin noodles), added nori, and asked them to make it “spicy”. All I can say is “WOW”. The broth was thick, velvety, and strong (but not overwhelming) in its black garlic and pork flavor; the umami-ness was amazing. The black garlic provided this smoky, aged depth to the broth enhancing a delicious tonkatsu broth to the next level. The spice level was perfect, as it was not too spicy and provided an overall warming sensation to the palette. The charsu pork was slightly fatty, but that made it incredibly tender and it melted in my mouth. It was one of my favorite ramen bowls I’ve had in the PNW area and comparable to ramen I’ve had in Japan.

The price was reasonable; for two bowls of ramen and three appetizers it was $55 dollars (with tax).

I would definitely recommend Yua Ramen to anyone in the area and I’m looking forward to...