Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen - Gardena — Restaurant in Gardena

I hesitate to write this review but I must after seeing that they have a 4.7 rating, OMG. I have no idea why that is. Either they are all paid reviewers, or people simply don't understand what good ramen is in this country. Read my last paragraph first, or just go to Japan, and understand what good ramen is. Just goto Tokyo Station Ramen Street for starters, there are 8 great ramen restaurants w different styles. Each of them will blow this place away by a mile. There are plenty more in local alleys if you can find them. But literally, almost any ramen you find in Japan in any street corner is better than this place, IMO.

I've been eating ramen at Shin-Sen-Gumi for over 30+ years in multiple locations. Years ago, it was one of the best Tonkotsu ramen in SoCal cuz there weren't that many good ramen back then. Fast foward to today, there are so many better ramen places in SoCal. I will name just a few for you in no particular order: Tatsu, Tsujita, Hinonori, Ikkousha, Josui, Kitakata, Daikokuya, Tatsunoya, Hinodeya, Santouka, Nagi, Men Oh Tokushima, Silverlake, Afuri, and many more. You don't even need to go to J-town or Sawtelle for great ramen anymore.

Here's the problem with Shin-Sen-Gumi: I visited them about 3 months ago and already thought it was not what it used to be, but I refrained from writing a review, hoping they would improve. Today was the last draw. They only serve Tonkotsu, so you would think that should be great cuz it's their specialty, easy enough, right?

Ramen only have 3 components: noodles, broth, and toppings. First, I will say the noodles were still OK. I always ask for Katame (firm noodles) when eating Hakata style ramen since it's thin noodles. I like "Al dente", I don't like soggy noodles. Second, their toppings were never great, but acceptable. Char Siu had always been too dried, and still is. Green onions always seem frozen chopped long ago. Third, here's the DISASTER. Years ago, the broth was their magic. It had a unique rich pork bone flavor. That is what Tonkotsu means (豚骨) as in pork bone. Today, it tasted like it was some powder mix from some instant ramen package, but worse, ZERO umami. (btw, I ordered thick and strong for the broth, and it was still tasteless, horrible. Maybe I should have ask them for some MSG Ajinomoto, LOL). A pack of "Shin" noodles tastes much better.

After my meal, I consulted with the staff. I asked for a manager but there was none. I told them exactly what I wrote above, that they have lost their mojo; but they seem indifferent. Maybe they were embarrassed that someone pointed out to them this is not real Tonkotsu (豚骨) soup base. You can't pretend to sell Tonkotsu with instant noodles packets mix. It's fraudulent. So I left, and vowed I will not be back, EVER.

If you have NEVER eaten Tonkotsu ramen, you might think this is good ramen, but if you have ever been to Tokyo or Fukuoka and eaten ramen there, you will laugh at this...

We've been coming to this location for a long time because the ramen is always delicious, but unfortunately, we had a very unpleasant experience yesterday.

A member of our party, who is eight months pregnant, arrived 15 minutes before us with her husband. They put their name down and asked if she could take a seat at the counter while they waited, as there were open seats available. They were told no. Thinking there might have been a misunderstanding, they explained that she was heavily pregnant, and were again told "No" because "We have to keep the seats open for customers." (There was no line.) They even reassured the staff that she would happily give up the seat if more customers arrived, yet they were still denied.

When we arrived, we saw that the entire counter was nearly empty, with only one person seated. I asked to speak with the manager, but there wasn’t one present. Instead, I spoke with a long-time staff member and explained the situation. His response was, "I understand, but we also have to maintain some control here." I respect restaurant policies, but refusing to accommodate a visibly pregnant woman when the restaurant was half-empty is ridiculous and shows a complete lack of flexibility and basic empathy. When I pointed this out, he simply said, "Maybe we could be more flexible," but offered no apology.

This was not a complicated situation and could have been handled with a little common sense—at the very least, offering to bring a chair outside. We’ve always enjoyed dining here, but after this experience and the disappointing lack of understanding shown, we’re seriously reconsidering if...

Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity to sieze the best Ramen in LA, in one meal. Would you eat here, or just let it slip?

That was me. I only had one meal remaining in LA before my flight back home. I wanted it to be Ramen. So I began my research for the best Ramen in LA. I checked Google Maps, Yelp, Eater LA, Google results. I wasn't going to accept a great Ramen. I would only settle for a STELLAR Ramen. Our extensive and intensive research landed us here at Shin-Sen-Gumi. I had the highest of expectations, and it did meet them.

The Ramen was delicious, generously flavorful, with bunch of customizable toppings to suit your needs and taste. The pork slices and additional pork dumplings I ordered were both amazing. We also got 2 types of flavor balls/bombs from their menu, and both were a hit. Made the Ramen even tastier.

They also have bells on each table to call the staff. First time I saw it in any restaurant. Makes it very convenient. The service was quick, efficient, no-frills.

You can join the restaurant waitlist from yelp, so do that...