Tamaya — Restaurant in La Puente

Tamaya holds a special place in my life, filled with countless memories and stories. As a piano teacher, when I was younger and pregnant with my daughter, I spent my weekends traveling to my students’ homes for lessons. During lunch breaks, my favorite thing was to enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen at Tamaya all by myself.

Time flies, and now my daughter is in her twenties. Like me, she has explored various ramen restaurants, but her favorite remains Tamaya. Among the many dishes we’ve tried, we both love the Shoyu Ramen, no meat, less salt, and sometimes with a flavored egg. The noodles are always cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of chew, and the broth is light yet full of flavor. Paired with their amazing cabbage and pork-filled gyoza, we both agree that the simplest dishes often showcase a restaurant’s true craftsmanship.

I’ve visited Japan nine times, and my favorite experience is walking to a ramen place at night, savoring the unique charm that only Japan can offer. Tamaya, with its cozy, family-like atmosphere, often transports me back to those cherished moments in Japan. It’s no wonder I’ve introduced all my family, friends, and colleagues to what I believe is the most authentic and delicious ramen in Los Angeles.

The staff—Masa, Kiyo, and Masumi—are incredibly friendly, always welcoming us with warm smiles and exceptional service that makes the experience even more special. Thank you for being there and letting your ramen bring such comfort and joy...

Ignore my review if you’re an MSG fan. Flavor is decent otherwise.

2.5 STAR. Overall. Primarily or even solely due to a negative MSG experience. Definitely a very high dosage of MSG in food, had a MSG coma attack even prior to walking out from the restaurant. Experienced dry lips which is not a typical symptom for me. Then crashed for 3 hours straight immediately upon return home and unable to wake. Note to self: Must not e.v.e.r. return in order to extend my lifespan...

4 STAR. Side portion of egg over rice dish in combo with main order. The 3 year old loves it. Sweet, salty, soft and chewy. Portion is just right for the kid. I find it a tad sweet.

2.5 STAR. Pork Cutlet Curry Noodle. Requested for pork on the side instead of soaked in soup. Pork was extremely tough and dry by itself and hard to chew, generously sprinkled with a fresh layer of MSG. When soaked in soup, however, it became balanced and chewable.

4.5 STAR. Service. Friendly and high performing waiters. Only a couple of them bustling a fully packed restaurant on a weekday at 1 pm with a light wait list. One of my 2 orders went to a different table and went unoticed until we were full on the first dish. It’s okay. No grudges. It happens.

5 STAR. Kids Friendly. Reusable children’s cup with a lid. Minion...

Both meat and non-meat review.

I used to go to the Alhambra location before they closed it.

Nothing fancy about this place, but you can expect to get some solid tonkotsu ramen. You know, just a good old simple bowl of ramen with things you expect - a rich delicious broth, ramen ramen, bamboo shoots, seasoned egg (ask for it), onion, chasu that's supposed to melt in your mouth, red ginger.

Just a good old bowl of ramen that meets your craving everytime! Nothing fancy! No hype! Like just an honest bowl of ramen that meets the definition of ramen. Hahaha.

The dons are equally good!

Highly recommend the tonkotsu ramen and the different dons!!!!!

Now that I no longer eat meat, I give the vegetarian yakisoba a try. Ok, a bit greasy! Has the wok fragrance. Ok la.

Worth a few visits!

Oh, you have to order outside then sit anywhere. Lol. They try to imitate the Japanese version of ordering from a vending machine outside then sit down inside, but instead with an inpatient waitress waiting for your order while you nervously glace through the menu wondering what to try.

So, know what you gonna order before you...