Wu Lan Ramen Tap House — Restaurant in Oceanside

To those of us North County people who would drive down to Convoy/Kearny to get good Ramen, the drive is over. The ramen wave has hit us like (poke, burgers, pizza, beer already have).

Historically in North County Teri’s had the best noodles and pork, but lacked the broth, but their noodles could be taken home and like every real ramen lover, their love came from home cooking and something too easy to not attempt at home. We’ve all had too many failed attempts to get ramen at Japanese restaurants we eat at but we forget Japanese could mean sushi, could be izakaya, could be ramen, could mean teriyaki, it’s way to broad. After a few of those we just stopped and committed to getting our fix at proper spots.

Service is excellent, I’ve never had a bad experience here service wise and I’m pretty sure I’ve been served by everyone. Décor is great, very cool hand drawn chalkings, but the lighting which looks like little death stars that expand and contract (I still like my picture the most “deathstar underskirt). The décor is warm and inviting despite the naked windows. I waited and waited and waited to write this after they got their beer & wine license, but 10 months is too much, they now have bottled but do not advertise, so the empty taps are still empty. Portions are good, be careful with ramen because it expands more than other carbs. Wulan is their standard offering, mega pig is their sort of double pork offering with both chashu and smoked pork belly. Both use the tonkatsu style creamy pork broth. Blank Knight is similar to Wulan, but with mayu or black garlic oil (ultra fried) adding another element. They don’t keep toasted sesame seed oil on the table which I’d like to see. Their miso used in hot chick, miso hot and skinny chic is a great building block. The hot chick does have some kick. I love the wood ear mushrooms they are a nice contrast versus bamboo shoots which most places use. I wish they offering the Hokkaido style butter addition. I expected corn to be a non add on. Their eggs are barely marinated, but never overcooked.

The takoyaki is light on the sauce which is nice, the firecracker shrimp is good without all that breading. The pork bun is good and actually a very under eaten dish I think many people will be more apt to try as their apps are limited. Soft, warm, doughy, light, but great umami with the bold pork.The honey sriracha wings are ok, I really prefer the malay chicken wings from compass when I’m trying an “Asian” style wing. At least it’s not baked like some places. The Chashu bowl is sort of their version of a bibimbap and a little naked. I expected more considering they do well by offering lots on their ramen as the colors and flavors make things pop. If you have picky kids this may not be the greatest place as they don’t offer a chicken and rice dish, though they can modify things the menu again is pretty limited. If you aren’t here for ramen, and you shouldn’t if you aren’t, then you may find fault in them, when it really is within you. The whole sit down versus order thing is only because the 2nd door is unmarked (they really should say enter through other door to properly guide people through the process)

Prices are affordable with $9 being the base for wulan, chicken, skinny and that’s about all you’ll need, most people don’t get apps like I do. Surprisingly they take home well too if you order for pick up. I love the hand written messages on the paper bags make you feel welcome and cared for in a way. The bottled carafe water service is really nice

For now your late night ramen needs can still only be filled further south, but you won’t be left wanting during normal hours here...

Be sure to check your bill against the price you see on the menu!

They had increased their prices recently and you can see a paper pasted over the old pricing. Understandably they had to increase their prices due to inflation. As we are regulars, we ordered and paid as usual. And we checked the bill after that and saw that the price that the register rung up was higher than the increased price stated on the menu. When we asked the cashier, she just said the boss make another increase again! We were there last month and the price was still the old price. Does it mean they raised price twice within a month or so? We would appreciate if the staff could notify us of the extra increase in price upon order of the food, or when we were looking at menu in front of her - not after we paid and we had to ask why are we charged more?! We felt cheated (although we give benefit of the doubt to them and perhaps it is just a case of not managing the price increase properly and not educating the staffs how to communicate to customers). The cashier did not offer to rectify the bill to honour the price on the menu. And just said they are coming up with new menu with the new (increased) prices.

I am disappointed with their actions and responses. Stores would have honored the prices on price tag/on shelves if register ring up a higher price. In this case it was not, and no apologies were given.

When we asked for take away box, we were pointed to a corner and asked to take the boxes ourselves. But we saw them taking to-go boxes for other customers. There wasn't anyone to check if we are doing okay during the meal as well (and they are well-staffed tonight) Not to mention, they start switching off the lights before we are done and it was slightly before 8 pm! (Note: Google says they are open till 9 pm but no, they close at 8pm Sat)

We wish we can make payment after the meal and make sure we tip to reflect the (poor) quality of service we received. But because we had to pay upon ordering, we felt that over-tipped for today's poor service.

My family visits almost monthly. But we don't think we will be there regularly anymore. The margin of price increase also made it less worth it for the bucks we pay compared to other ramen shops we frequent in Carlsbad.

Just want to put it out here to let fellow consumers know and to make sure to check your bill for discrepancy and...

I’ve been underwhelmed with the noodle game in North County but Wu Lan is a winner!

We came in because “May Grey” made me want a hot steaming bowl of noodles. They have a great selection of ramen as well as a wonderful selection of sushi.

We had the black knight ramen which had a very thick and savory tonkatsu broth with black garlic oil and extra garlic on top. The veggies included wood ear mushroom and some seaweed. A seasoned egg was extra but totally worth it. The center was perfectly jammy and the white was well seasoned.

My husband had the Mega pig which came in a huge bowl. The portion has 6 pieces of chasu in it, an egg, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms. It was hot, fresh, and tasty!

We also ordered the sashimi - which for 15$ came as a very generous portion of 6 pieces of hamachi (you get to choose). There was a cute little side of poke that came in the plate which was spicy and well seasoned. The fish quality as well as everything else that we had was very high quality.

We also ordered a pitcher of Sapporo for $16 - I could see us coming back to try all the yummy fried appetizers with a few pitchers and friends!

The staff was absolutely delightful and the lovely woman who took our order was playing a cozy, light hearted island mix.

This is the highest quality ramen / sushi that we have had in North County - and rivals our favorites from San Francisco / San Jose / Convoy. We can’t wait to come back to the amazing food, inviting atmosphere, and...