Kumako Ramen — Restaurant in San Jose

The problem with a 5 star review is it doesn't leave room for improvement, and it doesn't help distinguish between any other restaurants with 5 star reviews. Maybe I'm not being helpful by giving 5 stars for everything. I will think about that after I have lunch at Kumako later. I've been eating at Kumako for years and tried almost everything on the menu. The rice plates are great, and some of them are based on one of the ramen recipes which is great when I'm not in the mood for noodles but want the ramen flavors: Tonkatsu, Katsu Curry, Charsu, and Mabo are my favorites of the rice dishes (and ginger pork, in the photo, which has recently reappeared on the menu). I like the Tonkatsu when I need a protein fix, and because it is crispy outside and tender inside and delicious. Katsu Curry because it has chunks of beef and pork with slices of carrots and onion in their thick, delicious curry sauce, and it includes some crispy Tonkatsu so it's not an either / or decision. The Charsu - I would suggest get this if you're not sure what to try of the rice dishes - it has tender chunks of pork that have been browned and then tossed with their sweet soy-ginger sauce. Warning: if you try it, you might get cravings for it later. My favorites on the ramen list are from the spicy column: Tan Tan and Chili, sometimes Mabo, and Katsu Curry when my appetite is big. Chili is the spiciest on the list and since I'm a middleweight and can handle the chili, maybe it won't be spicy enough for you. If you need more spice, try their home-made condiment. The duck and clam ramens are delicious too. On the appetizers list I recommend the shumai and gyoza. I haven't had most of the others, there may be a new favorite lurking...

Without a doubt, Kumako Ramen stands as the premier ramen shop in America, distinguished by an unparalleled commitment and pride. This focus on delivering the finest experience to their customers is evident in the exceptional quality and deliciousness of the food they serve, setting a standard that is unmatched nationwide. Even if one must wait standing in the rain for an extended period of time, the food will come out fast and will put a fire in your soul that will completely and totally invigorate you and fill your stomach with happiness. Every staff member take pride and works very hard to ensure you have the best possible experience. No matter what you order, every item on the menu is sure to make you smile. Even the most delicate and picky tongues can't help but smile by the experience of this small charming ramen shop run by very wonderful people.

Definitely consider trying the cold ramen if you wanna try something completely different the traditional bowl of hot ramen.

Please consider calling ahead as well to try and secure a reservation because this place can get busy as this helps speed up the process! We even showed up the minute they opened one morning and people were already pouring in!

Thank you Kumako Ramen for the memories and remember everyone, slurp those...

I have tried more than 50 ramen restaurants in either Japan or US. This is by far my worst ramen experience.

1.The place is so tight and you can smell the oil smock from the open kitchen.

We feel discriminated against, there is a White couple arriver later than us, but the waitress not only let them sit first, but also let them order first, even if we are earlier ready to order. The waitress also dropped some liquid on our chair, and she simply gave us some tissue and let us clean by ourselves.

Fried calamari is the first dish we ordered and the waitress forgot that. We waited until we finished our ramen.

Despite those bad experiences, let's talk about their food. We ordered three dishes. Tonkotsu Ramen: the saltiest ramen I have ever eaten. The soup base is only salty without the deep, creamy flavor that a good ramen should have. Hiyashi Ramen: its a joke, the egg is not even suger heart. Calamari: my GF said it's bitter and she never tried such bad fried calamari.

Overall, I would not recommend anyone to try this ramen restaurants. Try Porco, Orenchi, Ipudo, they might not be super good, but much better...