Ramen 101 — Restaurant in Vacaville

To begin, I would have rate it 3.5 if I could. I test places that offer ramen by testing their tonkotsu and/or their tori paitan. This case, I tested the tonkotsu because it can be used as a base for any of their borths.

The tonkotsu was okay. The texture of the broth was almost creamy. It is weird. It felt like it was creamy then was watered down. The collagen is like it is almost there but not. Could definitely be better. The flavor is similar. It is there but almost not. Reminds me of the Raoh line almost.

The fish cake is kamaboko, very very similar to the one you can get from asian supermarket that is on a bamboo. I ordered extra serving for a dollar and got very few thin pieces. A kamaboko from the store could get exponentially more for $4.5.

The noodles are average, I believe the asian supermarket in Vallejo carries similar texture and firmness. Reminds me of the dried bundle that comes from a specific Menraku insta ramen. Oh, the best I can compare it to is the noodles from Nongshim Ramyun. Similar firmness and texture. If you want better you're better off looking up The Way of Ramen for homemade noodles.

Is the bowl worth $16+ not really. I'm new to the area and was excited to see a ramen spot close by but I guess I'll just have to do it the old way; make it myself.

If you're looking for ramen to share with friends and family and have the space in your place to cook, just make it yourself. The Way of Ramen is a good starting place to learn the basics. If you're really desperate this place might be okay enough just now and again. And if you're really really desperate for more frequent well, learning how to make is your best bet but Raoh or Menraku line of insta noodles might help you.

Update 10/8/22: Friend invited me for ramen after work, since they were treating I didn't want to sway their choice.

I got medium spice level just to test it out. I'm the type of person who keeps powdered scorpion pepper at home to add to my soups.

I just want to say that they use chili oil. Chili oil is fine but in this case they use ALOT of chili oil. My friend got mild. They just increase the amount of chili oil they add. A pool of oil on top of tonkotsu... if you're the type of person that gets sick with too much fat/oil you'll probably want to avoid.

Also there are better ways to get more spice with less oil. Using spicier peppers if you really want to use chili oil OR using dried and powdered peppers, like my scorpion pepper powder from...

Very fast service, good workers, great food, clean environment, and best of all, it's close to where I live!

I've been to this restaurant many times now, and I am proud to say that it's become one of my favorite restaurants ever. When the other ramen place that my family frequently visited on special days was closed down, the next closest ramen place was WAY too far. Thankfully, Ramen 101 is here, and the food is just as good - if not better - than that last restaurant we used to go to.

Prices: The prices are about the same as the other ramen restaurants we used to visit, so I don't understand the negative reviews on the prices.

Food: I usually order the Tonkotsu Ramen (Medium Spice). Really good, just the right amount of spice. The grilled squid and vegetable tempura are also delicious. I like to get either the squid or tempura as appetizers.

My only criticisms:

Sometimes the egg or black mushrooms(?) come out cold. It's not a big deal though because I understand they have to prep the food, plus the broth is nice and hot anyway, so you can push the food in to heat them up. It was just a bit surprising, but not a problem. The egg and mushrooms(?) are still cooked, just need to be heated up.

And lastly, the space is small. There aren't enough tables sometimes and I hate sitting outside when it's cold (and in the summer, when it's hot, lol!). But since I usually go on the weekdays during times when people are busy, it's not too bad. Just wish we could cut a small part of Panera to make space for...

Went to soft opening which opened an hour and a couple minutes after it was supposed to which annoyed and confused some hungry people who were already lined up even earlier. Having the online ordering available on soft opening wasn't a good idea for that reason. They looked nervous and a little under prepared, however, it is a soft opening. I'm sure once they get their groove, things will be fine. Everyone got in a better mood after they got to eating lol. Food was pricey but delicious, especially the Black Garlic Ramen. The Takoyaki was delicious as well as the Chicken Katsu. Hopefully they will add a side of curry dipping or something for the Katsu. I like the numbering system they have on the tables so that your guaranteed a table if you dine in and there's a table available. However, there was only like 7 tables. They should have some more tables outdoors since it's a small place that is bound to get super popular and busy. Maybe 3-6 more tables outside lol. Hope they have condiments like sriracha and napkins next time too. But I get it; soft opening. Imagine a grand opening LOL. Overall, food was yummy and workers were trying their best. Also, I only got 2 (out of 4) food pictures because we started chowing down on everything else lol. Just order online for now until they get more tables if ever, because it's going to get...