2 weeks Ago
One of Japan’s most popular ramen bars, Mensho Tokyo, is expanding to Los Angeles with a location in Culver City. Founded in 2005 by ramen master Tomoharu Shono, Mensho Tokyo has grown to over 20 locations across Japan, Thailand, and, China over the last two decades. The ramen bar’s first U.
S. outpost opened in San Francisco in 2016 , and had two-hour-plus lines on opening weekend; the location has since been included in the California Michelin Guide . The Culver City location will be the first Southern California expansion for Mensho Tokyo.
Mensho Tokyo will take over the former Sweet Lily Bakery in Culver, opening in the heart of downtown near Jameson’s Pub and Nong Lá. Signage on the building is already up, and Shono has teased the construction on his Instagram story , though an opening date has not been announced yet. Mensho Tokyo may be best known for its signature toripaitan ramen, served with a creamy chicken broth made with shio koji.
On top, thick slices of tender duck and pork chashu rest in the almost-opaque broth, surrounded by crispy fried burdock root, slivered green onions, ajitama egg, and king oyster mushrooms. Springy house-made mochi wheat noodles swim in the broth below. Other creative ramens available across Mensho’s locations include a jade green chicken-broth and matcha ramen with sliced duck, a spicy lamb miso cumin ramen with minced lamb, and a soupless mazemen served with pork shoyu tare for dipping.
Expect smaller side dishes like garlic edamame and enoki chips on hand to round out meals. Mensho Tokyo joins an already outstanding line-up of ramen restaurants in Los Angeles , including Hakata-style spot Tsujita, Tokyo’s Afuri, and tonkotsu destination Tonchin. But, judging by Mensho’s success globally and in the Bay, its unique bowls of ramen are sure to stand out in the Southland.
Los Angeles has also seen a recent influx of restaurants from Japan establishing outposts in the city, including bakery Bread, Espresso, & in Redondo Beach , and souffle pancake specialist Takagi Coffee on West Third . Now more than ever, Angelenos can get a taste of Tokyo without having to hop on a flight. Related Sign up for our newsletter.
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