Asuka Ramen

Asuka Ramen opened up a few months ago just two or three blocks from me, and I finally checked out out. I got the lunch special, which is a choice of ramen with a half order of fried rice for $10.31 after tax. Not bad for downtown SF, and definitely a shareable light lunch for two, even.


I chose the tonkatsu ramen and was not disappointed. The broth was deep and rich, though a little heavily salted for my taste (as is most ramen). The noodles could have been a bit firmer, but they were generous with both the pork and bamboo in the soup. The eggs were cooked so the yolks were just barely cooked through, which I love. I fear that this may have been a lucky fluke, since I don't see most corner ramen houses taking the care to perfectly soft-boil eggs for every dish.

The rice was a very generous bowl--much bigger than a typical rice bowl. Nicely flavored, with plenty of pork and eggs in it. I'm horrified to admit that I finished both the ramen and the rice because I'd just finished a two mile jog and a one mile cool down. Oh well.

I did manage to keep dinner light. We had rice, spinach, and this tasty pork bone soup with daikon and green onions. It was a very soupy day!