Gu Ramen Taps & Tapas
Gu Ramen has a great noodle and broth combination that seems to harmonize together.
Ramen with Mild Spice and Chashu
Ratings
Broth
Noodles
Chashu
Toppings
Overall
Date of Visit: April 2018
What I Ordered: Ramen with Mild Spice and Chashu
Cost: $9.95
Offers Extra Noodles: Unknown
Offers Extra Broth: Unknown
Review
This restaurant is in Santa Ana, and there are a lot of things in this area that are walking distance. Ranging from some very good restaurants, to bars and night clubs, to art walks, this area has a lot to offer. It seems that all of the parking in the area is paid. It isn’t too horribly expensive, but it is still something to consider. The meters right outside the restaurant to the side are $1.50 an hour with a 2-3 hour max. This location is quite small. It is a small, almost hole in the wall, with one bar/counter with other small tables. It seems like they would have a hard time accommodating a party bigger than 6. The bar does have a decent wine and beer selection. However, I am sure there are lots of other bars and more expensive drinks in the area. In terms of ordering ramen, the menu is fairly straight forward. Pick the ramen, the spice, and the meat you want. Then add additional toppings. I chose to get the classic without any extras. They do offer egg, but I decided not to get it.
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The broth is creamy in appearance and partially in flavor. There is nothing bold about the flavor of the broth, but it is very distinctly a tonkotsu broth. This is a broth that appears to be richer in flavor than it actually tastes. However, the taste and appearance is still good and done well. The level one mild spice is also perfect. It is just barely enough to give it a kick, but does not detract from the flavor at all. I think they are proper in calling it a mild spice.
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The noodles have a nice texture. They are the noodles that are a bit more yellow in color. They have a little bit of crimp and curl that give them a good texture to pair with good flavor. I would say that this is a good standard for a good noodle. I don’t think they are made fresh in house though.
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Wow, the warmth and flavor of the broth seem to combine perfectly with the noodles. The texture and chew of the noodles seem to pair perfectly with the broth. The flavors combine well and work as one. This is certainly a combo where the two parts make a much better whole. Each bite I appreciate the combo even more, because it seems like these two ingredients were meant to be with each other.
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The noodles have a nice texture. They are the noodles that are a bit more yellow in color. They have a little bit of crimp and curl that give them a good texture to pair with good flavor. I would say that this is a good standard for a good noodle. I don’t think they are made fresh in house though.
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The toppings were good because they were very minimal. They had a small amount of green onions and seseme seeds, and actually had a slice of fish cake. All of these were super minimal and didn’t try to steal the attention of the trinity.
Overall: 7.5/10
Would recommend. This place has a great noodle and broth combination that seems to harmonize together. This is what they seem to do best. The chashu is sub par, and the toppings get out of the way to let you enjoy the noodles and broth. So this place does the noodles and broth well and that is why I would recommend the place. I don’t know what else to say that I haven’t already. This place is a standard definition of good in terms of the noodles and broth and they happen to pair well nicely together. Well done.
Restaurant Info
Address
304 Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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