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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaSan Mateo CountyDaly CityJapanese Restaurant in Junipero Serra BoulevardYokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City
Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City ico

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City

1901E Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94014, USA

4.0
The Only Yokohama Iekei Ramen Review You'll NeedTo start this review, I've been going to Yokohama since their Fremont location opened years ago. I've become a regular and distinguishable customer, as my family and I have always gone to Yokohama, even taking the lengthy journey from the East Bay to Daly City to satisfy our ramen craving. However, the experience from today's visit has ended that.Walking into Yokohama, we were seated fairly fast as there were many open tables. Sitting down, we were given the menu, yet rarely a second to even glance over it. Our waiter, presumably the owner, instantly asked us what we wanted. I didn't question this action as I knew the owner must've known I was a regular from my family's countless visits. I knew what I wanted, so I just placed my order, which is where issues began to occur.I've always ordered the Chicken Katsu Curry when going to Yokohama, but ever since my last 3-4 visits, the rice or chicken katsu had coincidentally always been unprepared or not ready. Something I didn't pay much attention to but also didn't really question. Yet this time, "coincidentally", the Chicken Katsu Curry was unavailable for some other miscellaneous reason the owner had given me, so reluctantly I just ordered the Black Garlic Ramen again like I always had done. Going on, I ordered another Black Garlic Ramen for my friend, Karrage, and most importantly, the Takoyaki--something that fueled the purpose of this review.The wait wasn't particularly long as we only waited around approx. 5 minutes for the first dish to come out, which was the Takoyaki; this is where I had initially noticed something different. Noticing the Takoyaki had looked stump and a bit short compared to my previous visits, where I have always ordered the Takoyaki and known what it has looked like; this didn't feel right. I lifted it, and to my dismay, the Takoyaki was flat on the bottom, and unlike its famously rounded sphere shape, it was a half circle with a completely flat surface. Confronting the owner about it, I asked her what the issue was and why the Takoyaki appeared to be deformed, yet rather than explaining it to me or offering to remake it, she chose to gaslight and convince me that it was some sort of new appearance or different variation of Takoyaki. Quoting, she said, "Osaka style Takoyaki," with my understanding that she had probably been premeditating that saying in case any of her Takoyaki had gone flat, and didn't want to remake it for any customer. Cause nowhere on her menu or near Takoyaki had it specified this variation.With many other dishes, such as the Karrage being tough to eat or the Ramen being watery and holding barely any substance of flavor, it was so hard to eat, but for around $20 USD, it felt better eating it than letting it sit. The ingredients in the Ramen are also lacking, such as the bamboo that is constantly uncooked and always holding a stench to the flavorless noodles that never seem to taste good. I feel like my experience today has been eye-opening to what Yokohama truly is and something that will make me never visit them again. On top of all that, they had no bean sprouts in stock, and with no clarification until I had specified I didn't want bean sprouts in my ramen was when they finally told me they didn't even have them available. Astounding.I was fed up with her culmination of lies from things such as the availability of items on the menu that never seem to be ready or to lying about items such as the Takoyaki to pass off subpar food towards customers; I was finally at my ends meet with Yokohama. Especially with food being exceptionally expensive, with 2x Bowls of Ramen, 1x Karrage, and 1x Takoyaki, coming out to roughly 60 USD before tip. With the quality of ingredients from stinky bamboo to the portion of ingredients not nearly being enough for the price, Yokohama will never see me or another penny out of me again.The only good thing I'll admit is how good that pitcher of cold water tastes. - Jayden
Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City Introduce

For ramen enthusiasts in California, especially those in the Bay Area, seeking an authentic taste of a unique Japanese ramen style, Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City stands as a dedicated destination. This establishment specializes in "Iekei" ramen, a distinctive and highly customizable style originating from Yokohama, Japan. Iekei ramen is renowned for its rich and flavorful broth, a harmonious blend of pork bone (tonkotsu) and chicken bone broth, infused with a soy sauce (shoyu) base and often a layer of chicken fat (schmaltz). Unlike some other ramen styles, Iekei is typically served with thick, straight noodles, along with classic toppings like roasted pork (chashu), spinach, and nori (dried seaweed).

Yokohama Iekei Ramen aims to bring this beloved culinary tradition directly to the Daly City community. While one customer review highlighted some recent inconsistencies and a frustrating interaction regarding service and food quality, suggesting potential areas for improvement, other feedback points to the core experience of "Very authentic Japanese ramen" with "Perfect amount of fat to broth flavor ratio." This suggests that when the kitchen and service are on point, the restaurant delivers a genuine Iekei ramen experience. The ability to choose noodle firmness and broth richness further enhances the customizable nature of Iekei ramen, allowing each diner to craft their ideal bowl. This focus on authenticity and customization is a significant draw for locals who appreciate nuanced Japanese flavors.

Location and Accessibility

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City is conveniently located at 1901E Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94014, USA. This strategic location positions it within easy reach for residents of Daly City, as well as those in nearby San Francisco and other parts of the Peninsula. Junipero Serra Boulevard is a major thoroughfare, contributing to the restaurant's accessibility.

One of the significant advantages of this location is the convenience of parking. While specific details aren't always provided for every business in a complex, information suggests that there is "convenient with a free garage nearby" or "easy parking options nearby," making it a hassle-free visit for those driving. This is a considerable benefit in the often-crowded Bay Area. For those relying on public transportation, Junipero Serra Blvd is typically served by local bus routes, though checking specific schedules and stops for the exact address is always advisable. Its placement near major roads also allows for relatively quick access from various directions, solidifying its standing as an accessible dining spot for ramen lovers across the region.

Services Offered

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City focuses on providing a dedicated ramen dining experience, complemented by popular Japanese appetizers and side dishes.

  • Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a casual dining environment where customers can enjoy their ramen fresh from the kitchen. As noted by a customer, seating is often available quickly, even during busy times.
  • Takeout and Delivery: For customers who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or on the go, Yokohama Iekei Ramen likely offers takeout services. Additionally, they are typically available through popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, providing the convenience of having authentic ramen delivered directly to your door.
  • Customizable Ramen: A core feature of Iekei ramen is its customizability. Customers can often choose:
    • Noodle firmness: Ranging from soft to firm.
    • Broth richness/fat content: Adjusting the intensity of the flavor.
    • Broth strength: Modifying the saltiness of the broth.
    This allows diners to tailor their ramen to their exact preference.
  • Diverse Ramen Menu: The menu features several variations of their signature Iekei ramen, including:
    • Iekei Ramen: The classic combination of chicken and pork bone broth.
    • Black Garlic Ramen: Featuring a rich tonkotsu soup with black burned garlic flavor.
    • Shio Ramen: An enhanced clam-flavored sea salted tonkotsu soup.
    • Tonkotsu Ramen: A classic white soy sauce enhanced pork bone tonkotsu soup.
    • Hokkaido Spicy Miso Ramen: A creamy tonkotsu spicy miso soup.
    • Jigoku Ramen: A spicy tonkotsu soup.
    • TanTanMen: A creamy tonkotsu spicy miso soup with Japanese sansho pepper minced ground pork.
  • Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles): They also offer Tsukemen, a popular option where cold ramen noodles are served separately with a side of rich, concentrated dipping broth, including Shio Tsukemen and Tsuke Jigoku (spicy) variations.
  • Appetizers and Side Dishes: To complement the ramen, the menu includes traditional Japanese appetizers such as Edamame, Agedashi Tofu, Potato Croquettes, Karage Fried Chicken (with classic or yuzu sauce), Gyoza (chicken and pork), Japanese-style spicy chicken wings, Geso (fried squid tentacles), Takoyaki, and Kaki Fried (fried oysters).
  • Rice Dishes: Beyond ramen, they offer several rice-based main courses like Chashu Pork Fried Rice, Karage Chicken Fried Rice, Chicken Katsu Curry, and Hot Stone Pot bowls (Chicken or Chashu Pork).
Features / Highlights

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City offers several key features and highlights that make it stand out as a Japanese ramen destination:

  • Authentic Iekei Ramen Style: The primary highlight is its specialization in Iekei ramen, a unique and less common style in the U.S. compared to pure Tonkotsu or Shoyu. This blend of pork and chicken bone broth with shoyu tare and thick noodles provides a distinct and rich flavor profile.
  • High Customizability: A defining characteristic of Iekei ramen is the ability to customize noodle firmness, broth richness/fat, and broth strength (saltiness). This empowers diners to fine-tune their ramen exactly to their preference, ensuring a personalized and satisfying experience.
  • Rich and Flavorful Broth: The "perfect amount of fat to broth flavor ratio" highlights the quality of their soup, which is described as a "rich and flavorful broth known as KOKU," achieved by boiling pork bones, chicken bones, and dried mackerel bones for over 12 hours.
  • Diverse Menu Options: Beyond the signature Iekei, the extensive ramen menu includes Black Garlic, Spicy Miso, Shio, Tonkotsu, Jigoku, and TanTanMen, catering to various taste preferences from classic to spicy and unique.
  • Tsukemen Availability: The inclusion of Tsukemen, a popular dipping noodle dish, broadens their appeal, offering a different way to enjoy their rich broth and noodles, especially in warmer weather or for those who prefer their noodles separated from the soup.
  • Variety of Appetizers and Rice Dishes: The comprehensive menu includes popular Japanese appetizers like Karaage and Takoyaki, as well as substantial rice dishes such as Chicken Katsu Curry and various fried rice options, allowing for a complete meal.
  • Convenient Location with Parking: Situated in Daly City on a major boulevard with accessible parking, the restaurant offers significant convenience for local diners, minimizing travel and parking hassles.
  • Dedicated to Iekei Tradition: The description of their soup-making process (soaking kelps overnight, boiling bones for 12+ hours) underscores a commitment to traditional Iekei ramen preparation methods.
Promotions or Special Offers

Specific, ongoing promotional offers for Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City are not extensively advertised in publicly available information. However, like many popular ramen establishments, they might offer various deals or specials that locals can watch out for:

  • Lunch Specials: Many ramen restaurants provide discounted ramen sets or combos during weekday lunch hours, often including a main ramen dish with a side like gyoza or a small rice bowl.
  • Seasonal Ramen: Occasionally, restaurants introduce limited-time ramen bowls featuring seasonal ingredients or unique flavor profiles. Checking their website or in-store signage for "Chef's Specials" or "Limited Time Offers" would be advisable.
  • Loyalty Programs: Some popular local eateries implement loyalty programs or digital rewards for repeat customers, offering discounts or free items after a certain number of visits or purchases.
  • Delivery App Promotions: Keep an eye on popular food delivery platforms (such as DoorDash or Uber Eats) as they frequently run promotions, discounts, or offer free delivery for participating restaurants, which could include Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City.

For the most current information on any promotions, new menu items, or special events, it is always recommended for customers to check the official Yokohama Iekei Ramen website (if they have a dedicated Daly City page), their social media channels, or to inquire directly by phone or in person at the restaurant.

Contact Information

To experience the authentic Iekei ramen at Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 1901E Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94014, USA

Phone: (510) 489-9990

General Hours of Operation (as per some online sources, but always verify):

  • Some sources mention "Open 24 hours" for Yokohama Iekei Ramen generally, but this might pertain to certain locations in Japan. For the Daly City location, it is highly recommended to confirm current operating hours directly by phone as typical ramen shops in the US often have specific lunch and dinner service hours.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City is a compelling choice for locals in California, particularly those in the Bay Area, seeking an authentic and customizable ramen experience. Its specialization in Iekei ramen, a distinctive style that blends rich pork and chicken bone broths, sets it apart from many other ramen establishments. For true ramen aficionados, the opportunity to savor this specific, highly flavorful style without traveling to Japan is a significant draw.

The restaurant's emphasis on customization is a major advantage for locals. The ability to choose noodle firmness, broth richness, and broth strength ensures that each diner can tailor their bowl to their exact preference, creating a personalized and consistently satisfying meal. This level of control is deeply appreciated by those who truly understand and enjoy ramen.

Furthermore, the convenient Daly City location on Junipero Serra Blvd, coupled with the promise of "easy parking," significantly enhances its appeal. In the Bay Area, where parking can be a persistent challenge, this accessibility makes a spontaneous or planned ramen outing much more enjoyable and stress-free. The diverse menu, extending beyond just ramen to include popular appetizers and rice dishes like Chicken Katsu Curry, ensures there's something for everyone, making it suitable for group outings where preferences might vary.

While a single critical review highlighted some service and consistency issues, the overall theme from other feedback points to the authenticity and quality of the ramen itself, describing it as "Very authentic Japanese ramen" with a "Perfect amount of fat to broth flavor ratio." This suggests that when the experience is optimal, Yokohama Iekei Ramen delivers a genuinely high-quality Japanese culinary experience. For locals who value authentic flavors, customizable options, and convenient dining in the Bay Area, Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City offers a distinct and potentially rewarding ramen journey.

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City Photos

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Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City Location

Yokohama Iekei Ramen Daly City

1901E Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94014, USA

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