Daikokuya Little Tokyo

Daikokuya is a ramen shop on East 1st Street in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, and it is widely credited with helping to popularise tonkotsu ramen among Los Angeles diners. The restaurant is in the heart of the Little Tokyo district, one of the few remaining historic Japantowns in the United States, and it has attracted queues for many years. The signature dish is the Daikoku ramen, built around a milky pork-bone broth that is simmered for a long time until it becomes rich and slightly creamy, served over thin noodles with slices of chashu pork, a marinated egg, bean sprouts and scallions. The chashu bowl, rice topped with pork, is a common companion, and the gyoza and fried rice also feature on the menu. The broth is substantial and savoury, and the portion sizes are generous. Beverages include Japanese beer, sake and soft drinks, with no extensive wine programme. The dining room is small, narrow and busy, with counter seating and a few tables, and the atmosphere is casual, hurried and loud, with the staff turning tables quickly. Dress is casual. Reservations are not taken, and waits are common at peak lunch and dinner times, though lines usually move steadily; groups should expect a longer wait. Prices are low to moderate, with a bowl of ramen and a side typically costing about 15 to 25 US dollars per person. The surrounding area includes the Japanese American National Museum, small shops, dessert counters and other restaurants, so a meal fits naturally into a walk through Little Tokyo. The Metro A Line station at Little Tokyo/Arts District is close, and nearby parking garages are available for drivers.