#commoncriteria

[ramenwarriors-blog]

31507 Pacific Hwy S, Federal Way, WA 98003 - (206) 592 - 6552

Tokyo-ya is a casual ramen-ya and izakaya, located on Pacific Highway in Federal Way. This modern ramen-ya is good for a quick skirmish at the ramen-bar, but also spacious enough for groups to battle. Expect a modern feel with japanese music (Jpop/Jrock) and a few big screens (with sports). I feel some japanese programming or anime would better fit the vibe. The wait-staff is upbeat and the service is attentive, welcoming warriors on their ramen quest.

You can battle 9 different ramen at Tokyo-ya; ranging from their specialty Tokyo-style tonkotsu, to shoyu, and assari (light) seafood ramen. Additionally, a full vegetarian menu is available.

Warriors can battle a bowl for under $10 at Tokyo-ya. Toppings come in at standard prices, around one dollar, with appetizers a little on the cheaper end.

My Order: Tonkotsu Miso ($9.99) with corn ($1), karaage ($2.75) and gyoza ($4.55). Tokyo-ya Ramen & Izakaya, Federal Way, WA.

The gyoza was decent, at best. Filling was yummy, but prefer my gyoza to have a crispier base.

Gyoza. Tokyo-ya Ramen & Izakaya, Federal Way, WA.

I ordered the dojo’s most popular ramen, the #3 Tonkotsu Miso, and added corn and karaage. This bowl includes pork bone broth, seared cha-shu pork belly, chili, bamboo, wakame (seaweed), tamago (egg), fish cake, scallion, black wood ear mushroom (not pictured) with added corn and karaage.

Tonkotsu Miso with corn and karaage. Tokya-ya Ramen & Izakaya, Federal Way, WA.

The 12-hour Tokyo-style tonkotsu is cloudy, rich, and silky, The tonkotsu is made with pork bones, chicken, and vegetables, then flavored with white miso and seasoned with shio. The white miso allows the broth to retain an estus color so golden that you could flask it.

Tonkotsu Miso. Tokyo-ya Ramen & Izakaya, Federal Way, WA.

The slightly wavy, thicker noodles were perfect for capturing bits of miso. The noodles had a good texture, not overcooked, and slightly firm as they should be!

Wavy noodles. Tokyo-ya Ramen & Izakaya, Federal Way, WA.

Battling this bowl revealed some high quality toppings. I love the final sear on the cha-shu, as it adds smokiness. The long cut scallions are a perfect bite with karaage and noodles. The Karaage is tasty, and the breading holds up to dipping.

Seared cha-shu (pork belly) and karaage (fried chicken). Tokyo-ya Ramen & Izakaya, Federal Way, WA.

Tokyo-ya is a ramen-ya worth battling to the last drop. The chef puts up quite a fight with a tasty broth and some well-executed toppings, but falls a little short on appetizers and is missing the notable texture of a hand-made noodle. Tokyo-ya delivers, but hunger-lust presses us onward in the quest for the perfect-bowl. Itamae beware, we come for you!

[ramenwarriors-blog]

606 5th Ave South, Seattle WA, 98104 - (206) 547 - 9321

Samurai Noodle is a small ramen-ya in Seattle’s International District, and the OG stop for the Ramen Warriors. This quaint ramen shop is small, but consistently busy. Music varies, but I prefer when they play classic rap or hip-hop to match the pace of the joint. The wait staff is pretty friendly, but the itamae really makes the place. He is a transplant from their now defunct location on Broadway in Capitol Hill. The itamae remembers the Ramen Warriors, and is out front to greet us every time he recognizes our ticket. A Ramen Warrior in his own right.

Samurai has 15 varieties of ramen to conquer. They specialize in Hakata-style tonkotsu from Japan’s Fukuoka region. In addition, they offer Tokyo-style shoyu and Hakkaido inspired miso ramen along with original spicy recipes.

The cost is on par with the average ramen joint, at around $12 a bowl. Samurai Noodle does have a punch card, where every 13th bowl is free.

Gyoza. Impeccable, super crispy gyoza. Excess crispy parts can be broken off and dipped into the gyoza sauce. Really fucking good. They sell out of these often.

Spicy Miso Ramen with pork broth. This is my typical order at Samurai Noodle. I choose the Hakata tonkotsu (pork broth) religiously, as it is the house specialty. This is my estus.

This koterri (rich) ramen marries Hakata tonkotsu with miso for a Sapporo-style bowl. The tonkotsu is smooth and flavorful, complimented by the creaminess of miso and a roundhouse kick of heat from Samurai’s hell fire chili paste.

The noodles are fresh and home-made! I sub for the egg noodles (when they are available), but both egg and wheat varieties are superb. They are cooked properly, with a slightly firm and chewy texture.

True to Hokkaido province, this miso ramen comes topped with chashu pork belly, bean sprouts, scallions, corn and a pat of butter.

The pork belly/chicken is tasty but lacks a final sear, which could have added some smokiness. Add bacon to remedy this, though note it is microwaved. Garlic chips ARE A MUST. Use very liberally!

Note - You can never have enough garlic chips! Seriously.

Samurai Noodle - 4 stars

The itamae makes each experience welcoming as the ramen, though the tiny kitchen forces shortcuts that could elevate an otherwise awesome bowl. Their gyoza are the best around. The Spicy Miso Ramen is good to the last drop, making me want to battle a second bowl each time…. but the quest for the perfect bowl continues. Itamae beware, we come for you!