***** Yamachan has closed.
Last weekend I noticed that the Ramen Yamadaya turnover had been completed; they've kept the "RAMEN" and added a "chan" to the end.
The interior looks the same; though the patio is closed at this time.
The menu is simple and to the point; Tonkotsu, Spicy Tonkotsu, Miso, and Shoyu (chicken based). Additional toppings and a few sides, something called Okinawan Onigiri; basically Spam Musubi, Gyoza (note to staff: discretion might help…as in don't make it so obvious you're serving packaged frozen gyoza….I saw you bring out those two red bags out of the freezer), and such.
The young lady working was very nice and I decided to just stick with the Tonkotsu Ramen and made it a combo with karaage and a salad for five bucks more.
The broth was thin and lacking richness with no tongue feel, very bland, even what little black garlic oil was added did it no favors. The chashu was nicely torched but quite bland as well. The egg was really salty and cold. The broth was barely over lukewarm…..like Yamadaya at the end of its run.
On the plus side??? Well, the noodles were decently prepared and still had a decent pull to them.
Soon enough the karaage and salad arrived. The karaage was strangely lukewarm in the center and really needed a flavor boost as it was really bland. It was slightly crisp.
The greens were nice and crisp; but the dressing had way too much vinegar in it.
So….hopefully things will get straightened out….but the overall meal really reminded me of Yamadaya near the end.
Ramen Yamachan
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117