After my last revisit to Menya, I figured I was done exploring ramen for a while. But on my way home, one other place came to mind. I’d visited Baikohken Ramen twice when they first opened in Hillcrest. Even spending like $23 for a bowl of ramen…..yikes! While I thought the ramen was overly hyped…they really pushed the Michelin Guide thing, it wasn’t in my “top tier” for ramen in San Diego. Still, because they really also push the Asahikawa Ramen thing…..and even though I prefer Santouka another chain that is originally from Asahikawa. I think it was time for another visit. This time, I wanted to get Baikohken’s shio ramen, which is my favorite at Santouka. Of course, this visit was highly dependent on finding parking…which wasn’t a problem on this day.
I strolled on in and the nice young lady handed me a menu.
I wasn’t looking for a $25 bowl of ramen……just the shio ramen which was $14.98, to which I added the tamago, a $1.98 upcharge.
Which soon arrived….and I swear, was my bowl of ramen grinning at me?
So, first things first….while the tamago is no comparison to Santouka which wins my award for worst boiled egg in a ramen, this was decently cooked, nicely flavored…but sigh…..ice cold! What’s a guy gotta do to get at least a warm tamago in this town?
The broth was lighter than Santouka’s but also much more salty. It did have that hint of seafood savoriness that the shio broth at Santouka in Asahikawa had and which Santouka in San Diego initially had when they first opened, but has since been removed. Still, in terms of tongue feel and “shio”, I prefer Santouka.
Baikohken doesn’t have toroniku, but their chashu is really tough and chewy for my taste.
It was also cold in the center! Because of this, the fat line running down the center was really waxy in texture.
The noodles were nice and slippery.
Which did a decent job of picking up the broth. Though on my last visit to Santouka, the noodles were much more firm than this. If you’ve read my previous posts on Ramen…you know I like my noodles “Katame” (firm).
In the end, close but no cigar…..I still prefer Santouka.
Baikohken Ramen
690 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
Current Hours:
Wed – Mon 11am – 230pm, 5pm – 930pm
Closed on Tuesday
I tried their 26 dollar special ramen and it was so disappointing
I can imagine ST!
This spot was a one and done for me.
Yep, not so sure why folks like it so much Junichi!
cold egg is so painful
Totally Kat!
After all these years, and despite shrinkflation, the terrible egg and the ever increasing price Santouka is still high on my list too. Recently ate at the one in Torrance (holy giant Mitsuwa) and SD was maybe better so there’s that. Sorry this bowl wasn’t great, at least the price wasn’t crazy. Any favorites for mazemen in SD or SoCal? Apologies if you’ve posted on this topic in the past.