The Garlic King is Back
This time, I visited Ramen Nagi to taste the returning limited menu, Garlic King. The Garlic King is a Limited King that will only be available for one week from June 17 to 23 at all locations in the U.S. It’s a popular menu item with a set quantity available during each meal time, so if you visit late, it may be sold out.
The Garlic King makes a strong impression right from the start, as its name suggests. The rich tonkotsu base is enhanced by the deep flavor of roasted garlic, giving the broth a heavier and nuttier aroma. On top, a whole roasted garlic clove, crispy garlic crumble, and a smooth garlic aioli add a significant presence just by looking at it. Taking a bite, the familiar rich umami of tonkotsu naturally transitions into the sweet and deep flavor unique to roasted garlic. Rather than being overwhelming, it feels like layers of rich umami are building up, making it a taste that garlic lovers will easily fall for.
Ramen Nagi
The topping composition also completes the charm of the Garlic King. The garlic pork ball, topped with tender chashu, harmonizes the natural flavor of the meat with the garlic aroma, while the crispy garlic crumble adds a fun texture throughout. The roasted whole garlic becomes softer as you eat it with the broth, deepening the rich flavor even more. It was impressive how the various expressions of garlic naturally blended together in one bowl. The noodles can be chosen in thickness and doneness according to your preference, just like the existing Ramen Nagi menu, allowing you to enjoy it in a style that balances with the rich broth. The Garlic King, with its harmonious blend of heavy tonkotsu and deep garlic flavor, is a bowl that truly shows why it has been loved by many for a long time as a Limited King. Since it’s a menu item available for only a short period, if you love garlic and tonkotsu ramen, I highly recommend experiencing it before the opportunity passes.
The Limited Genki Curry King
This time, I returned to Ramen Nagi to taste the limited menu, Genki Curry King, available in April. This menu is a limited offering that will only be available for one week from April 15 to April 21 at all locations in the U.S., and the daily quantity is also limited, making the timing of your visit quite important.
Genki Curry King definitely stood out visually from the existing ramen options. The rich tonkotsu base combined with curry oil gave the broth a deeper and more substantial color, and the addition of minced pork and red and yellow bell peppers created an impressive color contrast. When you take a bite, the first thing you notice is the familiar rich umami of tonkotsu, followed by the unique aroma and spiciness of the curry that flows naturally. The most impressive aspect was how the two flavors seamlessly blended together without feeling separate. The topping composition was also quite well thought out. The crispy fried onions provided a definite textural point, while the bell peppers added a light freshness to the broth that could have otherwise felt heavy. The yogurt drizzle on top was an unexpected element, gently smoothing out the overall flavor while slightly tempering the spiciness. Thanks to this, a balance was created that allowed for easy enjoyment until the very last bite.
Ramen Nagi
The noodles can be chosen in terms of thickness and cooking level, just like the existing Ramen Nagi menu, which is great for customizing to your preference. They paired well with the rich curry base, further enhancing the overall balance. Genki Curry King was a bowl that showcased a distinct personality and high level of completion, as expected from a limited menu. It adds a twist of curry on the familiarity of tonkotsu ramen, making it a must-try for those who already love Nagi ramen. Since it is only available for a short period, I recommend visiting at the right time.
Halloween Pumpkin King
To taste the limited-time Pumpkin King for this Halloween season, I returned to Ramen Nagi. This menu will only be available at all locations in the U.S. from October 29 to November 4, and the daily serving quantity is also limited, so it would be good to keep that in mind when visiting.
Pumpkin King, as a limited menu, immediately caught the eye with its visual appeal. Thinly sliced chashu was gently placed on top of the rich yellow broth, with black oil creating a striking contrast. The base is a rich tonkotsu broth, but with the addition of Japanese pumpkin Kabocha and butternut squash, it offered a softer and nuttier sweetness. Each spoonful revealed the natural sweetness of the pumpkin subtly spreading through the broth, leaving a much softer and deeper aftertaste than regular tonkotsu ramen. The noodles were specially prepared black noodles for this season, and their color was striking. They were thicker and chewier than regular noodles, complementing the rich broth well. The pickled butternut squash on top added a refreshing touch to the potentially heavy broth, enhancing the balance with every bite.
Ramen Nagi
While the visuals are unique, the taste is stable and harmonious, showcasing a high level of completion as a seasonal limited menu. As a dish that can only be enjoyed for a limited time, the Pumpkin King was a bowl that fully conveyed the personality and completeness of Ramen Nagi. It presented a unique yet harmonious flavor by adding seasonal ingredients to the rich tonkotsu broth, making it quite impressive as a seasonal limited menu. If you are looking for a special ramen to enjoy during the Halloween season, don’t miss out on this Pumpkin King.
A Must-Visit for Ramen Lovers
Located in Arcadia’s Santa Anita Mall, Ramen Nagi is a popular ramen specialty chain that offers a variety of ramen and appetizers. With its clean interior, each menu item presents unique flavors and personalities, making it a beloved spot for ramen enthusiasts.
This place is often bustling with people, and you may need to wait in line to get in. However, they provide an order sheet that allows you to choose your menu items while you wait, making it convenient to spend your time selecting your meal. The menu features a variety of ramen flavors, and you can customize the thickness of the noodles, the cooking level, and additional ingredients to suit your personal taste. On this day, we ordered the Original King, Black King, and Chicken Karaage.
The Original King is Ramen Nagi’s signature ramen, boasting a rich and deep flavor of tonkotsu ramen. The smooth and thick broth fills your mouth with each bite, allowing you to truly appreciate the essence of ramen. The added Pork Belly is cooked to perfection, harmonizing beautifully with the broth’s flavor and providing even greater satisfaction. The Black King is a ramen that captures attention with its unique appearance and flavor. The dark broth, enhanced with squid ink, boasts a deep and rich aroma, and the garlic flavor that spreads gently with each bite is impressive. The added Sliced Pork Loin is tender and juicy, enriching the overall taste of the ramen. If you’re looking for something different, this is definitely a menu item worth trying.
The Chicken Karaage we ordered as a side dish features a perfectly crispy coating and moist meat, creating an excellent texture. The subtle aroma of sesame oil adds a unique flavor, making it a satisfying side that pairs perfectly with the main dishes. Lastly, I would recommend adding seaweed to your ramen. The crispy seaweed, slightly soaked in the broth, enhances the savory flavor, making the ramen taste even deeper and richer. It’s a simple addition, but a great way to enjoy ramen in a different way, so I highly recommend giving it a try.
Ramen Nagi
On a chilly day like today, how about visiting Ramen Nagi to warm your body and soul with a bowl of hot ramen?
