First-Ever Tenkaippin Bar
Located in Little Tokyo, Tenkaippin Los Angeles is a ramen brand that originated in Kyoto, Japan, known for its rich and thick ‘Kotteri’ style broth. The restaurant has an atmosphere that feels like it has transported the essence of Japan, with wooden tables and intricate interior details creating a relatively calm yet immersive space.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the Kotteri style ramen. During this visit, I ordered the Kotteri Max and Kotteri Signature. As the name suggests, Kotteri Max features the richest and most concentrated broth, with a flavor that impressively envelops your palate from the first bite. Its texture is much thicker than typical ramen, allowing the broth’s presence to be distinctly felt. The addition of raw onions helps to moderate the strong flavor while adding a nice crunch. Kotteri Signature, on the other hand, offers a softer and more balanced experience, making it enjoyable while still being rich.
For sides, I ordered the Creamy Egg Potato Salad, Asparagus Tempura, and Spam Katsu Bomb. The Potato Salad had a soft and creamy texture, complemented by the richness of the egg, resulting in a stable overall flavor. The Asparagus Tempura was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, with grated cheese on top enhancing its savory flavor. The light texture of the tempura blended naturally with the saltiness of the cheese. The Spam Katsu Bomb featured crispy batter encasing salty spam, making it a simple yet satisfying dish, conveniently sized for easy enjoyment.
Additionally, I chose Citrus Breeze and Cactus Kiss as mocktails, which provided a refreshing and light flavor that contrasted nicely with the rich ramen broth. Overall, they played a balancing role amidst the heavier meal, creating a smooth flow.
Tenkaippin
Tenkaippin is a place where you can experience ramen focused on the density and flavor of the broth itself. If you enjoy rich-style ramen, it’s definitely worth a visit, and it’s a place to consider when you want to experience another layer of Japanese ramen in Little Tokyo.
