Reviewer: Foodnut.com Mensho Tokyo 672 Geary St (Near Leavenworth St) San Francisco, CA 94102 415-800-8345 |
Best Ramen in San Francisco. Why did we dine here? – Mensho Tokyo SF is first USA outpost of Mensho, an acclaimed Tokyo ramen chain. They have 7 locations in Tokyo and are usually on the short list for top ramen in Tokyo. We waited for the 2-hour lines to die down, before dining here.
The walls of the small but loud 30-seat dining room are decorated with text and formulas that explains ramen’s more scientific connections. A TV shows ramen related videos.
The location is too small to make noodles, so they order noodles from Yamachan, a Japanese Supplier in San Jose. Yes, this ramen is not the same as what you get in Tokyo. You can buy Yamachan noodles at Japanese groceries like Suruki Supermarket.
Keep in mind the restaurant is small. Folks sit at long communal tables.
Insider Tip – Get in line 30 minutes before it opens. Tea is free.
Cuisine – Japanese
Location – Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco
Opened – 2016
Service – Mensho Ramen had decent service that was not particular friendly. Fast order taking and food arrival. Efficient… People come in and leave within 45 minutes.
Verdict – Mensho Ramen wowed up with excellent Ramen. Best in the San Francisco Bay Area?! Clearly better and more authentic than local favorite Santa Ramen in San Mateo. Time to line up.
Next time we will have to try the spicy miso lamb ramen.
Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Yes. 1 Hour? Yes.
Mensho Tokyo Signature Dishes – Ramen!
Mensho Ramen’s Menu includes 6 different types of ramen, soupless ramen, Maze Soba and a couple appetizers. The Clam Ramen is limited to 10 servings each night.
Mensho Ramen Food Picks:
Tori Paitan ($17) is the signature dish. Rich and Creamy Chicken Soup, Pork Chashu, Duck Chashu, Menma, Kale, Burdock, Katsuobushi Sauce. This bowl had a thick, milky broth made from boiled chicken bones. Very rich with a bold flavor. Very nicely done. Nice wavy Yamachan egg less noodles.
Organic Shoyu Ramen ($14) Clear Organic Chicken and Pork Soup, Shoyu Dare, Pork Chashu, Duck Chashu, Kale, Kale Sprouts,Chives, Menma, Nori looks like a pristine ramen especially compared to the Tori Paitan. Different noodles than the Tori, but still excellent. Very fatty chashu, and very thin duck.
Shio Ramen ($11) Clear Chicken and Pork Soup, Shio Dare, Pork Chashu, Kale, Menma, Fried Garlic, Chives, Nori is also pristine like the shoyu. A much more traditional ramen.
Clam Ramen ($18) Clear clam, pork and chicken soup, huge clam, scallop, pork chasu, red onion, green onion, menma, whipped butter (?!) This should only be ordered if you really really like clams. We had to try it, only 10 are available each night.
Soup-less ramen Aburasoba ($9) No soup, Pork Chashu, Green onion, Menma, Daikon sprouts, Naruto, Nori had warm soba noodles garnished with a sauce of shoyu and pork fat, then doctored table-side with vinegar and chili oil. Surprisingly, a couple us at the table picked this one as the favorite! A must order. Our first time!
OK: (Order if you like this dish)
None
Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None
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