This month Japan’s beloved, Iekei-style or E.A.K. ramen is being served by a popup conducted by Machida Shoten in Ovation Hollywood. It takes place in Japan House LA, a Japanese cultural center sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Earlier this year, I tried Miso Ramen from Tsujita Misonosyo.
Machida Shoten is a Japanese restaurant chain that spans the globe from Thailand to Japan to Hawaii. Japanese most famous Iekei-style ramen has expanded to over 600 outlets in 13 years. Machida Shoten developed the E.A.K. Ramen brand to facilitate pronouncing iekei (which sounds like the letters EAK) to the American market.
Iekei is a variety of ramen featuring pork marrow, soy sauce broth, and thick noodles. It was first invented in Yokohama, Japan, by the ramen shop Yoshimura-ya in 1974. The more non-visual, but the key difference is the broth. It is a mix of the Hakata-style Tonkotsu and the Tokyo Shoyu broth. It merged the two flavorful styles from West (Kyushu) to East (Tokyo) and built a new category, Iekei.
This month ends the run of seven different ramen concepts representing regional ramen types (including Tokyo, Kumamoto, Fukushima, and Yokohama) and other ramen styles popular throughout Japan. To enhance the experience, they serve their ramen in authentic Mino ceramic donburi bowls, similar to those showcased in the gallery from a region famed for its ceramics production for over 500 years.
You can select either the E.A.K. Ramen ($16) or the “set” ($24) with extra chashu meat, flavored egg, and a bottle of ice green tea. In addition, extra toppings like noodles, chashu pork, flavored egg, and nori are available.
The noodles were served al dente, and the broth reflected the blend of tonkotsu and shoyu. It was a bit on the salty side; nevertheless, it was delicious enough to enjoy the entire broth.
PRO TIP:
Enter the parking garage on Johnny Grant Way off of Highland Ave.
Take the escalator up to level 2. Then walk towards the sunlight and south.
Find the hidden elevator south of Forever 21 and take it to the 5th floor.
The rear doors open directly into Japan House LA.
E.A.K. Ramen at Japan House Los Angeles
Fri, Sat & Sun (July 29-31, 2002) – 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last order 7:15 p.m.)
6801 Hollywood Blvd 5F, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Interesting, the deep history and variety of Ramen is a topic that could be discussed for hours. When I was in Sasebo I visited this small little Ramen Shop and it was incredible. I have yet to find anything close to it back here in the states. My son and daughter are both huge ramen fans, they would really enjoy eating at a place like that.
Japan is on my bucket list and I’m happy that my daughter wants to go. LA has quite a few ramen shops and a number of varieties. The series, Ramen Discoveries, is a really nice way to experience the different styles of ramen.