Address: | 202 2nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA |
Phone: | +1 650-375-1005 |
Site: | facebook.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 11:30AM–2:45PM 11:30AM–2:45PM 11:30AM–2:45PM 11:30AM–2:45PM 11:30AM–2:45PM 11:30AM–2:45PM 11:30AM–2:45PM |
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Tamara Farhat
Stopped here with my hubby by utter chance after finding that the original place we wanted to have lunch at was closed today. And we were glad we did! Apparently the type of Ramen Himawari serves is from the northern parts of Japan, something we havent tried yet. The menu was filled with different choices but we finally decided on the Tan Tan men Deluxe and The Shiro Tan Tan deluxe. The Shiro is the creamier version. First of all the size of the serving bowl is smaller than other places but its filled to the top. There was so much pork pieces that I couldnt finish them all. The broth in both bowls was very rich and flavorful. The noodles werent the best Ive had but nonetheless they were decent. The egg was tasty and cooked & flavored well. The pork had some kind of sweet glaze that made it mouthwatering, with just enough fat on it, it melted like butter in our mouths. I personally preferred the Shio Tan Tan over than the normal Tan Tan but they were both really good.
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Michael Hraba
This is the best Miso in the Bay Area. The hip jazz vibe is recent, and well appreciated (except, as a DJ who owns most those records, it kills me to see them on the wall as art. lol) Service is solid, its a small, cute place with the good sign of almost only Asians (lending an air of legitimacy), and SO TASTY! I add the Tamago, and Nori, and immediately stain my shirt. I LOVE IT! Also... EPIC to-go. They separate the noodles, the broth, and the add ons, so they really have it seem fresh when you prep it at home. I am going right now... open til 2.45p for my late lunch!!!! YUMMMMMMY! (It says 3 - but lunch ends 2.45p)
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Mira Torres
When people ask what my favorite Ramen place is in San Mateo, Himawari is always the first one that come to mind. Sure, there is a wide variety to choose from and this place can get pretty energetic and crowded but the ramen tastes exactly the way I prefer my ramen. Salty and filling. I always get the deluxe Tan Tan Men with pork belly. Its like Ramen indulgence level 5000. After all, if youre going to ramen, and consume all that salt, fat, and amazingness... you might as well make it worth all the possible health repurcussions, right? Amazing and a treat. Try this place out.
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Kimberly S.
I think this place was busy because Ramenfest just ended this weekend and everyone was on the hunt for ramen and people waited in line for 2 hours in SF JTown for it and some came away disappointed. There was a wait but not as long as Ramen Dojo. We were there for barely 5 minutes and got seated (four of us). My friends and I werent blown away by the ramen or broth, both were just fine, nothing spectacular but not bad. Atmosphere is nice, relaxed and casual. Music made me want to eat a bit faster but Im okay with that. The eggs were cooked perfectly, which was awesome.
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Charles Morseth
Some of the Best Tonkatsu Ramen Ive ever had. I normally end up working during the hours theyre open, but out of the dozen or so times Ive been there Ive never had a bad experience, or a bad bowl of ramen. The wait can be a pain during their busy hours, and the restaurant does end up feeling crowded when theyre busy, but if youve ever cooked a packet of Top Ramen and wondered how in the hell they could be so popular, this is why. Places like these that get the word Ramen stuck in your head and make you think buying them will be a good idea. Best. Trap. Ever.
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Kristin C.
I would describe this as a middle of the pack ramen joint. I found that the Tan Tan Deluxe I ordered was oily, greasy and also lacking flavor. The pork was decent but not super tender and the noodle texture was lacking. Service was poor. Even though they were not crowded, we had to flag down our servers several times. Positive aspects: portion sizes were very large so I guess you do get good "value". The chicken karaage appetizer was tasty. I liked the fried garlic and other self-serve toppings on the table (chili oil, etc.).
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STEVEN VONG
A tiny ramen place with a 70s/record theme. I tried their Deluxe Tan Tan Men (which is just Tan Tan Men with meat I think). The quantity of pork was really small and it was mostly fat. The noodles were good but the rest of the bowl was not very enjoyable. On the plus side there is usually less of a wait here than other ramen places in San Mateo. Maybe Im just a SoCal guy, but no ramen (except for Santouka - which has both So/NorCal locations) that Ive had in NorCal compares to the ramen Ive eaten in Lil Tokyo/Sawtelle.
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Winson Wong
Love their ramen, bursting with flavor, probably my 2nd favorite after ramen parlor. I always like a place who can cook a good onsen egg. Their kakuni is also braised well but I usually come here because of the chicken karaage, the batter on the chicken karaage is what makes the difference, its not super oily but more crunchy and light. Combine with this the mayo, its delicious. I love the vibe of old 60s jazz as well. Service is pretty good but have to come early (like everywhere else) to get a seat!
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Derek Chan
My wife and I come here pretty regularly and always have a great meal of ramen. Three different soup bases - soy, shio (salt) and miso, and a full range of topping options, from stewed pork (highly recommended) to extra seaweed. The prices are reasonable, for the most part. But even though the appetizers are really delicious - try the fried calamari legs - they can be as pricey as a bowl of ramen. Small value issues aside, this is a great choice when youre in downtown San Mateo.
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billy bill
I have had my fare share of ramen in the Bay Area. And this tops them all. But it isnt just the Ramen here that is amazing. They greet you with a smile and seat you down. Instead of water they bring you either warm or chilled barely tea. Both are a great having a mellow nutty flavor. There menu is filled with amazing selections all delicious. The one thing that I make a point to always order is there tonkotsu ramen. A rich creamy pork broth that to me is like liquid gold.
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Ivan Yudhi
A nice little ramen shop in the middle of downtown San Mateo. Ive got a chance to visit this restaurant after my flight landed in SFO. Their tan tan ramen is awesome if you like spicy food. Perfect for the always (okay, maybe not always, but most of the time..) chilly SF Bay Area weather. Definitely a good comfort food to have after a long and tiring flight. I also like the fact that they open late. Will definitely visit again.
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Dee Tran
This place is alright. I usually come here right after I get my haircut from At One Ten Salon. However, the last time I went here.. The service was horrible. I was standing for a good 5 minutes until I was noticed. Once seated, they tell that they no longer serve sushi rolls for lunch. How disappointing. The ramen was okay, nothing to rave about. But I definitely would not consider driving 30 minutes for this.
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Mike Mansour
Simply the best ramen in the bay area I have found during my ramen soul-searching quest. The flavors are out of this world (usually rock the Shiro Tan Tan Men Deluxe) The proportions are so righteous The value is unmatched anywhere else The appetizers are wicked The ever playing jazz music is fantastic Dont come here with a large group The operating hours fulfill your ramen cravings at any strange time