Ramen Chikumo Hits LA
Taipei's 4.5-star tori-paitan ramen sensation Ramen Chikumo is launching in LA's Sawtelle district with a $2 Sapporo beer offer. The arrival promises both quality and value for noodle lovers in an already competitive LA ramen scene. This international expansion reflects growing demand for authentic Asian street food in major US markets.
Ramen Chikumo's signature is tori-paitan, a creamy chicken-based broth that stands out in a Los Angeles market dominated by tonkotsu, or pork-bone, ramen. The brand prides itself on a 12+ hour simmering process using whole chickens to develop a rich, layered umami flavor without any MSG or artificial additives. This style of broth is known for being mellow and creamy with a gentle chicken flavor, high in collagen, and is considered one of the fastest-growing ramen categories in Japan. The Tokyo-headquartered company, led by CEO Masaki Nakano, honed its reputation in Taipei's bustling and competitive "first-tier ramen war zone." There, its three locations operate late into the night, earning the title of "Taipei's Ultimate Late-Night Destination" and maintaining consistently high ratings across thousands of reviews. The Los Angeles outpost on Sawtelle marks the brand's first expansion outside of Taiwan. In addition to its unique broth, Ramen Chikumo utilizes egg-free custom noodles designed to complement the soup. Toppings include chashu that is slow-cooked at low temperatures, with pork undergoing a 5.5-hour process and chicken for 1.5 hours to ensure tenderness. Reviews from its Taipei locations also praise distinctive additions like chicken meatballs with cartilage and a hint of grapefruit zest. Ramen Chikumo enters the historically significant Sawtelle Japantown, a neighborhood with a rich Japanese-American heritage dating back to the early 1900s. The area is already a renowned ramen destination, largely due to the influence of Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle, which popularized tsukemen (dipping ramen) and created long lines since its arrival from Tokyo. The move reflects a broader trend in the North American ramen market, which was valued at $8.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow. Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic and innovative ramen experiences, driving demand for both traditional and new styles like tori-paitan.
