Chin-Ma-Ya of TOKYO

Have not been updating the blog as often as we should be...we do have full time jobs. Bare with us. We love you!


OK...rainy days = hot soup must!! Best remedy, ramen. Everyone loves cup-o-noodles, but since we get paid now, we can upgrade from styrofoam cups to the really good stuff. Introducing Chin-Ma-Ya! Located in Little Tokyo's Weller Court, this chain of Japanese restaurants has crossed the Pacific to offer us Angelinos a little something special.


Tan-Tan Men: The signature ramen at Chin-Ma-Ya is the Sichuan-influenced Tan-Tan Men that can be ordered in 3 different spice levels--original (highest), medium, and mild. I chose mild - I'm a little weak sauce when it comes to spicy, but a little heat can't hurt. And aside from its spiciness, there's also a great nutty flavor that permeates a heavy, concentrated soup...reminds me of peanuts or kare kare (filipino oxtail dish). The noodles are average at best, but most importantly they match the soup almost perfectly. The toppings (ground pork & spinach) are typical of a simple tan-tan ramen and just as important as the noodle itself. They have a slice of butter for 50cents that you can melt in your soup, I got it, but found that the soup is already creamy, and the butter just makes it too thick.

Chin-Ma Han: Don't want soup? Chin-Ma Han is the rice alternative to Tan-Tan Men. It has rice (duh!), tofu, groud beef and pork simmered in their secret spice seasoning. Can't decide? Get both! They offer 1/2 tan-tan men and 1/2 chin-ma!

Chin-Ma-Ya of TOKYO
123 Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka St.
Weller Court, 2F
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 625-3400