San Mateo is a best kept secret for ramen lovers. Well, not really that hush hush considering those in the know come here for the ramen-ya’s and are willing to wait in a long line to slurp noodles. I hadn’t been in the area for years as we often came to eat at Santa Ramen back in the day. I would still like to go back and eat their ramen but had heard about Ramen Dojo and was looking forward to giving it a go. With ramen boy and his friend in tow we headed to the shop before it’s opening at 11:30. A line had already formed so the boys put our name on the waiting list while I parked the car. The line was already about 30 people deep and so we missed out on the first seating since the restaurant is not that big. While we sat there for another 20 minutes or so all I could think of was these noodles better be good. Ramen boy has very little patience for waiting for noodles and so I was surprised that he quietly waited. A reminder for me next time. Bring a friend! Thankfully people eat and go kind of the nature of eating ramen so it wasn’t too long before a table cleared for us. We had perused the menu earlier and quickly ordered the boiled gyozas as an appetizer and the garlic pork ramen. There are three types of stock to choose from: soy sauce, garlic pork and soy bean and you can choose how spicy you would like your ramen. Standard toppings include 2 pieces of chashu, fried whole garlic, kikurage mushroom, green chives, quail egg, chicken gravy (cooked ground chicken, chopped shiitake mushroom, chopped ginger, sausage, shredded red pepper) and garnished with a lettuce leaf. The boiled gyozas came out first submerged in a light and tangy ponzu sauce with grated daikon (white radish). It was delicious. Then came the good looking bowls of ramen. Presentation was right on and unique with the fried garlic garnish on top. I added kimchi to my ramen for some extra punch. One slurp of the noodles mixed with the variety of goodies made it clear why so many people were willing to wait in line for Ramen Dojo’s noodles. The broth was extremely flavorful and not heavy and I really liked the toppings and the chicken gravy made it stand out. The lettuce leaf was an unusual garnish but the crunch went well with the noodles. I am not a fan of quail eggs and would have preferred a regular soft boiled egg instead. Otherwise total umami in the mouth. We quickly finished our bowls of noodles so that the next customers could enjoy the same. Ramen Dojo is a definite ramen gem in the Peninsula.
Ramen Dojo
805 S B St
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 401-6568
