Ryowa has a place in my heart. Hubby and I ate here when we lived in Palo Alto and my folks would drive from Sacramento to meet us for lunch. I am convinced ramen boy developed a taste for Ryowa in utero. It is his favorite place in Silicon Valley and he’s tried many in the area. It’s a tiny shop reminiscent of a small ramen-ya you would find in Japan with a U-shaped counter and a few tables that seat two people. The television is always on with a recorded Japanese show similar to the game Wipeout kind of mesmerizes you as you slurp away. Unlimited free kimchi and cold barley tea gives it a thumbs up from me. I always order the house ramen set which is a pork based broth topped with chopped scallions, dried seaweed, 1/2 soft boiled egg and two thin slices of chashu. I like the simplicity of the noodles with their delicious fried rice (it tastes so umami I’m afraid to ask if it has MSG in it) and really good homemade gyoza.
Hubby is no longer a Ryowa fan but my parents remain loyal fans driving 2+ hours each way to go there when they are in the area for their Japanese grocery shopping. Ramen boy’s favorite place too. Longevity in the restaurant biz speaks for itself and so I am comforted that Ryowa is still around.
Ramen House Ryowa
859 Villa St
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 965-8829