Levels of Spicy=Mild to "Please let this death be swift"

There are plenty of trusty ramen stand bys on the Westside--Asahi Ramen and the other ramen place that's a block down from it that I can never remember. However, when in Little Tokyo, Ramen must be held up to a higher standard. I've tried the 4.00 bowl of Ramen in the Mitsuwa and found it relatively satisfactory and a good eat for a ginormous bowl of soup and noodles. But for those who desire more from their bowl of noodles, I suggest Orochon.

Orochon Ramen is located on the 3rd floor in Weller Court in Little Tokyo. It's the triangular shaped open air plaza on Astronaut E S Onizuka Street. The first time I went I thought these noodles couldn't possibly been have different from any other ramen place I went. Oh but I was wrong,not only can you choose between Miso, Salt or Soy Sauce flavored broth (Soy Sauce is the best) you can choose what level of spicy you want. From 7-2. 7 being "You're a titty baby" mild and 2 being "The heat is hitting the back of my throat and I want to vomit" spicy.

Since I'm obviously a titty baby I chose level 7. But Neil chose level 3 and ten minutes into the bowl he started to tear up and beads of sweat collected on the bridge of his nose. After calling him a pussy, I tried some of it.

This kind of spicy isn't the type of heat that you would get from biting into a hot pepper. The heat of the broth lies in the millions of tiny little ground cayenne peppers. You don't realize it until it hits the back of your throat and parches your tonsils until you cry for relief.

So in other words, I highly suggest it. The $6.45 ramen comes in a very large bowl with a few slices of tender pork and bamboo stir fry.

Orochon Ramen
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Inside the Weller Court there's also this great bookstore that sells lots of great Design and Japanese books.