Last weekend I noticed that the Ramen Yamadaya turnover had been completed; they've kept the "RAMEN" and added a "chan" to the end.
The interior looks the same; though the patio is closed at this time.
The menu is simple and to the point; Tonkotsu, Spicy Tonkotsu, Miso, and Shoyu (chicken based). Additional toppings and a few sides, something called Okinawan Onigiri; basically Spam Musubi, Gyoza (note to staff: discretion might help...as in don't make it so obvious you're serving packaged frozen gyoza....I saw you bring out those two red bags out of the freezer), and such.
The young lady working was very nice and I decided to just stick with the Tonkotsu Ramen and made it a combo with karaage and a salad for five bucks more.
The broth was thin and lacking richness with no tongue feel, very bland, even what little black garlic oil was added did it no favors. The chashu was nicely torched but quite bland as well. The egg was really salty and cold. The broth was barely over lukewarm.....like Yamadaya at the end of its run.
On the plus side??? Well, the noodles were decently prepared and still had a decent pull to them.
Soon enough the karaage and salad arrived. The karaage was strangely lukewarm in the center and really needed a flavor boost as it was really bland. It was slightly crisp.
The greens were nice and crisp; but the dressing had way too much vinegar in it.
So....hopefully things will get straightened out....but the overall meal really reminded me of Yamadaya near the end.
Ramen Yamachan
4706 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
How the mighty have fallen, had fond memories of going to Yamadaya during their hopeful beginnings. It's too bad they slid downhill so badly.
Posted by: Jason | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 09:30 AM
Hi Jason - This was really disappointing.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 10:22 AM
I believe the downtown location of Yamadaya is now Yamachan as well. Guess I'll skip trying it.
Maybe it's something like the Yamadaya owners withdrew but the employees/investors decided to keep the locations?
Posted by: Derric | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 01:23 PM
I remember when this place still did ok (we haven't re visited in years). Agreed that their lack of discretion with the frozen dumplings is pretty weak. Do they still offer the fresh garlic and garlic press to add to the ramen?
Posted by: Faye | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 01:34 PM
Something like that Derric....though it's not even as good as my last; not-so-great visits to Yamadaya.
I think they now charge fifty cents for garlic Faye. Not sure if it's fresh garlic either.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 02:07 PM
:(
Posted by: kat | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 02:56 PM
Yamadaya used to be a favorite for me and I counted their broth among the best in SD but that was ages ago. I stopped going when the broth got cold & I saw roaches in the kitchen (different visit).
Posted by: Derek R | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 03:58 PM
Bummer. o_0
Posted by: caninecologne | Monday, 11 February 2019 at 04:05 PM
Very sad Kat!
Yikes Derek!
It was CC.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 12 February 2019 at 06:53 AM
That's too bad it seems only the name changed.
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 12 February 2019 at 09:22 AM
And if anything has gotten worse Soo.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 12 February 2019 at 09:45 AM
Yamadaya was pretty bad towards the end. To be worse than that is depressing.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 12 February 2019 at 11:02 AM
it was pretty sad Junichi.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 12 February 2019 at 12:40 PM
Just some info : the new restuarant Yamachan is a completely different owner. Yamadaya at the end got bad because of how bad our management became. The new owner is trying very hard to improve and make Yamachan a top competitor! He is adding new stuff to the menu and tinkering with the soup daily so don't count them out yet !! I use to work at Yamadaya and come to eat at Yamachan often!
Posted by: Allen Mota | Thursday, 25 April 2019 at 07:46 PM
Well, that's nice Allen. You might want to tell them not to bring out that Shirakiku Frozen Gyoza bag from the freezer when folks order gyoza. Based on my visit, Yamachan has a long way to go. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 26 April 2019 at 07:00 AM
Hate to tell you this but almost ALL the restaurants in Clairemont, and pacific beach use freezer gyoza ..... my experience here was great ! I loved the food and the service , it’s all a matter of opinion . I appreciate the fact that they pan fry the gyoza too over just dropping it in a fryer or microwaving it like most other places do !
Posted by: Kim k | Monday, 29 April 2019 at 12:10 PM
I know this Kim.....but they just did it so strangely publicly. BTW, I find it kind of strange that you have the same IP address and email as "Allen Mota".....hmmmm..... Yes, it's all a matter of opinion and this is mine. I do/have eaten a bit of ramen; you can check that category list if you like.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 29 April 2019 at 12:30 PM