Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai Revisited

Man, it was 41 degrees this morning in Bay Park! Yikes, my "San Diegan" bloodstream seemed frozen! Well, it was definitely ramen weather for me. My typical ramen choice to temper the cold climate would be one of the usual suspects. But, in the end, I wanted something different from the ubiquitous tonkotsu style ramen that seems to be everywhere. I hadn't been back to Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai since they first opened back in July of 2023 (I almost said "last year"...but it's now 2025!) so I thought it would be a good time to check them out again.

I arrived a bit after the 11am opening time and was surprised to note that only one table was occupied and the counter where I was seated was completely empty.

The two folks manning the dining area were very nice and I was handed a menu. I quickly noticed that there's a lunch special available.

Under the auspices of the lunch special, one could get a side of karaage for $2.80. So, I could get a small Kitikata Ramen for $13.95, the tamago was now $1.50....looking back, I noticed that it was $1.90 back in July of 2023. So, could there actually be something that is now more inexpensive?

I also noticed this sign....the place seems to enjoy having these little signs.

I had always found the noodles here a bit on the softer-mushy side, but now I could get it "katame" (firm), which seemed like a good option. I did find the broth to be on the saltier side of things, but decided to do only "one change at a time".

So, all of this for $18.25.

    The bowl was delivered nice and hot. The tamago was now provided on the side. The yolk was adequately soft, the marinade a bit weak....but of course...my pet peeve, these were ice cold....sigh.

The chashu had the "fat cap" I recalled; though was cut thicker than I remember. It was not as nicely marinated and was also a bit chewier then before.

    The broth seemed more full-bodies then on my previous visits and while still a bit on the saltier side, I found the added richness more enjoyable . It's still seems fairly straight forward in flavor, but I think that might be a good thing in this case.

The added firmness of the noodles really made a difference for me, as I found that the additional "pull" combined with the curliness which managed to really "pick up" the soup added to my enjoyment.

Well, at least to me, on this visit, it seemed like Kitakata had gotten better since I first visited.

Well, the ramen that is. As for the karaage.

Unevenly coated, not crisp or crunchy enough for my taste, on the blander side. The flesh was fairly juicy and tender though. Not a big fan of the sesame like dressing provided either.

Still, I thought the Kitakata Ramen was good, an nice contrast to all the tonkotsu in San Diego. Though, looking at yet another sign; I guess they are making tonkotsu here as well? Which I'm probably NOT going to try.

Unless one of you, my great "FOYs" tell me it's worth my attention?

Like I mentioned, the two young people working were quite nice....though I'm not sure about the customer base? One couple kept calling them "hey! hey!", a guy in another group kept using the "come here finger" gesture....when they got what was requested, no one said "thank you"? What's going on these days?

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
7951 Othello Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Mon-Thurs  11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Friday           11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Saturday      11am - 10pm
Sunday         11am - 9pm

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!

Comments

[SageOlson]

For as many times as I’ve been there, I haven’t tried the tonkotsu – this is where I go to escape tonkotsu! I like to try out whatever special is available at the time (I’ve been enjoying the mapo tofu version they’ve had the past couple months), but if I go for something on the regular menu, I usually go for the green chili shio; I also used to go for the vegan miso but they’ve just very recently made some changes to that one and I haven’t tried it yet.

I always order low sodium, so I need to also give katame a shot next time.

Also I’m typing this while eating some leftover Nanay’s – I’m going to be starting work near there sometime this month after 14 years of working off Convoy, so I’ve been picking out places in your Big List to try.

[Kirk]

I liked the noodles a bit firmer Sage! Wow, that's a big change in location! I think Nanay's has gotten better over time....haven't been to Sue's in a while, HFS is fairly close and thought BHC was pretty good.

[Mar]

I went last spring. I also enjoyed the firm noodles and the non-tonkostu broth options, but their version of ramen isn't one that I find myself craving or thinking about.

I must say I appreciate the value of their lunch special, that's a deal for just under $20! I went to the Kebab Shop recently and it hit me how much prices have gone up. Lunch there can easily be over $20, and I remember when it was one of those spots where you could get lunch for about $10. I know I sound like an old person complaining that bread isn't 25 cents anymore, lol!

BTW I appreciate that there are people in this community who are also looking for the great escape from tonkotsu! On that note, how is the ramen at Izakaya Masa? I have been many times, but have not tried their ramen, that may have to be next on the list.

[Junichi]

Wow. Tonkotsu at Ban Nai. They don't have that in Japan so it must be a US original bowl. Guess they got tired of customers asking for it. I remember when Raki Raki started out they didn't have tonkotsu either. But eventually got added to their menu.

[Kirk]

Hi Mar - Yes, it's good to have some other options than standard Tonkotsu! Prices these days are crazy, huh?
It seems that I am that "old person" these days! ;o)
As for Izakaya Masa; I haven't been since those days "BC" (before Covid), been meaning to as there are dishes I enjoy. And the last time I had ramen there was over a decade ago!
https://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2013/04/san-diegos-ramen-renaissance-shio-edition-gunco-ramen-hinotez-tajima-izakaya-masa-and-yakyudori.html

I think they are bowing to "the masses" Junichi! Sort of like Nagi not having the great niboshi ramen here like they do in Japan! Kind of a bummer.

[kat]

cold egg :(

[Kirk]

I know...how I hate cold tamago Kat!