Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai has its roots in the city of Kitakata, Japan, a small northern city famous for its Kitakata-style noodles, which are well-known for having thick, flat, curly noodles with a delicate chew that go well with a light but delicious soup base made from pork bones for hours on end. The signature pork chashu is so tender that it melts in your mouth. Founded by the Ban Nai family in 1920, over a hundred years ago, this flagship restaurant in Buena Park offers a bowl of ramen crafted from a 100-year-old recipe.

Walking into Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai, all of the employees, from the waiters to the chefs, were all wearing the same identical uniform. A dark navy blue kappōgi cap and short-sleeved happi coat with the family’s crest. The worker’s uniform tradition also serves a dual purpose as the restaurant’s logo is proudly displayed on the service team’s backs.

The waiter greeted me with “Watashi,” or “Welcome” in Japanese. He led me to my table. This restaurant has warm wood tables, chairs, and wall trim, providing a pleasant, inviting atmosphere. A big, wooden-framed mirror provides depth and reflects the restaurant’s illumination, making the room look larger. Framed ramen bowls and stone-textured paneling provide style and emphasize the restaurant’s specialized menu.

There were dark brown hardwood chairs with padded seats along long communal tables with neatly organized menus, condiments (soy sauce and chile oil), and cutlery. Hanging above the kitchen was a dark blue noren, a traditional Japanese fabric curtain. The counter sitting in front of the open kitchen lets diners see the ramen-making process, making dining more engaging.

The soft and well-distributed lighting gave the restaurant a welcoming and relaxed ambiance. The space was well-organized, clean, and thoughtfully decorated, maintaining a balance between authenticity and modern dining.

Cucumber Salad

Fresh, crisp, perfectly sliced, with the smell of garlic soy dressing, the chili powder gives the vegetable a spicy kick with every bite. After finishing off the cucumbers, pour the leftover sauce into the ramen, giving the soup a slightly tangy taste.

Juicy Fried Chicken

Fresh out of the fryer, each of the pieces of chicken were hot and juicy. The special house dipping sauce has a creamy and salty crunch. The lemon adds a citrusy aroma.

Kitakata Ramen

Kitakata ramen offers absolute comfort in a bowl. The transparent pork broth was rich but light, delivering deep umami without being heavy. Thick, curly noodles provided a pleasing crunch, while five slices of toro chashu melted in each bite. The bamboo shoot was a refreshing surprise, while the green onions and cooked egg wonderfully balanced the tastes.  This was ramen done right, fresh, tasty, and well-presented.

As I was exiting the restaurant, there was a glass case with figurines of traditional Japanese dolls and other cultural decorations. The waiter explained that he cleans the case and carefully wipes down the dolls. These items add to the authenticity of Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai.

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is located on 7750 Orangethorpe Ave. Buena Park