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| - Been waiting some time to offer up a review of Tampopo, the first serious effort of Japanese Ramen in the metro area. It's seem the very day they opened Ramen joints suddenly started sprouting up all over the valley. Having tried most, no other's are worth noting except for Niskikawa 'neighborhood style' in Chandler, a truly unique bowl for serious Ramenites.
Walking into Tompopo you really get that feel of a fast-paced Tokyo Ramen joint ... love it or hate it ... there's no middle ground. Eat your noodles and get out kind of place, but not soup Nazi, think fast friendly service. While the uninitiated may at first feel insecure, sit down and persevere, this is a must try culinary experience!
For novices I recommend ordering the basic bowl as there's already a lot going-on-in-there. The $1-3 add-on toppings tend to complicate the already well balanced flavor. Also don't forget the must have side order of Yaki Goyza. A glass of Asahi draft beer from Japan rounds out the experience.
Obviously I'm a regular at Tompopo, but I'm also their toughest critic as I travel regularly to Japan. While their overall consistency has improved, disappointingly their Ramen has not, nor has their menu expanded as I hoped. Still frozen at 3.5 stars. Tough love aside, Tompopo is an excellent introduction to Japanese style Ramen ... and my go to place for a quick fix in the Valley of the Sun.
Get yourself a bowl ...
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