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Tsuta, one of Tokyo’s most celebrated ramen shops, and the world’s first ramen restaurant to earn a Michelin star, will land in Glendale, California at the Glendale Galleria some time in the next year. Eater SF reports that the celebrated shop, which specializes in using soba noodles and truffle oil with a lighter chicken-and-seafood based broth, will expand to the United States in San Francisco, then to Los Angeles (in Glendale), and finally to other cities like Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle in the next few years.
Onishi Yuki first opened Tsuta in Tokyo back in 2012 before expanding with two locations in Singapore in 2016. The popular ramen shop in Tokyo draws lines early in the morning for folks putting a deposit for their bowl. Later, those with pre-paid deposits can return at their scheduled time to enjoy their ramen. Apparently the shop only serves 150 bowls a day, which makes it one of the most difficult ramen bowls to try in Tokyo. It’s unclear if Tsuta will employ the commonly used coin-operated vending machines to dispense tickets and orders.
LA hasn’t received quite as many big-name ramen shops from Japan, with celebrated chain Afuri landing first in Portland, and Ichiran opening in Brooklyn and Manhattan in the past few years. However, Ippudo, with a partnership from Panda Express, will expand from its New York-based operation to an outlet in Santa Monica some time this year.
LA’s ramen scene has been pretty robust over the past few years. When Tsujita launched Tsujita Artisan Noodle and Annex on Sawtelle, it brought a new sense of ramen authority to the City of Angels. Tsujita has since launched a tan tan men spot called Killer Noodle, and another shop at The Americana at Brand in Glendale. Still, longtime shops like Shin Sen Gumi, Daikokuya, and Jidaiya continue to serve quality bowls across LA, making the city an already-crowded ramen market. However, Tsuta’s arrival, especially to the newly remodeled Glendale Galleria, should bring a welcome competitor to the Southland. One also wonders if more entrants like Tsuta will help the Michelin guide realize that it’s missing out on LA’s dining scene.
