By Brooklynn Wong
Buena Park’s ramen scene is one that’s already pretty saturated, but what’s the harm in adding another good one to the mix? That’s what happened quietly in the waning months of 2019 on Beach Boulevard.
Slurpin’ Ramen Bar, a casual, trendy and popular chain with locations in LA and the City of Industry, chose Buena Park for its first Orange County location, and its grand opening was in early December.
It’s at 7941 Beach Blvd. #G. California Curry Kitchen (which was also good; I was disappointed it closed) was there prior.
It’s in a spot conveniently close to Knott’s Berry Farm, so will likely attract tourists as well as locals.
My attention was drawn to Slurpin’ Ramen Bar because I got a Yelp notification urging me to try it because it’s “hot & new.” My husband and I decided to get some spontaneous takeout there on a recent weeknight.
It’s a small storefront in the shadow of Knott’s, by Flame Broiler. The servers were very friendly and efficient. There’s not a whole lot of space inside, and its seating is all either tall stools or communal tables, so it’s not terribly comfortable and doesn’t boast a great ambience, but it’s perfect for stopping in quickly, waiting a few minutes and getting takeout.
It’s one of those refreshingly simple places menu-wise, that streamlines everything and gives you just a few clear choices. They have appetizers, but as far as entrees, they’ve narrowed it down to three steps. Choose your meat, choose your spice level, choose your toppings. For ramen, anyway. You can also choose from veggie ramen, tsukemen (dipping noodles) or chashu (pork belly) rice bowls, where the selection process is a little different. But most people go for the ramen. That’s what Slurpin’ is best known for, and their menu (both the physical thing and the concept in general) is refreshingly simple and clutter-free.
I had the chashu ramen, mild, with corn, and it was terrific. It was a wonderfully satisfying rich, creamy bowl of comfort food. It was not healthy; definitely a caloric splurge, but it was worth it. It was my first time having chashu, and I don’t normally like fatty meats, but I loved it. And it was the perfect amount—maybe five small strips of the very rich and very fatty meat. And the corn was an attempt to replicate the best bowl of ramen I ever had. It was in Palm Desert and was sweeter and creamier than usual, and full of corn. This didn’t top that, nor did the corn have the same effect, but this was the best bowl of ramen I’ve had so far in Buena Park.
They have a selection of Japanese beers and spirits on the menu as well.
The prices are good; either $10 or $12 for a bowl of ramen; there are two sizes for you to choose from. It would be sufficient without toppings, but there are plenty of those for you to choose from, though each one will cost you anywhere from an extra fifty cents to $2.
Slurpin’ Ramen Bar is open from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. everyday.
I recommend it; maybe not for eating there, but definitely for takeout. Give it a try!
