★★ Takohachi - Seattle

Takohachi is a hole in the wall in Seattle's International District, its interior is like a diner from the 40's that has never been remodeled. Not exactly the place I expect to get some authentic Japanese ramen, but what I found pleasantly surprised me. I tried their Miso ramen.

The Soup - was rich, quite delicious, and was actually an authentic miso soup! While the flavor wasn't especially sophisticated, it had depth to it that clearly wasn't instance soup flavoring (what most other places in Seattle taste like).

The Noodles - were regular thickness curly noodles cooked on the soft side. Most likely factory made and not fresh, something that is unavoidable with ramen in the Seattle area. At least they weren't over cooked or soggy.

The Toppings - were pretty decent, all the regular toppings are there. Cha-shu pork wasn't especially tender but tasted okay, the spring onions, wakame seaweed, corn and boiled egg were all average.

Overall - not a bad bowl of ramen. Takohachi reminds me of the regular ramen shop back in Tokyo, just the average ramen down the street where you wouldn't go out of your way to visit, but you'd drop in every once in a while when you are hungry and too lazy to cook for that night. For one thing, this place at least tasted like authentic ramen! which is saying a lot compared to the many other seattle area Japanese ramen.

Takohachi: 610 S Jackson, Seattle 682-1828