Beni-Tora – Torrance

If you’re going to Mitsuwa to try the BEST ramen, go directly to Santouka. (Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars.) If you’re going to Mitsuwa to try ALL the ramen, Beni-Tora is a good place to start…because nothing after this will disappoint you.

The sheer size of the Pork Belly Ramen will blow you away, and few things are more enticingly presented than this rock-slab roll of pork belly the size of your fist. And if you’re like me and don’t want to box up a bowl of unfinished ramen the size of your head, the half portion is quite the deal at 30% off, especially since the only thing they skimp on is the noodles. But once you get past the perks, you quickly discover that the rock-slab of pork belly happens to be hard as a rock, and although the noodles are a good texture, the broth they swim in is utterly forgettable...but only after your jaw (and your belly) stop aching from the pork.