Ramen Hajime

Name: Ramen Hajime
Address: 5229 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, California, 95051, US
Telephone: (408) 899-6254
Price range: $
Rating: 4.5

$ • Ramen, Vegan, Vegetarian

Hours:
5229 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara
(408) 899-6254

Menu Order Online

About Ramen Hajime

Ramen Hajime is a popular ramen spot that serves a delicious and authentic bowl of noodles. The signature Kiwami Tonkotsu ramen is a must-try, with its rich and creamy broth made with tonkotsu (pork bone) and homemade noodles. The menu also offers a variety of toppings, including baby bok choy and Japanese chicken karage. The service is quick and friendly, with a cozy ambiance that makes you feel like you're in a traditional Japanese restaurant. The prices are reasonable, with most dishes under $20. The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday. The hype was real, this is the best Ramen spot in San Jose hands down with excellent quality food. The karaage was delicious, the broth was rich, and the line was long. They do rush you a bit, but it's understandable since seating is limited. The flavors in here were fantastic. The soup was light but blended super well with all the other ingredients, not too overpowering, the ingredients are fresh and the noodle had just the right amount of thickness. The servers are respectful and came to the table quickly to take orders and checked if anything was needed.

The way Ramen Hajime makes ramen is like how a great orchestra plays a piece of music. When the sound is so definitively good it’s almost like this is how the composer meant for the music to be played. Ramen Hajime makes ramen like this. So good that it’s almost unforgettable. First, their broth game is very strong. The broth is complex with a lot of umami flavors. It is on the salty side, so some may want to ask for less salt, which came out perfect. Second, their chef is a master of texture. The ramen had the same texture as the kikurage mushroom topping, making it hard to tell where the ramen ended and the mushroom began. So interesting! The only downside was that by 7:30 pm on a Saturday, they couldn’t take more customers because the waitlist was too long. Please consider staying open later! This place is a true tribute to the art of ramen-making. I look forward to trying more of the menu, ideally arriving earlier next time.

From the moment visitors step into Ramen Hajime and hear the music playing, it’s clear this is an authentic Japanese ramen shop. Many praise the Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, which is considered one of the best on the West Coast. The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are firm and springy, and the toppings, including chashu, are fresh and tasty. The first sip of the soup transports diners to Japan. Throughout the meal, background music features Japanese artists and anime themes, adding a nostalgic touch. The staff are kind, polite, and welcoming, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This place is a true gem for ramen lovers.

Though small, Ramen Hajime offers big quality. Customers have gone multiple times and loved the experience. Servings are generous, and the food is tasty. The staff are attentive but not overbearing, and the atmosphere is relaxed inside. The only note of caution is the waitlist, which can be long, but it usually moves quickly. Overall, it’s a great place with excellent food and friendly service.