You can find out the situation by putting the tablet on standby. They make their own cakes and sell them, but it is not easy to buy them.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
ayush kalani
Ramen Hajime in Santa Clara is a hidden gem serving up some of the best ramen I've ever had. The flavors were incredible, the portions generous, and the service friendly. However, there's a big caveat: be prepared to wait. My party of two WAITED FOR AN HOUR, and you can see how long others have been waiting too. They only hold your table for 5 minutes after it's ready, so be prompt!Here's the breakdown:The Wait: Brutal. We waited an hour on a Friday night, and it wasn't uncommon to see others waiting just as long.The Food: WORTH IT!!! The Chicken Karaage was a delightful appetizer - juicy, crispy chicken with a tangy-creamy sauce. The star of the show, of course, was the ramen. I had the Kiwami Tonkotsu, a creamy pork broth with perfectly cooked noodles, melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, and a touch of lime for a refreshing twist. My partner enjoyed the Kiwami Spicy Miso, a spicy miso broth with thicker noodles and a good kick. Both broths were incredibly flavorful, and the portions were enough to satisfy even the hungriest ramen enthusiast.The Menu: Their menu consists of signature ramen selection that is priced a bit higher (~$3) than their basic ramen selection. They also have vegan options and build your own option. The menu also includes a bunch of appetizers, desserts, and beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic)The Service: Despite the long line, the service was fast and friendly. Our server was attentive and refilled our waters without us needing to ask. However, be aware that they place your bill halfway through your meal, which might feel a bit rushed.The Ambiance: Cozy and intimate. The space is small, so be prepared for close quarters.The Price: A steal! The ramen is very reasonably priced, especially for the Bay Area.The Parking: Ample. The restaurant is located in a strip mall with plenty of parking but not much to do while you wait.The Takeaway: Absolutely delicious ramen, but the wait time can be killer. Go right when they open to avoid the crowds. If you can handle the wait, Ramen Hajime is definitely worth a try. If you're short on time, you might want to consider another option.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kiwami Tonkotsu Front and Kiwami Shoyu Back
Aiden West
Best ramen I have had outside of Japan. Will be coming back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meat Meat Meat Pork Soup, Kiwami Tonkotsu Front and Kiwami Shoyu Back, Kiwami Spicy Miso
Will Martin
Best hakata style ramen in the Bay Area. This place is the real deal. Whole staff is Japanese, they know what they’re doing!
Stu Waters
A great option but there are better in the area (orenchi, nagi). The recent press has made it hard to get a table but they have an excellent waiting list system. You can go about your day and check your place in line often. The miso ramen was a little flat while the shoyu was excellent. The vegan wasn’t for me (curry flavor was strong, and overpowered any veggie flavor) but everyone else at the table liked it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kevin T.
Delicious ramen with a long line.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Isabelle L
Amazing food! Literally the best ramen I’ve had in the US. Usually I’m not the biggest ramen fan because I don’t like heavy foods, but their broth was the perfect milky pork flavor that’s smooth and light. The noodles had the perfect chew and were the perfect slurping texture! Came on a weekend and had to wait about an hour, but it was SO worth it. Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen
Keiji Ushioda
This ramen place is really good. The broth is phenomenal. Recommended one is Kiwami Tonkotsu. Also a monthly special ramen is recommended.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Noodles, Soup, Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Chicken Karaage Legs
Mayumi M
Real Japanese taste ramen!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Toshiomi Takahashi
Visited on Saturday around 7pmThere were about two groups in line, but we didn't have to wait that long.The customer service person was Japanese.
Excellent quality, the best broth, excellent noodles, delicious Tonkatsu, and friendly service... I'd have a picture of the excellent ramen, but I always can't wait to get it in my stomach :) Get the cheesecake if it is not sold out. Wait time is typically moderate and not too bad, and you can easily see your spot in line from your phone after checking in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu, Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, Cheese Cake, Japanese Chicken Karaage Legs
Grace Fang
Had Kiwami Tonkotsu ramen, it’s very delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen
Laura
Delicious food and amazing service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Chicken Karaage Legs
Robert Curlee
The best ramen I've had outside of Japan. Actually comparable to some of the best ramen I've had in Tokyo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nancy Pandey
Their kiwami vegan ramen is the best ramen I had in bay area. Service is great and prices are reasonable. Would definitely go back there.
You can find out the situation by putting the tablet on standby. They make their own cakes and sell them, but it is not easy to buy them.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Ramen Hajime in Santa Clara is a hidden gem serving up some of the best ramen I've ever had. The flavors were incredible, the portions generous, and the service friendly. However, there's a big caveat: be prepared to wait. My party of two WAITED FOR AN HOUR, and you can see how long others have been waiting too. They only hold your table for 5 minutes after it's ready, so be prompt!Here's the breakdown:The Wait: Brutal. We waited an hour on a Friday night, and it wasn't uncommon to see others waiting just as long.The Food: WORTH IT!!! The Chicken Karaage was a delightful appetizer - juicy, crispy chicken with a tangy-creamy sauce. The star of the show, of course, was the ramen. I had the Kiwami Tonkotsu, a creamy pork broth with perfectly cooked noodles, melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, and a touch of lime for a refreshing twist. My partner enjoyed the Kiwami Spicy Miso, a spicy miso broth with thicker noodles and a good kick. Both broths were incredibly flavorful, and the portions were enough to satisfy even the hungriest ramen enthusiast.The Menu: Their menu consists of signature ramen selection that is priced a bit higher (~$3) than their basic ramen selection. They also have vegan options and build your own option. The menu also includes a bunch of appetizers, desserts, and beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic)The Service: Despite the long line, the service was fast and friendly. Our server was attentive and refilled our waters without us needing to ask. However, be aware that they place your bill halfway through your meal, which might feel a bit rushed.The Ambiance: Cozy and intimate. The space is small, so be prepared for close quarters.The Price: A steal! The ramen is very reasonably priced, especially for the Bay Area.The Parking: Ample. The restaurant is located in a strip mall with plenty of parking but not much to do while you wait.The Takeaway: Absolutely delicious ramen, but the wait time can be killer. Go right when they open to avoid the crowds. If you can handle the wait, Ramen Hajime is definitely worth a try. If you're short on time, you might want to consider another option.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kiwami Tonkotsu Front and Kiwami Shoyu Back
Best ramen I have had outside of Japan. Will be coming back!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meat Meat Meat Pork Soup, Kiwami Tonkotsu Front and Kiwami Shoyu Back, Kiwami Spicy Miso
Best hakata style ramen in the Bay Area. This place is the real deal. Whole staff is Japanese, they know what they’re doing!
A great option but there are better in the area (orenchi, nagi). The recent press has made it hard to get a table but they have an excellent waiting list system. You can go about your day and check your place in line often. The miso ramen was a little flat while the shoyu was excellent. The vegan wasn’t for me (curry flavor was strong, and overpowered any veggie flavor) but everyone else at the table liked it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Delicious ramen with a long line.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Amazing food! Literally the best ramen I’ve had in the US. Usually I’m not the biggest ramen fan because I don’t like heavy foods, but their broth was the perfect milky pork flavor that’s smooth and light. The noodles had the perfect chew and were the perfect slurping texture! Came on a weekend and had to wait about an hour, but it was SO worth it. Definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen
This ramen place is really good. The broth is phenomenal. Recommended one is Kiwami Tonkotsu. Also a monthly special ramen is recommended.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Noodles, Soup, Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Chicken Karaage Legs
Real Japanese taste ramen!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Visited on Saturday around 7pmThere were about two groups in line, but we didn't have to wait that long.The customer service person was Japanese.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent quality, the best broth, excellent noodles, delicious Tonkatsu, and friendly service... I'd have a picture of the excellent ramen, but I always can't wait to get it in my stomach :) Get the cheesecake if it is not sold out. Wait time is typically moderate and not too bad, and you can easily see your spot in line from your phone after checking in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tonkotsu, Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, Cheese Cake, Japanese Chicken Karaage Legs
Had Kiwami Tonkotsu ramen, it’s very delicious!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen
Delicious food and amazing service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kiwami Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Chicken Karaage Legs
The best ramen I've had outside of Japan. Actually comparable to some of the best ramen I've had in Tokyo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their kiwami vegan ramen is the best ramen I had in bay area. Service is great and prices are reasonable. Would definitely go back there.