About Ramen & Tsukemen TAO
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A fantastic Tsukemen Ramen shop, I ordered the Chashu Miso Spicy Tsukemen, and the thick noodles were perfectly cooked with a delightful chewiness that paired beautifully with the rich, savory miso broth. The only downside was the Chashu, which was a bit tough—if the meat were more tender, it would have been perfect. I also tried the Chashu White Miso Ramen, which was good, but I preferred the Tsukemen Ramen and highly recommend trying the spicy version. The shop and parking lot are small, so if you visit during peak times, expect a long wait and difficulty finding parking. I’d suggest coming after the usual dinner hours for a more seamless experience.
Venturing into Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, I was eager to savor their renowned tsukemen, a dish celebrated for its rich, separate broth meant for dipping. The ramen itself did not disappoint, offering a flavorful and immersive dining experience, with perfectly cooked noodles and a broth that was both robust and intricately seasoned. However, the overall experience was somewhat marred by less-than-stellar service and an unexpectedly lengthy wait, particularly for a solo diner. The server, while efficient, lacked the warmth and friendliness that can transform a good dining experience into a great one. Such an oversight felt more pronounced given the extended wait time, which seemed disproportionate for the number of patrons present. While the tsukemen at Tao Tsukemen Ramen stands out for its culinary merit, the service elements left a gap that could not be overlooked. For those in search of top-notch ramen, this place delivers on flavor but might require a bit of patience and lowered expectations for service.
I've been enjoying the food here for years. Tao is well known for its miso and tsukemen ramen. If you like miso-style ramen, this place is for you. Although I have to watch my sodium intake these days, I occasionally treat myself to a heart-warming bowl or one of their rice bowls. My go-to ramen is the tsukemen, which has cold, thick noodles and warm, miso-savory broth. The Chashu Red Miso Ramen has a flavorful, bold broth and thick noodles. The chashu slices have a meaty texture, and have tender fat ends. If you like food with a kick, check out the spicy options. The regular-size ramen is also filling and more than enough for me to finish. The chicken ramen is also a delicious option if you prefer a lighter yet flavorful broth. The thin noodles and chicken slices were cooked well. Combos are also great options if you are hungry. The gyoza and karange are my favorite starters. Don't sleep on the rice bowls! My favorite is the Beef Bowl, reminiscent of the Japanese-style gyudon bowls from the most popular franchises in Japan. It features thin-cut meat with fatty pieces, sauteed onions, and a flavorful sauce that seeps into the rice. The staff at Tao has been consistently kind and accommodating every time I've dined here. Despite the limited dining space, the service and food quality make it worth the visit. It reminds me of a local ramen joint in Japan. I'm glad there are more top-rated ramen options in OC. The story behind the chef and shop is also interesting and available on their website.
I got the red miso ramen and my husband got the tsukemen and it was amazing! Some of the best ramen I have had. My husband traveled to Japan and has been looking for a good tsukemen since he got home, and he was very impressed with this place! Will definitely be back as often as we're in Anaheim. Highly recommend!
Small location. My order came with a little overcooked thicker noodles. Tasty food. Delicious thick broth! The spicy has some kick! :) This restaurant surprisingly had decent food quantity, most don't. Decent seating quality. Low seat quantity. A decent view of the kitchen :) Parking is okay but can be scarce.