I got the deluxe mazeman with melted cheese on top! It was definitely heavier than I expected however after adding their house made vinegar (lots because I love the acidic punch and the lighter taste), I enjoyed the mazeman a lot more. As for the takoyaki, they gave LA or Osaka style. We got the LA street food style and it came out piping hot and perfectly crispy on the outside. The owner wad also present and very helpful and cheerful.
Came in for lunch and there were plenty of tables to sit. I took a bar seat and ordered the Tokyo, being my first time the server Hannah was quite helpful in explaining what the whole experience was like. If you were to forget on the wall the steps were painted with visual aids.The bowl was extremely filling, so do expect to be full and then some. The flavors started from savory, to sour, to all mellowed out by the end.Definitely would recommend if you would like a good filling meal!
Wow, the mazeman was amazing. It was our first time trying it and it was so good. The brothless ramen was packed full of flavor. We got the Deluxe with the chasu pork. The shishito peppers were also fantastic as was the takoyaki. It can get crazy busy but the service was fast and they checked on us regularly for refills and what not.
We tried the Impossible Tokyo Vegan Mazemen, the Asari Tonkotsu and Vegan Ramen. They are all very delicious. It was our first time trying the Ramen without broth. There were different combination of toppings that mixed in with the noodle and a spicy sauce. It is different but we liked it. We arrived at 4:55pm and there were already 2 groups of customers waiting in front of us. The place slowly filled up. Service is good, people are friendly. They have outdoor dining too. Will definitely return to try their other dishes.
After sharing my Ramen obsession, I was recommended Mogu Mogu in Costa Mesa. Turns out that Mogu specializes in Mazemen, not ramen. Mazemen is similar to ramen, but the main difference is that Mazemen is a broth less noodle dish.Since Mogu specializes in Mazemen, I would do myself a disservice if I were to get a ramen instead of their specialty. I am still going to review the relevant components for fun, but it won’t necessarily be comparable to a normal ramen review since I can’t judge the (arguably) most import part of ramen, the broth.Mogu provides a friendly guide on how to eat Mazemen for the uninitiated.How to eat MAZEMEN (Soupless noodles):1) Snap It! Take a picture of our good lookingbowl of Mazemen and share it with yourfriends!2) Mix it! Mix really well for about 30 seconds!3) The better you mix the better it tastes!Umami! About half way done with your bowl, try our homemade Umami vinegar for a new taste!4) Oi-Meshi! Small scoop of rice will be served at the end to fully enjoy our bowl ofMazemen.The restaurant features a countertop bar with about 8 seats, and a fair amount of tables inside. They also have multiple tables outside including a tent area in the parking lot for additional seating.The menu offers a selection of Mazemen with various toppings, and spice levels. There is a Tonkotsu and Miso ramen for those who want broth with their noodles. They also offer a vegan Mazemen and ramen option. Accompanying these main dishes are some typical Japanese sides and also a happy hour menu.Today, I ordered the deluxe Mazemen, which is their offering with all the toppings, including:Sliced pork chashu, Spicy minced pork,Poached egg, Chives, Minced garlic, Fishpowder, Seaweed Soft boiled egg, Seaweedflakes, Scallion.Overall: 8/10. Would recommend.As an overall experience I would certainly recommend Mogu Mogu. The noodles are thick in shape and firm in texture. They provide excellent chew, texture, and still have flavor of their own. Mixed in with the sauces and spices, the end result is a noodle dish with an excellent balance of savory notes from the sauce base and fish powder, and also well balanced flavorful spiciness. I think that overall, the chashu and soft boiled egg in the deluxe bowl is not necessary, so I would recommend the Tokyo style.Near the end of the meal, each order of Mazemen is provided a small serving of white rice served in a ramekin. The intention is to mix the rice with the remaining sauce as a finishing treat. Not only does this provide an interesting texture change from the noodles, it pushes the bowl from filling to very filling.
I'm so happy I finally got to try this place on a slow day. I've been dragging my feet to get out here bc I was simply lazy to drive or deal with any type of wait.The day I do finally try it is the day I ride my bicycle 11 miles to get there. Who am I kidding, a car would've been much faster and this took wayyy more effort than driving. Anyway, I made it.I was seated immediately. My server, Lisa was great. I don't like make decisions and I always have others do it if possible or ask for suggestions. When the server actually seems like they're engaging and attentive asking questions it's a plus. I went with a beer, the beef tongue and deluxe.She checked on me often and walked me through it. Through what you ask? Apparently, this is a soupless ramen. You toss it in the base on the bottom of the bowl. When you get 2/3rds of the way to the bottom you add vinegar. At 10-5% left you add a rice toss it and eat it.Like honestly... I never would've known hahaha I appreciate her attentiveness and now I can guide people in the future. I was super full and everything was tasty. I'll definitely be back.
It was my first time having mazemen. I had the impossible Tokyo version. My family had the regular Tokyo and the curry. We also had the chicken, takoyaki, and strawberry cheesecake. Most everything was good, but the kale overpowered the dishes that included kale. Keep that in mind if you aren’t a fan if kale. I would still recommend.
Very solid mazemen. Good service and were quick to seat us even around noon - 1pm. The noodles were the perfect chewy texture and sauce was super flavorful with the rice to soak up the rest being the finishing touch. Would come again especially when I’m not in the mood for a heavy ramen broth. I would maybe ding a little for my soy egg being a little to hard in the yolk but that’s not a big deal.
1/23/2022 - Deluxe Mazeman.. look at the picture, need I say more??1/9/2022 - First time... went for broke and ordered the Deluxe. I mixed the egg that made all the sauces to bind onto the ramen.. then the vinegar.. I tried 2 scoops with my spoon.. was an interesting spin but I rather not have it.. Lastly.. Why don't everyone give rice like they so... all the sauce.. on rice to finish the meal.. Very well done.Although, I waited longer than I should have.. I will give them a mulligan for packing other people's to go first and let my order sat on the counter.
The ambiance is casual dining and there is outdoor seating if interested. Ordered the deluxe mazemen and it is pretty filling. Once served at your table, mix the mazemen and enjoy! Similar to dan dan noodles and the vinegar added had a nice kick to it. Worth a try and if I'm in the area, i'll try the other mazemen.