Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Left Chicagoland some years ago with beautiful memories of slurping delicious Santouka ramen in the bitter cold winters. Returned for a visit recently and headed there excitedly. Was elated to see my favourite cute little stall still standing strong in Mitsuwa food court. I had the spicy miso ramen with pork cheeks on the side. Sadly we were extremely disappointed with the pork cheeks being really tough, had gristles/stringy and dry. It was completely different from what I remembered years ago with the slightly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I believe they used quality Iberico pork back then. It doesn’t seem the case anymore. Noodles were ok.. broth was ok-ish nothing I would come back for. somewhat lost the magic touch we have tasted years ago. Charsiew bowl was also mediocre and meat was dry. It is probably time to look for another ramen place to create new memories. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $30–50 Food: 2 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3 Recommended dishes: Miso Ramen

Expected the long wait to order and even the long wait for food. Didn’t expect to curtly be called liars by the girl with brown curly hair at the counter because we didn’t have the small slip of paper with ticket number on it (we only received the receipt the customers after us oddly got our ticket and theirs too). Ramen was decent but eggs with the combo were over cooked. Food: 3 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1

Inside Mitsua Arlington Heights. In the food court. Atmosphere not relevant. Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Recommended dishes: Miso Ramen

It’s in the restaurant area of Matsuwa Japanese grocery. The egg was a bit overcooked and dry, but overall the ramen was excellent. Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 2

The absolute best ramen I've ever had. Its authentic Japanese ramen and so delicious that it's hard to explain. It's made with such care and quality, it can be hard to stop eating it, it's so good. The servers are wonderful as well! Honestly I cannot say enough good things about thia place! Service: Take out Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Large Spicy Miso Ramen, Miso Ramen Soybean Paste Flavor, Salmon Rice Bowl, Miso Ramen, Rice w Salmon Roe, Spicy Miso, Regular Miso Ramen, Rice Bowl