Ramen & Tsukemen TAO

Popotatoes

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.

Phil C

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.

Kaori S

The waitress sprayed alcohol on the table more than ten times—it felt like she was spraying it on my face! The smell was so strong and unpleasant that it ruined our delicious meal. She should have sprayed the alcohol onto a cloth gently, then wiped the table. 🙏

Cito

Super small dining. Take out was really good since they separated everything! Super flavorful. Small parking lot. Bingo nearby. Our view from our room.