Just a few minutes away from Glendale stands a small ramen restaurant: Modan Ramen. As you walk in, the place itself is Pinterest-worthy space and the aroma from the kitchen instantly hits you.

The restaurant is small and is presented in a modern rustic farmhouse way. Upon entering, the first thing you’ll see is the chalkboard, which takes up about half of the wall. The walls are filled with decor, mostly made of tin and wood. The light fixtures, made from wire bins, hang from above and tie the room together nicely.

The menu consists of Japanese/Asian fusion dishes such as rice bowls, salads, numerous starters and most importantly, ramen. The side dishes are unique, surely something you wouldn’t find at any other place. Some of them include the spider slider, spicy tuna crisp, curry fries and pork belly tacos. There are five types of ramen: modan, spicy, shoyu, vegi and black. They also serve a mild option which is not stated on their menu.

The modan ramen includes their “Modan broth,” braised then charred pork belly, mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce marinated soft boiled egg, black garlic truffle oil and seaweed. The black garlic truffle oil is the game changer. Though not added into a traditional bowl of ramen, it gives this dish a twist that works with all the other flavors. The broth creamy, buttery, and thick, coating the noodles very well. In addition, the pork belly melts into your mouth, unlike some from other places.

The price point of Modan is not cheap, but not expensive either. Parking, however, is a struggle. The lot itself is one strip with parking available on one side making it hard to get out of the parking spot.

On the bright side, the place is nicely decorated, has a friendly staff and great food. The ramen is something that would be good to have on a cold day or if you just want a twist on the traditional bowl. Overall, I would have this again, maybe trying some of their sides. The experience of the ramen as well as the atmosphere of the restaurant is a combination that is unbeatable.

Modan Eagle Rock Ramen

1757 Colorado Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90041

Ph: (323) 739-0411

Web: modanramen.com

Hours

M-Th: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

F-Sat: 11:30 a.m.  -3:00 p.m., 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sun: 4 p.m – 9 p.m.