San Diego's Ramen Boom Continues With Ajisen Ramen

If you're thinking that San Diego just doesn't have enough ramen options, here's one more bowl to consider. A treasured tipster shared word that Ajisen Ramen will be opening an eatery in Kearny Mesa, in the former Coco's Family Restaurant space at 7398 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Eater spoke with a representative from the company who said that it will open in June; at this time, no other San Diego outposts are planned.

The fast-food chain originated in the Kumamoto prefecture in Japan, and now has franchises worldwide, from a large presence in China to several Southern California locations including Irvine, San Gabriel and Rowland Heights.

Ajisen Ramen offers an extensive menu that ranges from appetizers to udon and rice dishes, but the main attraction is lots of ramen, ranging in price from $8.95 to $11.25; the many varieties include spicy beef ramen and pork cutlet curry ramen. Specializing in Kumamoto-style ramen, its signature bowl includes thin straight ramen noodles, a pork tonkotsu broth augmented by garlic oil and tender pork ribs.