Monthly Archives: July 2013

Jaime wanted so much to go to the city so he took charge of planning our Sunday.  He planned everything from lunch to dinner and made reservations for us.  First stop was lunch at Yank Sing.  He wanted dim sum which was good timing for Sunday though we came already at around 1pm.  Jaime searched for the best dim sum in San Francisco and this came out 🙂

On Sunday’s, they use the lobby of the building since the restaurant gets really full

Nice water feature in the middle of the building – fountain from the ceiling

Our order starts here 🙂  Those were photos of food passing by us while we were waiting 

This is what the ramen boys came here for – they are not only ramen boys but they are Xiao Long Bao boys too! 🙂  They would always search for the best ramen and xiao long bao wherever we are in the world

So today the goal was to try the Kurobota pork dumplings and it passed their standards!  🙂  They ordered 4 of this!  

Although the Xiao Long Bao boy # 1 ( papa ) prefers his Xiao long bao with crab fat or crab meat 

We all enjoyed our dim sum dishes

I am always different from the boys, so this was mine – really really good prawn salad and loved the honeyed walnuts that came with it

They have another location right beside the restaurant just for take out! 

Click below to go to their website

[email_link]

 Last February, we were introduced to Ramen Parlor in San Mateo by Jorge and Maita

Previous entry:  Ramen Parlor, San Mateo March 11, 2013 

We tried to reenact that scene when we arrived but this time with my three ramen boys who are crazy over Ramen!  Unfortunately it was closed since we were delayed a bit in the airport.  Even Ramen Dojo was closed that evening.  So the next day, that was first on the agenda and this was where we had lunch!  We tried Ramen Dojo first since we have not been here yet

Postings outside the door – we waited a bit outside since the place was full

Finally we get in- full house!

Menu again on the board

Since there is a minimum charge of  US$ 9.75 per person, and I do not eat Ramen, they ordered these side dishes 🙂  I was still clueless as to what I was going to eat with the rice haha!!   

Garlic Pork

First time for me to see boiled gyoza 🙂  Not so good according to the ramen boys

The next day, we went next door to Ramen Parlor.  Ramen Parlor is just across the street from Ramen Dojo 😉 

To compare the two:

1.)  Both places always have a line of people waiting outside

2.)  In terms of offering – Ramen Parlor has a wider assortment of ramen and other food to offer for non ramen eaters 🙂  

3.)  Staff in Ramen Parlor are much more friendly

4.)  and they tell you nicely that there is a minimum per person- so both places impose a minimum of US$ 9.75  

5.)  No Take out in Ramen Dojo – Take out allowed in Ramen Parlor with one complimentary container per ramen 🙂  Even that is friendly, other places charge when you ask for take out containers  

6.)  Lots of parking space for Ramen Parlor and for Ramen Dojo, just park on the street nearby  

7.)  Since taste is always personal, the Ramen boys say Ramen Parlor is better for them 

Deep Fried Gyoza

Takoyaki

Weekday Lunch Special – add to ramen order for $2.95 🙂  this was mine

Classic Ramen with deluxe topping Soft shell crab

Pork Tan tan men

Parlor Ramen

Parlor Ramen with Lobster Miso Flavor and corn

We went back one more time before we went home since Javier wanted Ramen.  What a surprise to bump into Eric, Cinthy and their kids.  They were in line outside while we were leaving.  We were the first customer since we came before opening time at 1130am.  

Ramen Dojo 805 S B St  San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 401-6568

Ramen Parlor 901 S B St  San Mateo, CA 94401 (650) 344-9728

To summarise, I don’t think the Ramen boys will ever find another ramen place that will beat Ukkokei Ramen.  It seems like that is their basis for everything – and nothing beats Ukkokei.  

Previous entry:  Ukkokei Ramen Ron March 18, 2009 

But while in San Mateo, they personally prefer Ramen Parlor.  Me too 🙂 So we go to Ramen Parlor when craving for ramen in the Bay Area  

[email_link]