My name is Rachel and I am a ramen addict. I drive incredibly long distances—and wait in even longer lines—in search of the best ramen ever. I keep chasing the Chashu dragon wherever it leads me (which is everywhere from Tokyo to Reseda). I am helpless to my addiction, I can’t stop thinking that I’m just one mini mall or train station dive away from the absolute best bowl ever. This time the monkey on my back landed me in the ramen ghetto of Torrance, CA and lured me into a temple of sin known as Chabuya.

I came looking for pure porcine pleasure and I did not leave disappointed. My Kara Kara Ramen arrived at the table with steam rising up from the sumptuously creamy broth with a large slice of perfectly fatty chashu floating on top concealing the bits of spicy ground chicken, crunchy sweet bamboo shoots, thinly sliced green onions and perfect chewy noodles from the eye—making each one a sweet devilish discovery. Me, being me, added nori to my order and next time, because we all know there will be a next time, I’ll add fried garlic too—because I’m sick and I can’t help myself. Go to Chabuya right away, just don’t blame me when you wake up in the gutter with nothing but a pair of chopsticks in you’re hand. You’ve been warned.

Chabuya – 24231 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 530-2749