Exploring Birria Ramen Noodles in Los Angeles: Everything You Need to Know

Hagary Official
9 min readMar 30, 2023

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Birria ramen noodles have taken the food scene in Los Angeles by storm.

This unique dish, which combines the flavors of traditional Mexican birria with the comfort of Japanese ramen noodles, has become a popular food trend across the city. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, you’re in the right place.

Credit: delish

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about birria ramen noodles in Los Angeles. From the history of this innovative dish to where you can find it in the city, we’ll cover all the bases.

We’ll also discuss the different variations of birria ramen noodles available and give you some tips for enjoying this delicious dish to the fullest.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan of birria or you’re curious to try something new, read on to discover everything you need to know about birria ramen noodles in Los Angeles.

What is birria ramen noodles?

Birria ramen noodles are a fusion of two distinct culinary traditions: the rich, savory flavors of Mexican birria and the comforting, noodle-based dishes of Japanese ramen.

Credit: I’m Hungry for that!

This unique combination of flavors and textures has made birria ramen noodles a must-try dish for foodies in Los Angeles and beyond.

At its core, birria ramen noodles consist of a flavorful broth made from slow-cooked birria meat, along with fresh noodles, vegetables, and other toppings. The broth is typically made by simmering birria meat (which can be goat, beef, or lamb) with a blend of spices, including chiles, garlic, and cumin.

This results in a rich, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft, chewy texture of ramen noodles.

Credit: Marion’s Kitchen

To make birria ramen noodles, the cooked birria meat is then added to a bowl of freshly-cooked ramen noodles, along with a variety of toppings such as cilantro, onions, lime juice, and sliced jalapeños.

Some variations of the dish also include a side of consommé broth, which can be used to dip the noodles and add even more depth of flavor.

What makes birria ramen noodles so special is the way it combines the best of both worlds: the deep, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting, hearty nature of Japanese ramen.

This fusion of culinary traditions is a testament to the creativity and innovation of chefs in Los Angeles and beyond, and it has quickly become one of the city’s most beloved food trends.

So, if you’re looking for a truly unique and delicious dining experience, be sure to give birria ramen noodles a try.

With its rich, complex flavors and satisfying textures, this dish is sure to become a new favorite for food lovers everywhere.

History of birria ramen noodles in Los Angeles

Birria ramen noodles may be a relatively new addition to the Los Angeles food scene, but their origins can be traced back to the innovative mind of Chef Kevin Lee.

Credit: Los Angeles Times

In 2018, Chef Lee created the dish while working at The Dive, a popular gastropub in Downtown Los Angeles.

As a Korean-American chef with a background in both Korean and French cuisine, Chef Lee was no stranger to blending flavors from different culinary traditions.

He drew inspiration from his love of birria, a classic Mexican dish that he had enjoyed many times before, and his fondness for ramen, a Japanese comfort food staple. By combining these two distinct dishes, Chef Lee created something truly unique and exciting.

Initially, birria ramen noodles were only available at The Dive as a special item on the menu.

Credit: Yelp

But as word of the dish spread, it quickly became a sensation among foodies in Los Angeles and beyond. The combination of rich, flavorful birria meat and comforting ramen noodles was a winning formula that captured the hearts and taste buds of diners across the city.

Today, birria ramen noodles can be found on the menus of many restaurants and food trucks throughout Los Angeles, and they have even gained popularity in other parts of the country.

Chefs have experimented with different variations of the dish, incorporating ingredients such as cheese, avocado, and even tofu to create unique twists on the classic recipe.

The success of birria ramen noodles in Los Angeles is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the city’s food scene.

Chefs like Kevin Lee have shown that by combining different culinary traditions, they can create truly innovative and delicious dishes that capture the hearts and palates of food lovers everywhere.

What is birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically made with goat meat, although beef and lamb are sometimes used as well.

The meat is seasoned with a blend of spices, including chiles, garlic, and cumin, and slow-cooked until it is tender and flavorful.

Birria can be enjoyed on its own or served in tacos, which is the most popular way to enjoy the dish in Mexico.

In recent years, birria has been incorporated into other dishes, such as birria ramen noodles, which is a unique fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine.

This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of birria with the comforting, noodle-based dish of ramen. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that is both familiar and new at the same time.

When it comes to enjoying birria ramen noodles, using metal reusable chopsticks and other Asian utensils can enhance the experience.

The weight and balance of metal chopsticks make them easier to use than disposable chopsticks, while also adding an element of sophistication to the dining experience.

Other Asian utensils, such as spoons and soup ladles, can also be used to enjoy the rich, flavorful broth that is a key component of birria ramen noodles.

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that has been adapted and incorporated into other cuisines, such as birria ramen noodles.

This unique fusion of flavors and cultures is a testament to the creativity and innovation of chefs in Los Angeles and beyond. By using metal reusable chopsticks and other Asian utensils, diners can enhance the experience of enjoying this delicious dish and fully appreciate the diverse and dynamic world of food.

Ramen noodles in Los Angeles

Ramen noodles have become a popular staple in the Los Angeles food scene, with the city becoming a hub for ramen culture in the United States.

The dish, which originated in Japan, consists of wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, with various toppings such as sliced pork, soft-boiled eggs, and seaweed.

One of the joys of enjoying ramen noodles is the experience of using reusable chopsticks to enjoy the dish.

Los Angeles is home to many excellent ramen restaurants, with Portland’s best ramen spots also drawing visitors from around the country.

Popular Los Angeles ramen spots include Daikokuya, Tsujita, and Ramen Hood, each offering unique variations on the classic dish.

In addition to traditional ramen restaurants, there are also popular TikTok recipes for ramen noodles and ramen bowl toppings that have gained viral attention in recent years.

These recipes often include unique ingredients such as spicy miso paste, sriracha sauce, and kimchi, adding new layers of flavor to the classic dish.

Ramen noodles have become a beloved part of the Los Angeles food scene and are enjoyed with reusable chopsticks and other Asian utensils.

Whether dining at a traditional ramen restaurant or trying out a popular TikTok recipe, there are many ways to enjoy this delicious and comforting dish in Los Angeles and beyond.

Combining birria and ramen noodles

Birria ramen noodles are a delicious fusion of two distinct culinary traditions, blending the rich, bold flavors of birria with the comforting, hearty nature of ramen noodles.

The soft, chewy texture of the noodles pairs perfectly with the savory, slow-cooked birria meat, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

One of the great things about birria ramen noodles is the way in which other Asian foods can be incorporated into the dish.

For example, dumplings are a popular addition that can be steamed or pan-fried and added to the bowl. Other Asian ingredients such as kimchi, tofu, and fish cakes can also be added to create a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Birria ramen noodles are a wonderful example of how different culinary traditions can be combined to create something truly unique and delicious.

With the addition of other Asian foods and mindful chopsticks etiquette, this dish can be enjoyed to its fullest potential, showcasing the best of both Mexican and Japanese cuisine.

Where To Find Birria Ramen Noodles in Los Angeles

If you’re looking to try birria ramen noodles in Los Angeles, there are many excellent restaurants and food trucks that serve this popular dish. Here are some recommended places to check out:

  • Teddy’s Red Tacos: This popular food truck is known for their birria tacos, but they also offer a delicious birria ramen bowl.
  • Sticky Rice: This Thai fusion restaurant in Echo Park offers a unique spin on birria ramen noodles, incorporating traditional Thai flavors into the dish.
  • Mariscos El Faro: This seafood truck in East Los Angeles serves a tasty seafood birria ramen noodle soup that is sure to satisfy.
  • The Dive: As the birthplace of birria ramen noodles, The Dive still serves a delicious version of the dish that is worth trying.

In addition to these recommended spots, there are many other restaurants and food trucks throughout Los Angeles that serve birria ramen noodles, each with their own unique spin on the dish.

Some famous TikTok ramen recipes have put unique twists on this classic dish, such as adding cheese, avocado, or even a fried egg to the bowl. These recipes have gone viral, inspiring home cooks to try making their own versions of birria ramen noodles at home.

There are many great places to find birria ramen noodles in Los Angeles, and the popularity of this dish is only growing thanks to social media.

Whether dining out or trying a new recipe at home, birria ramen noodles are a delicious and unique fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine that is sure to satisfy.

Asian foods like birria ramen noodles can also offer numerous health benefits. Many Asian cuisines are rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Incorporating Asian foods into a healthy, balanced diet can also provide important nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

For those interested in trying to make birria ramen noodles or other Asian-inspired dishes at home,

Here is a recipe for ramen noodles stir fry:

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages of ramen noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the pan and sauté until tender.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan and pour the sauce over the top.
  7. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce and heated through.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Finally, I encourage readers to explore the diverse and delicious world of Asian cuisine in Los Angeles and beyond.

With a rich history and vibrant culture, Asian cuisine offers something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for sushi, ramen, or dumplings with rice paper.

By trying new dishes and experimenting with different flavors, you can expand your palate and discover new favorites. So go ahead and take a culinary journey through the flavors of Asia — you won’t be disappointed!

The Bottom Line on the Top

Birria ramen noodles are a unique and delicious fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine that has taken the food scene in Los Angeles by storm.

With a rich history and vibrant culture, Asian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and health benefits, making it a great way to expand your palate and try something new.

Whether you’re dining out or trying a recipe at home, birria ramen noodles are a must-try dish that is sure to satisfy. So go ahead and explore the diverse and delicious world of Asian cuisine — you won’t be disappointed!

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