Explore original, authentic Japanese cuisine at Ramen Zero
Enjoy a piping hot bowl of Japanese soul food at the newly opened Ramen Zero
Grade: A
October 25, 2022
Monday – Sunday: 11:30AM – 2PM, 5PM – 8PM
4555 S Fort Apache Rd #110, Las Vegas, NV 89147
Cash and Credit Card Accepted
Maybe you’ve watched an anime or read a manga where a character was eating a steaming bowl of ramen. Ramen Zero is sure to satisfy your craving for this Japanese soul food. After perfecting his craft in Japan, Yoshiyuki “Maru” Maruyama moved to America to bring an authentic and artistic take on Japanese street food. Opening in August of 2022, Ramen Zero brings this idea to the Southwest region of Las Vegas.
Immediately upon arrival, guests are greeted by a host in charge of seating. The entrance displays various large potted plants as well as Japanese magazines featuring the owner’s cooking. After some small talk, I learned that the restaurant relocated from San Jose, California to Vegas after some financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hits from the early 2000s, like Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” and Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” remixed with a tropical twist played throughout the restaurant.
The staff recommended the most popular dishes while giving me background on the origin of them. As an appetizer, I ordered a three piece Karaage Chicken ($6). The fried chicken was nothing special to me, but I enjoyed that it was boneless and crispy. It might be popular with little children whose taste buds haven’t evolved much.
The next thing I ordered was the Matcha Takoyaki ($8). Takoyaki is a sphere shaped fried octopus snack that originated in Osaka, but became synonymous with Japanese street food. The waiter explained that the Matcha Takoyaki was Chef Maru’s own creation , combining Japanese mayo and matcha as a sauce. This was by far the best thing I ordered. I fell in love with its taste and the artistry behind it. The combination might seem odd, but it perfectly unites and elevates the unique taste of both.
As my main dish, I ordered the Tokyo Shoyu ramen ($12.50). The steamy chicken broth elevated with delicious pork belly slices and freshly made noodles created a beautiful aroma. My mouth began to water as I wandered through the seaweed, spinach, fish cake, red onions, bamboo shoots, and pickled ginger that it was topped with. The broth was perfect and exhibited the expertise of the chef. I learned that it is cooked fresh everyday with a mixture of different fruits and vegetables, like apples and onions. Not only is the broth made fresh daily, the noodles are made as soon as the order is entered, accounting for their perfect chewiness.
As an avid lover of ramen and noodles, I can say that this is my new favorite ramen joint. The experience opened my eyes to different aspects of Japanese culture and even more about the restaurant. I am thankful to have found this hidden gem, and I am excited to support them on their journey as they continue to become more popular.
