Maru Ichi: Greasy spoon ramen delight

Map:368 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94043

It’s a good sign when a ramen place makes its noodles in plain sight. It’s a better sign when they play surf videos.

Ok, I admit I’m a sucker for Maru Ichi because it’s the only place that lets me experience two of my passions in one sitting. But I love this place for its common man diner ambiance (vinyl cushioned booths and plastic canteen glasses included), and its affordable prices.

Like any good fobby joint, the menu is simple and no-frills. There are a dozen noodle choices, mostly ramen with a couple soba options and an udon. The ramen bowls come with thin slices of pork, a clump of bamboo shoots, half of a marinated egg, and a strip of seaweed. Some varieties, such as the black-inked kuro ramen, come with bean sprouts. The noodles are made fresh, thanks to the machine churning out long strands into plastic bins for all of Castro St. to watch.

I usually order the soy sauce (shoyu) ramen combination B, which includes 3 pieces of California roll and 3 greasy dumplings (gyoza) for under $10. Top that off with a glass of Kirin and you’re ready to take a nap under your desk. On cold days or when I’m feeling under the weather, the nabeyake udon rocks my world. It looks and tastes healthy, with its tempura shrimp, shitake mushrooms and piping hot chicken broth.

I boldly declare Maru Ichi as the best ramen place in Mountain View. Take that, you Riowa apologists!

Don’t trust me? Then Yelp it!