Daichan Japanese Soul Food
Monday, November 20, 2006 21:52
The Art of Chase could be found around the city. So when MS and I had dinner before a show at Daichan Japanese Soul Food Restaurant in Studio City and saw those familiar eyes, we snapped this photo.
Rarely do I find myself out in the Valley. But because we planned to watch my friend’s standup comedy show at the Aura Club in Studio City, MS took me to “one of the best udon restaurants in LA.”
He didn’t know the name of this small restaurant in an even smaller corner strip mall. But he navigated well, and we were seated promptly at a table for two after a couple of diners had left. It was only about 5pm, and the quaint little Japanese restaurant was already busy with hungry patrons.
This charming nook of a place was filled to the brim with all sorts of Japanese knick-knacks everywhere you look. Things I grew up with as a Japanese American girl in LA and things I snacked on after a trip to Yaohan and Marukai.
MS ordered his usual at Daichan’s - the Tempura Udon, while I had the Tenzaru Soba with a side of Potato Croquette. The udon broth was deliciously light and the noodles just the right amount of firmness. The tempura, crisp and crunchy. The tenzaru soba was perfect on a warm night out. And the “korokke” was almost as good as how my grandma makes them.
Daichan’s - A small stop in the valley with a whole lot of heart and soul. A must eat in my Best of LA.
Daichan Japanese Soul Food Restaurant
street: 11288 Ventura Blvd #F | Studio City, CA 91604
tel: 1.818.980.8450
By Kristy (see more of her posts). A native of the city, kristy loves to discover new sites, new eateries, new things to do in her online journal of finding the best of la.
MaxMillion says:
November 21st, 2006 at 12:41 pm
Damn! We went all the way Downtown for basic Japanese (izakaya-style) homecooking at Izayoi on S Central Ave (which was fantastic), and all this time there is a place a mere 5 mins walk from my home? I really should check out my ‘hood more exhaustively…
Thanks heaps for the write up — am eager to try this local place!
beopenguin says:
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:34 pm
I ate there tonight! I would agree, it IS the best Udon in LA. The staff is so friendly. Wonderful spot and will be back for sure.
Why We Type says:
November 30th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
This has been one of my favorite LA restaurants for years… I live nowhere near it, and never go any longer, but I continue to regularly crave “The Protein Bowl,” brown rice, tofu, edamame, hiziki…and probably other ingredients I’m forgetting. It is soul satisfying.
MaxMillion says:
November 30th, 2006 at 11:56 pm
So, I went to Daichan for lunch the other day. It was really fantastic food and service. Decore and ambiance was cluttered, but entrancing. So much to catch your eye. It really took me back twenty years, when I lived in Tokyo for a few months. But it also reminded me of this peculiar little Japanese cafe in Potts, Point, Sydney, as well.
Wonderful menu. One thing I adored was the Poki (sp?) salad; rice, seaweed, tuna and lettuce. Really delicious.
What a great find! Thanks for your review!