Los Angeles has no shortage of ramen shops, but every now and then, something arrives that shifts the conversation. Tenkaippin, the iconic Japanese ramen brand that created the original Kotteri ramen in Kyoto, has officially opened in Little Tokyo, bringing more than five decades of culinary history to 333 East 1st Street.
If you are unfamiliar with the word Kotteri, it is Japanese for incredibly rich and thick. In 1971, founder Tsutomu Kimura developed a chicken based broth so dense and flavorful that customers struggled to describe it. At a time when pork broths dominated the ramen scene, his creation stood alone. Patrons began calling it Kotteri ramen, and the name became legendary.
Today in Japan, when someone mentions Kotteri ramen, they mean Tenkaippin.
The broth is unlike anything most diners have experienced. It is creamy without cream, thick without heaviness, and bold without overwhelming the palate. It clings to every strand of noodle, delivering deep savory flavor in each bite. Despite being chicken based, it rivals the richness of tonkotsu, carving out an entirely new genre within ramen culture.
From its beginnings as a small Kyoto street stand, Tenkaippin has expanded to more than 200 locations across Japan. Now, Angelenos can experience the original bowl right in the heart of Little Tokyo.
The restaurant operates Sunday through Thursday from 11:00am to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00am, making it a prime late night destination. It is closed on Wednesdays. For inquiries, guests can call 213 341 1951.
For LA food lovers who crave authenticity and depth, Tenkaippin is not just another ramen opening. It is the arrival of a true Japanese original.
