The restaurant that would go on to consistently be LA’s most popular ramen place year in year out took its first breath in Little Tokyo in 2002. He decided to utilize the ambiance of the more than 100 year old building to let guests experience ramen culture in an atmosphere of times gone by; a feat that required flexibility and the ability to see things differently. The general perception of people living in America in those days was that ramen was merely noodles that came in a plastic cup that you poured hot water into and cost less than a dollar. Behind the now flourishing grand restaurant that helped change this perception is pure effort that involved a year of minimal sleep and living in the restaurant to make the soup and serve customers until 4am and gain recognition. The popularity of social media also provided a tail wind, and the more people who reviewed it favorably the more people came, which resulted in the restaurant’s reputation spreading like wildfire. But according to Takaaki the restaurant is still not complete, and he continues to seek evolution in taste. Daikokuya Little Tokyo 327 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 626-1680 Daikokuya El Monte 9911 Garvey Ave, El Monte, CA 91733 (626) 542-3285 Daikokuya Monterey Park 111 N Atlantic Blvd #241 Monterey Park, CA 91754 (626) 570-1930 Delivery Order Available on all locations @grubhub @ubereats @doordash #daikokuyaramen #daikokuya #ramennoodle #ramensoup #japaneseramen #littletokyo #ramen #bishamongroup #JapaneseFood #毘沙門グループ #大黒家 #historygeek #restaurantstory #bestrestaurantintown