While many restaurants are closing due to the pandemic, Moto Ramen bravely opened in the old Ramen Yamadaya spot in Culver City. The team behind Moto Ramen have several years of experience running Ramen Yukinoya in Arcadia. In addition to ramen, there are several appetizers and rice bowls on the menu (though the tender pork foot at Yukinoya did not make it to Culver City). We got takeout and because the noodles and broth were packaged separately, the food held up perfectly after a 15 minute drive.

They are generous with their noodle portions, so you don’t finish your meal feeling hungry afterwards. Tonkotsu ramen comes with chashu pork, seasoned soft-boiled egg, pickled ginger, bean sprouts and green onions. It passed muster with my tonkotsu-obsessed daughter. 

In hot weather, Cold Hiyashi, chilled ramen, is the perfect dish, though somewhat rarely offered in most ramen shops.  Moto’s version had chicken, ham, tomatoes, cucumbers, bean sprouts and a soft-boiled egg. The sesame vinegar sauce and hot mustard on the side, so you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. 

Their vegan ramen was loaded with toppings – fried tofu skin and vegetables (baby corn, bamboo, carrots, cabbage, mushroom, bok choy, bean sprouts) and green onions in a kelp/mushroom soup. Sometimes vegan ramen can be on the bland side, but if you order it spicy, you will be rewarded with a very flavorful ramen, where the puffy clouds of tofu soak up the spicy miso. My spice-loving husband’s nose was running afterwards, but he was happy.

Moto Ramen is open for takeout and delivery, with outdoor dining available. They even have happy hour from 4pm to 6pm Tuesday-Fridays. For takeout orders, they have convenient curbside pickup, where you can just give them a call when you arrive and have your food brought to your car. Moto Ramen is a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Sawtelle, especially if you live in Culver City.  

Location – 11172 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Website – https://www.motoramen.com
Kid’s Menu – Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes