HiroNori

HiroNori Craft Ramen

📍2222 Michelson Dr #234, Irvine, CA 92612

🍲A couple of weeks ago I read an interesting post from avecvalerie.com, and in this article Valerie discussed her February favorites, so this is where I learned about HiroNori. Valerie described her delicious meal at HN’s, and by the end of her post I knew I had to visit this Japanese eatery. So I did, and now I can share my experience with you all🍲

“HiroNori Craft Ramen is the best ramen experience you will find in California. We make our own original and authentic ramen noodles, stock, and sauce.” – HiroNori website

Pork Buns & Crispy Chicken

🍜🍜🍜 HN Craft Ramen has 7 locations in California. We’ve been to the one in San Diego also, but the one featured in this post is at the Irvine location. The restaurant is located in a small, quiet shopping center. There is outdoor seating, which is under a large patio cover, it is really pretty. I think the outdoor seating is actually nicer than the indoor. Thankfully their outdoor seating is not located near street traffic or a busy sidewalk. The entire experience was casual and nice and safe. Also, at this location customers are directed to place themselves on an online waiting list, then the restaurant texts when a table becomes available. It actually was a convenient process. We waited about 30 minutes for a table. It was very busy the night we ate at this location.

Well-prepared. Well-Seasoned. And Gratifying

🍻We first started with a couple of Asahi beers, they paired perfect with all the food. The beer was smooth, dry, and delicious. I rarely drink beer, don’t really like it, but sometimes a cold brewski with Mexican or asian food…delish🍺

Then we ordered two pork buns each: steamed buns (fluffy, little pillows), marinated pork belly, pickled onions, and hoisin sauce. They were savory and sweet. I gotta be honest, the buns we ordered at the Irvine location were not as full or loaded with pork like the buns in San Diego. Other than that the pork buns were heaven…they are a must order for sure 🍚🍚🍚

Nom-Nom Delicious

🍗The crispy chicken was the next side that we ordered 👏👏👏SCRUMPTIOUS👏👏👏Crispy chicken: garlic, soy marinated fried chicken thigh. It also comes with a dipping sauce, the dipping sauce lacked flavor, I could take it or leave it. But the chicken itself…crunchy, full of flavor, and a very generous portion🍗

HiroNori Tonkotsu Ramen

🥢 Tonkotsu Ramen: Pork bone broth with noodles and topped with bean sprouts, green onion, spinach, half egg, seaweed, and grilled pork chashu. Well-prepared, well-seasoned, and gratifying. A flavorful, creamy broth which included a white garlic paste and the house chili sauce 🥢

• NOODLES – A+
• BROTH – A+ Bold flavor, creamy, and nom-nom delicious
• PORK CHASHU – A+ Buttery soft, rich, and perfect
• SERVICE – A+ The service was excellent at both locations (San Diego & Irvine)
• PORTION – A+ Huge servings
• PRICE – $ Affordable. Automatic 15% surcharge on bill. They ask not to tip.

Pork Rice Bowl & Asahi Beer

🍛🍛🍛 Pork Rice Bowl: Diced pork, green onion, poached egg, and rice. Oh my gosh…the rice🤯…sooo good and seasoned to perfection. My husband ordered this and he loved it. Everything goes so well together – the pork and egg and rice and spinach and the seasoning *chef’s kiss emoji*

Huge Portions

It goes without saying, we did have to take some food to go, because we couldn’t finish everything. The pork rice bowl can be ordered in a small or large portion, I recommend the smaller portion especially if you wanna sample other items on the menu.

Irvine HiroNori

We ate at the San Diego and at the Irvine location. I gotta be honest, I prefer the Irvine HiroNori restaurant. The San Diego eatery is located on a busy sidewalk, and right off a high traffic street. I didn’t feel too safe or comfortable at the San Diego one, but the service there was very good. The service was super excellent at the Irvine spot, and the entire location itself felt cleaner and safer.

⭐⭐⭐ What’s your favorite ramen eatery? Please let me know in the comment section below.

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Have a beautiful day