Written on: 12/21/2024
Name: Chukasoba Billiken
Ratings and Comments
Exterior – 4/5
The exterior design is very cool and fresh! I would characterize it as a modern twist on a traditional Japanese restaurant entrance. The wood adds a pop that helps the restaurant stand out, making it very easy to find.
Interior – 4/5
Modern, clean, and not too tight. Seating is along a countertop that runs lengthwise with the kitchen, so everyone has a nice view of all the action! Every seat is a stool (like the kind you’d find in chemistry labs back in school), and behind you along the wall, there are coat hangers.
Menu/Price – 3.5/5
This restaurant uses the classic ordering system you’ve probably seen on Instagram or YouTube, where you enter the restaurant and place your order on a kiosk. While the kiosk is a modern touchscreen (not the old-school kind with just a ton of buttons, which I believe they had not too long ago), there is no option to switch to English. But don’t worry! The staff are very attentive and accommodating. As soon as I walked in, a staff member approached to help me order on the kiosk and pay. The man who helped me spoke English, so it was very easy for me!
As I understand it, Chukasoba Billiken is characterized as a Chinese-style restaurant. When compared to Japanese ramen, you’ll notice some slight variations in the noodles, soup, and, of course, the presence of duck as the star protein. I’ll go into a little more detail below. Prices are roughly on par, or maybe slightly higher than what you would expect for ramen/noodles in Japan.
Drinks – N/A
Only had water on this occasion.
Food – 4/5
Chukasoba Billiken is known for their homemade noodles and duck, and they absolutely deliver. I ordered the salt-flavored ramen with thick noodles, along with the addition of pork, egg, and nori (seaweed). The noodles were excellent and cooked just over an Italian al dente, which I personally think is perfect for any noodle soup.
As I mentioned above, the concept here is Chinese-style ramen, and just comparing the thick noodles I ordered to thick noodles I’ve tried at typical Japanese ramen joints, the noodles here stood out because of their springy structure. It added a nice dimension and texture to the soup.
The duck was cooked beautifully with a little bit of red, tender and juicy. The egg and other toppings in the soup were fine. The only reason I didn’t give this a 4.5 is that, in my humble opinion, the salt profile of the soup was a little too strong. Yes, I understand I ordered the salt-flavored ramen, but it was just a bit too much for me. Still very good, just not amazing. But, that’s just my personal preference! There’s a good chance you might think the broth is the best thing ever!
Overall, I felt the Chinese-style elements made for a delicious dish that was a refreshing change of pace from the typical ramen you would find in Japan.
Staff – 4.5/5
The staff were excellent for a variety of reasons. As I mentioned above, one staff member came right up to me as I entered to help me input my order on the kiosk, and he spoke English very well. Beyond that, every other staff member present, I believe there were three of them at the time, were so attentive and kind. The man who I believe was either the owner or manager asked how everything was at the end of the meal, and I could tell he asked in earnest and listened to my answer intently.
Restroom – 4/5
Very clean and functional. Paper towels provided, just a small room.
Conclusion – 4/5
From start to finish, this was an excellent experience and meal. The food was unique and tasty, the staff were great, and the restaurant was clean and organized. Just because I didn’t personally love the soup broth doesn’t mean I don’t see the bigger picture of this meal. It deserves a 4.
