If I had to name the best part of this job—aside from eating—it would be meeting people who are deeply and undeniably passionate about what they do. Kumako Ramen Den, a small, unassuming spot reminiscent of a traditional Japanese ramen house, radiates that passion.
From the expertly crafted dishes to the genuine warmth of the team, Kumako is more than a meal—it’s an experience diners return for, bowl after bowl.
High ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor and Nextdoor only scratch the surface of Kumako Ramen Den’s loyal following. They’ve also consistently landed a spot on Yelp’s Top 100 places to eat in the Bay Area and won a gold award for Best Ramen in Metro’s Best of Silicon Valley awards for 2024, along with a previous win in 2021. These reader-voted accolades reflect not just the quality of what Kumako serves but also the connection they’ve built with the locals.
But the real proof is in the bowl—and the plates that come before it. Kumako’s menu stays true to the traditional ramen formula, but the flavors and execution are unmistakably their own.
I started with the handmade gyoza, and for those familiar with gyoza, the difference between house-made and pre-made is immediately clear. The wrapper was delicate yet sturdy, with a satisfying crispness from the pan-frying, and the filling was fresh and flavorful—with just the right amount of seasoning to let the ingredients shine.
Next came the takoyaki: crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, with the octopus adding a slightly chewy bite. The drizzle of garlic mayo and bonito flakes brought it all together. Those who like more heat can add their house-made hot sauce, which packs a solid punch without overpowering the flavor.
The Curry Don rice bowl was another standout. While listed as mildly spicy, I felt it leaned more toward savory, making it a comforting option for those sensitive to heat. The curry’s rich flavor paired perfectly with the rice, and the pickled radish on the side added a refreshing contrast.
Finally, the star of the show: the Charsu Ramen. Traditional ramen broths can take hours, sometimes days, to create that signature depth. Kumako’s shoyu broth is deeply savory, with flavors that complement the springy noodles. The pork was tender and flavorful, the bamboo shoots crisp, bringing the whole dish together.
To complement the food, Kumako offers a thoughtful selection of Japanese beers and sake. While I’m not typically a beer drinker, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try a couple of their recommendations. The Shikkoku Black Lager was smooth and balanced, while the Baeren Schwarz—a German-style black beer brewed in Japan—offered a rich, malty flavor.
Kumako Ramen Den’s story started in San Jose’s Japantown, where Jesse, its owner and chef, began his career washing dishes at Kumako. Over time, he worked his way up to head chef, learning the art of ramen along the way.
When the chance came to open his own restaurant on Saratoga Avenue, he used the name Kumako as a tribute to his roots. Jesse’s passion for food began in childhood, long before stepping into a kitchen, and it’s still the driving force behind everything he creates. “If you don’t like what you do, it’s going to show,” he said—and every bowl served here speaks to his love for the craft.
Jesse attributes much of Kumako’s success to the welcoming atmosphere he and his team have cultivated. “We treat every customer like they’re family,” he shared, and this warmth keeps people coming back.
For first-time visitors, Jesse recommends diving into some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes: the bold and spicy tan tan ramen, the uniquely prepared stir-fried ramen, the duck ramen, or the hearty Katsu Curry ramen.
Small but full of life, the cozy rectangular space features an almost assembly-line-style kitchen, a handful of tables, a four-seat counter, an outdoor table, and often, a line of eager diners patiently waiting their turn. Every seat feels like the best in the house, and the room buzzes with warmth and energy.
Leading the charge on the floor is Nick, who’s worked alongside Jesse for years. His charisma is infectious, and his attention to every table is a match for Jesse’s passion in the kitchen. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels as welcoming as it does lively.
Even before dining, I got a sense of what makes Kumako special. Outside, I spoke with a couple who discovered the restaurant on a whim when the wait at another spot was too long. They gave it a shot and were instantly hooked, now visiting two to four times a month. Another pair, unbothered by the brisk 49-degree evening, dined outside, saying with a laugh, “The ramen will keep us warm—and it’s worth it.”
San Jose is home to a dizzying number of ramen spots—so many that trying to rank them feels like an impossible endeavor. But as a self-proclaimed noodlehead, I see it less as a problem and more as a lifelong mission: to try them all, one bowl at a time. After visiting Kumako Ramen Den, though, one thing’s for sure: this little ramen house has set the bar high.
Kumako Ramen Den, 487 Saratoga Ave., San Jose; 408.352.5290. Open Wed–Sun 11am–8pm. KumakoRamenDen.com
