Until recently, the only ramen I ever had was Top Ramen. My grandpa would always make it for me when I was younger and I still continued to eat it throughout college (mostly because I was broke).

The first time I had actual ramen that wasn’t Top Ramen was at Underbelly. A lot of people argue that it’s a super Americanized ramen, but I honestly can’t tell a difference and I don’t think I can say anything until I’ve had ramen in Japan.

Underbelly is pretty good. They have a flavorful broth and noodles. The variety of toppings they have to offer goes very well with everything too. The only thing that may bother some people is that they don’t have spoons and you have to drink the soup by lifting the bowl to your mouth.

This is probably my second favorite ramen spot in San Diego. Rakiraki will always be #1 in my heart.

What do you think? Is Underbelly too American of a ramen?