One thing I have never liked about Ramen Yamadaya...the parking lot! I consider being parked between two driver's sides a worst case scenario, but this was the only space available!

Something looks different about the place. Though this used to be my go-to ramen joint in Torrance, I have not come to Yamadaya in awhile since I noted a definite drop off in quality as they added locations. Well, Valerie and I did try to come a few weeks ago, but they were not yet open. Who opens a ramen shop at noon on weekends?

Fresh coat of paint...new signage...and the "cash only" sign has been removed.

Their menu has changed

My usual order was the Tonkotsu ramen with the Yamadaya Topping...it's now simply called "Yamadaya Tonkotsu". Though I forgot to order it with my preferred thick noodles, their thin comes with the perfect amount of chew. Sadly, the broth is still nowhere near as porky-rich as it once was...certainly not the bowl I described to friends as "liquified pork". Even the chashu tastes a tad too lean.

I am happy to see there is still a generous chunk of Kakuni in the "Yamadaya Tonkotsu" bowl, but it is not nearly as melty soft as I remember it. I almost forgot to request fresh garlic. Two cloves really punches the flavor of the broth up nicely. It may not be as porky-rich as it once was, but it still satisfied. Yamadaya is just not at the top of my favorite ramen places any more.