Tim Luym likes Asian street food, as evidenced by the menu at his restaurant, Poleng Lounge. Given his affection for casual yet delicious eats, it seems only natural the chef would be into ramen.
“My obsession began 10 years ago, when I had my first taste of real Japanese ramen at Santa Ramen in San Mateo, which was then just a hole-in-the-wall in the middle of nowhere that always had a line out the door. If you don’t mind a road trip, it’s pretty money. Though SF doesn’t have as much good ramen as L.A., there are a couple of spots: Suzu, in Japantown, were they make noodles from scratch daily and pickle their own bamboo shoots, and Katana-ya near Union Square. Katana-ya is open late —a plus in this city—and I like their pork broth. The broth tells you a lot about the quality of the ramen. It should have a depth of flavor—a good broth lets you know the ramen cook cares.”
Katana-ya, 430 Geary St., 415-771-1280
Santa Ramen, 1944 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, 650-344-5918
Suzu, 1825 Post St., 415-346-5083
Check out our other gallery of Obsessed Food people here.
