Ramen Kowa

California Avenue ramen kitchen with rich broths, perfectly fried karaage, and Japanese curry in a neighborhood setting representing Japanese culture and craft.

Ramen Kowa gives California Avenue in Palo Alto a Japanese comfort-food menu with more than one way to warm up. Tonkotsu, spicy miso tonkotsu, traditional shio, and classic shoyu ramen offer different starting points, with vegetarian ramen adding another choice. We like being able to follow a broth craving without making the entire meal revolve around noodles. Japanese curry dishes include chicken katsu, beef, and fried shrimp versions, while rice dishes provide another substantial option. Soy-garlic or spicy karaage, crispy gyoza, and takoyaki make natural small plates to share with a bowl. Bingsu adds a cool dessert contrast to the warm savory dishes. Ramen Kowa's appeal is the combination of a varied ramen selection and familiar curry-and-cutlet meals, making it easy for a group to order according to individual tastes.