Shumi Ramen - Castro Valley

Still a good local ramen shop for the local area. I am giving this place 4 stars for keeping their food consistent though the fried chicken i had was overcooked. The egg is still soft boiled and unlike other places where they serve hard-boiled, I appreciate that attention to keeping things authentic. I still like their shumi broth because it isnt super salty, but if you like heavy pork bones broth, this place may not satisfy you. However, as a neighborhood ramen, I think they still do a good job.

The broth had no flavor and the eggs were cold, there wasn't much to pick from and the noodles in general were still hard.

I stopped by for lunch for the first time and ordered the miso ramen. The broth was simple and lacked the umami flavor I was craving for. It also lacked the miso flavor and tasted more like a pork broth that wasnt at all memorable. Perhaps focusing more on the broth by using pork neck bones simmered with garlic, onions and ginger for a few hours then adding in the shiro miso towards the end would elevate the broth flavor. Just my HO, keeping the broth on point and creamy would definitely help.

Located inside the lake chabot public market...a collective of food and drink shops...front parking gets full, but the back has plenty more spots...no issues finding parking on a busy weekend afternoon...restroom inside and picnic tables inside and some seating outside...finding a table inside or outside is an problem...smaller groups might be able to ask and share one of the picnic tables...you can always take your food across the street to the park and find a picnic table to eat... shumi ramen situated on the back left...small line to place orders, but moving a bit slow...various ramen options in miso, shoyu, spicy, vegetarian and more...karage, gyoza, curry, etc...taking a standard miso ramen $13.75...chicken curry over rice $13.75...gyoza which comes in 5 pieces for $8...the wait for food was a little long...taking it across the street to a picnic table at the park...many tables under the tree in the shade by the playground...plastic bowl of noodles and all fixing in a plastic bow with lid...another container for the miso broth...rice in a covered plastic bowl with the curry container separate to pour over rice...gyoza boxed with standard dipping sauce...ramen was decent overall for a fair prize...chicken curry was loaded with large chicken pieces, potato and carrots...pretty filling...gyoza must have been good because the little one consumed all 5 in a matter of minutes...

I absolutely love the ramen here! Plus, the restaurant has brought back their reusable noodle bowls, which is great to see. Let’s support a place that is committed to being more sustainable! Food rating: 4/5.