Le Shrimp Noodle Bar (Costa Mesa, California, United States)

When you’re craving ramen with a twist Le Shrimp Ramen’s shrimp broth is everything! The perfect blend of seafood and smoky wok-hei goodness. A must-try in Costa Mesa! #LeShrimpRamen #RamenLovers #ShrimpBrothMagic #CostaMesaEats #FoodieFinds.  Le Shrimp Ramen in Costa Mesa offers a unique fusion of Japanese ramen and Chinese flavours with their signature ‘wok-hei’ shrimp broth. A must-try for seafood lovers!

On our second day in LA, just before starting our road trip, we took a quick detour to the South Coast Plaza for a little shopping. Hidden within the bustling food court near Bloomingdale’s, we stumbled upon Le Shrimp Ramen, a restaurant I had heard about but didn’t expect to find in a mall! Before meeting my wife’s cousins in Irvine, we treated ourselves to a unique ramen experience that turned out to be an unexpected highlight of the trip.

Le Shrimp Ramen is an intriguing fusion of Japanese and Chinese cuisine, perfectly combining the meticulous art of ramen with the rich, complex flavours of Cantonese cooking. Known for their “wok-hei” shrimp broth, this place offers a menu that caters to shrimp lovers while showcasing an impressive mix of traditional and modern flavours. The open kitchen concept added an interactive element, where we could see the chefs working their magic as they prepared our dishes.

We tried a several combo meals, which include one appetizer and one drink with each order, making it a complete experience. My wife went for the Big Prawn Shrimp Noodle Combo (US$22.25), featuring large, succulent prawns served in their signature shrimp broth. The prawns were fresh and juicy, and while you can request to have the shells removed, She opted to keep them on for that extra layer of flavour. The broth was nothing short of extraordinary—slowly simmered for eight hours with shrimp, chicken bones, and traditional Chinese spices like star anise, cinnamon, clove, and white peppercorn. The “wok-hei” infusion added a smoky depth that took the shrimp flavour to a whole new level. It reminded me of a Filipino dish I used to make called Lelot Paro, where I also extracted every ounce of flavour from the shrimp shells using probably the same technique. The broth here had that same richness and creaminess that really stood out.

My daughter opted for the Ebiko Prawn Paste Tossed Noodle Combo (US$19.75). This dish was a revelation—each bite of the crunchy prawn paste balls packed a burst of fresh shrimp flavour, as if the ocean had been brought straight to our table. Tossed with a chili vinaigrette, the noodles were perfectly balanced between savory, spicy, and tangy, creating a flavour profile that was both refreshing and bold. We also loved that you could customize the level of spiciness and the thickness of the noodles to your preference.

To mix things up, I grabbed the Garlic Honey Soy Crispy Cod Garlic Rice Bowl Combo (US$18.75), which offered a contrast to the rich shrimp flavours. The cod was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the garlic soy sauce gave it a sweet and savory punch. A satisfying dish that was a little lighter but still packed with flavour.

For sides, we had the Braised Beancurd in Thick Broth, which was a warm and comforting bowl of umami goodness. The tofu was soft yet held its shape well, soaking up all that rich, savory sauce. We also tried the Chilled Tofu with Crispy Onion in Vegan Oyster Sauce, which offered a nice contrast with its cool, smooth texture and crispy onions for that sweet crunch.  It was similar to the Steamed Tofu with Ground Pork I made before but this one is chilled which offered a unique feel on each bite.

The service at Le Shrimp Ramen was impeccable. It’s a cozy spot with intimate decor that makes you forget you’re in a food court. The restaurant is designed with individual tables and a long communal table for larger parties, perfect for groups or solo diners alike. Even during busy hours, the flow was efficient. They use a QR code system for ordering, so everything runs smoothly with minimal wait times. We scanned the code, placed our orders, and the food came out in no time, making it a hassle-free dining experience.

Overall, Le Shrimp Ramen brings a refreshing new take on ramen by focusing on seafood flavours and incorporating Cantonese techniques. It’s an impressive fusion that delivers on flavour, texture, and presentation. Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or just looking for something new, I’d highly recommend giving this place a try. From the rich shrimp broth to the perfectly cooked noodles and top-tier service, Le Shrimp Ramen offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Costa Mesa.

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar
Address: 3333 Bristol Street, BLM 5, Collage Food Hall in Bloomingdale’s (lower level, 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States
Phone: +1 714-884-4693
Website: https://www.paradisegp.com/usa/