Amy ScattergoodIf you are the sort of person who spends a disproportionate amount of time waiting in line at the Daikokuya in Little Tokyo, or who frequents the other branches of the wildly popular Japanese noodle house just to avoid the aforementioned lines, you will have been overjoyed at the news that another Daikokuya opened last week. This location, the fifth, is a tiny stall in the President Square Food Court in Arcadia. In other words, just a few dozen steps north of the Ranch 99 on South Golden West Avenue.
Daikokuya in Arcadia; Credit: A. Scattergood
It's a very small place, a few tables and chairs added to those that serve the other shops in the food court. The cash-only (as of now) counter serves the same basics as the other Daikokuyas: the wonderful ramen, the plates of gyoza thatched with scallions, the rice bowls. (The curry rice is coming soon.) Does it have the atmospheric appeal of the branches in Little Tokyo or Monterey Park? Not even close.
But you don't have to wait for an hour on First Street before there's even room to duck inside. And you can always go shopping next door when you're done with your bowl of noodles. It's also a terrific spot to teach your kids (“will work for gyoza”) how to bus tables.
Daikokuya: President Square Food Court, 1220 S. Golden West Ave, Arcadia; (626) 254-0127.
Shredded pork bowl and gyoza at Daikokuya; Credit: A. Scattergood
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