I just saw your ramen post too. One challenge is getting the ingredients correct. Even though pork is a pig, the flavor depends on how it is raised and prepared. Same goes with the other ingredients.

Costa Mesa has always had a strong Japanese community. Tons of authentic Japanese restaurants. The ramen trend really picked around 2011 and now there are tons of ramen places within a 10 mile radius. I need to venture out of my tonkotsu safety bubble though for some good shoyu or shio ramen. Maybe next time.