During the time of Covid19, there are some restaurants that are more easily accessible to eat without suffering through the inconvenience of a long wait. Some restaurants that usually don’t have takeout now offer takeout to survive. One of these restaurants is Menya Hanabi in Arcadia.
Vince has only tried it by finishing my leftovers from when I get it for lunch. He hasn’t even tried the real deal dine-in. Now compared to the dining in, takeout is not as good, but good enough to satisfy a craving. I remember when I dined in, they offered the raw egg option for the dry ramen, which made the ramen more “wet” and “saucy” from the runny yolk. If you finish your noodles, they even offer you a small scoop of white rice to soak up the remaining sauce to eat. That is so brilliant!!
With takeout, only the poached egg is an option. You can takeout through Grubhub? Or call their number to make a phone order. If they’re not busy, your order will usually be ready in 15 minutes. When you come, there is a sign at the front door that says only one client can walk in at a time. You open the door and walk in.. and you’re immediately enclosed in a small rectangle that has been sectioned off by long plastic covering that blocks you from the workers inside. There are tables set up right on the other side of the plastic covering that has the take out orders and a cash register. Someone helps you on the other side. Credit card only!!
Because Vince has never had his own Menya before, I felt that it was time to treat him to a whole share even though I warned him it isn’t as good as dine in. He didn’t care! He still thought it was delicious and describes it as similar to “Mi Goreng but elevated” or “what Mi Goreng should be.”
I personally like to mix my runny poached egg and then throw it in the microwave for about 20-60 more seconds to soften the noodles and make it more saucy. I feel that the noodles harden no matter how short the commute back home to eat it. That’s my pro tip!
**Also ask for extra spicy powder to sprinkle on top because spicy isn’t really that spicy.
Their customer service is still very good despite the limited interaction. Each phone call for takeout is coincided with an explanation of what they still offer or not.
I will still continue to be a loyal customer to Menya Hanabi because i like their customer service and I love their food! I hope it survives the Covid19 pandemic!
