Orochon Ramen challenges spice-lovers

Only a few blocks away from USC in Little Tokyo lies a quaint restaurant serving the infamous, spiciest ramen soup “on the planet.” Featured on Man vs. Food, Orochon Ramen has become a popular restaurant for another reason: its notorious challenge.

The famous Special #2 is what many flock to the restaurant to try. Customers who can finish the ramen and all of the soup within 30 minutes get their ramen free of charge, and their picture on the restaurant’s wall of fame as well.

Sound like an easy way to get free lunch? Think again. The dish is so spicy many aspiring wall-of-famers give up after only the first bite. Charlene Nguyen, a freshman majoring in biochemistry, said she could only finish the noodles, pork and bamboo.

For those who cannot take the heat of Special #2, the rest of the menu has other delicious, milder items to choose from. There is even a scale to help customize how spicy you want your soup.

Orochon Ramen is the place to go if you are craving a steaming hot bowl of ramen, spicy or not, but taking up the challenge is an experience that everyone should try. Your burning taste buds might be worth that victorious picture on the wall of fame.

Orochon Ramen

123 S Onizuka St

Los Angeles, CA 90012