By TR Robertson
Harumama Noodles is now open in Downtown Vista, taking over the former Five Guys Burger location. If the crowd of people lined up for the soft opening on Tuesday is any indication, this new eatery in Vista will be a popular destination for those looking for a delicious and varied lunch or dinner selection. Manager Simon Song was busy helping deliver orders, greeting customers and making sure the soft opening went smoothly. Many of the customers were first-timers and many had eaten at other Harumama locations, such as Encinitas or Carlsbad. Zachery, Isabella, Roman and Marlene were enjoying large bowls of Ramen noodles and said they have enjoyed their food at the other locations. Bryan, Yasmin, Jessica and Andrea were eating a Chicken Teriyaki selection, Mama’s French Fries and a stack of the specially designed Character Buns.
The unique Mama’s French Fries are topped with paprika powder, truffle oil and furikake. The Character buns come in designs of Koala, Bunny, Unicorn, Cow, Chicken or Pig. Each of the animal designs has a different tasting middle from pork or beef to Nutella or strawberry and more.
My son Brian, my wife Carolyn and I sat down in the newly renovated interior to enjoy lunch. I selected the Chicken Teriyaki meal to share with Carolyn, Brian chose the Crispy Chicken Katsu meal, and we added a Pig Character Bun with pork and Mama’s Churros to go. The word I would use to describe the meal and the service is Excellent. Our waiter was Brenden, who had worked at other Harumama’s, and he was attentive, timely and very friendly. Many of the workers in the restaurant had worked at other Harumama locations as well.
Harumama Noodles + Buns + Sushi opens their sixth location in San Diego County, taking over the former Five Guys Burger location at 40 Main Street in the Vista Village Shopping area where Cinepolis Theater is located. Harumama was founded in 2017 by James and Jenny Pyo. They also own Love Boat Sushi, Blue Ocean Robata and Sushi Bar and Blue Smoke Sushi. Their extensive menu features Salads, Poke Bowls, Skillets, Mama’s Noodles, Ramen, sides such as Edamame and Kimchi, and Mama’s Bites – such as veggie egg rolls, pork potstickers, crispy crab wontons, fried rice, and deep-fried chicken bites. The most iconic offering at Harumama’s is Mama’s Famous Buns. These hand-decorated character buns are served in a traditional bamboo steamer and come in a variety of designs, such as a chicken, a bunny, a cow, a pig, a bunny, a koala and a unicorn, each filled with different ingredients. Classic Bao Bao Buns are also available as well as To-Go Bun Boxes.
If you are looking for something different than tacos or burgers for lunch, give Harumama a try and I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
