America's oldest ramen restaurant marks 50 years in Los Angeles

America's oldest operating ramen restaurant marked its 50th anniversary on Sunday with a block party in Los Angeles. The New York Post reported that Kouraku hosted the Kouraku Matsuri festival in Little Tokyo to celebrate five decades in business. [1]

The festival featured complimentary food tastings of mini portions, according to the New York Post. Attendees picked up colored wristbands at an information booth to gain priority access to the food. The event also offered carnival games and a hidden bar. [1]

Entertainment at the festival included performances by the Koshin Taiko drumming ensemble and a dragon dancer. The New York Post also reported that chefs conducted side sessions teaching visitors how to fold gyozas. [1]

The milestone places Kouraku among long-standing culinary establishments in Los Angeles. The Tam O'Shanter Inn, located in Atwater Village, was established earlier in 1922 and remains one of the city's oldest operating restaurants. [1][2]