[SpartanAir]

Seems like Ramen is becoming the new trend in Vancouver.

My buddy took me to Marutama just off Robson, chicken-based stock. Across the street are a couple pork-based ones. I'm still getting schooled on Ramen.

There's a new one on Davie that opened up near the Independent, walked by the other day and it had a sign out front saying it was closed because it was sold out for the day. Anyone been?

What are your favourite spots in town?

[GTO-demon]

Hands down santouka ramen on robson

[Ronin]

Becoming? Where have you been? Ramen has been a thing for years.

Here's a bit of a primer. Oh, Santouka is the best one. Get the tsukemen and a melon soda.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Vancouver (http://edeats.com/hokkaido-ramen-santouka-vancouver/)

http://www.ededition.com/blogpics/santouka-9.jpg

http://www.ededition.com/blogpics/santouka-5.jpg

Kintaro Tonkatsu Ramen (http://edeats.com/kintaro-tonkatsu-ramen/)

http://www.ededition.com/blogpics/kintaro-1.jpg

http://www.ededition.com/blogpics/kintaro-5.jpg

Benkei Ramen Shop on Thurlow (http://edeats.com/benkei-ramen-shop-on-thurlow/)

http://www.ededition.com/blogpics/benkei-6.jpg

http://www.ededition.com/blogpics/benkei-5.jpg

Vancouver Food Porn: Marutama Ramen | Vancity Buzz | Vancouver Events, News, Food, Lifestyle and More (http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2013/07/vancouver-food-porn-marutama-ramen/)

http://assets.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/marutama-2.jpg?89c18c

http://assets.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/marutama-11.jpg?89c18c

[trancehead]

Jinya ramen

met a bunch of guys that are on work visa from japan and they said it is one of the best in vancouver. hopefully, being from japan, i assume they know what is good ramen

[Culverin]

Ronin's right.
Ramen isn't a new thing.
It's been here for years.
What's happening is the crap joints are slowly getting weeded out and we're getting recognition from the Japanese to expand to having locations here.

Plus.
I'm not the only one who does this.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oFO4GSCne1A/U7fBhqEl6_I/AAAAAAAB1wU/LqlJH_W-XSo/s1280/sarloramen2-7.jpg


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UY53uWzcVLo/UsNa63xZWLI/AAAAAAABg1Y/Em8eM_odvRY/s1280/ronramen-7.jpg


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nsjYzjdsMcU/U7fBhA3xF-I/AAAAAAAB1wI/_s9XVgJaLLw/s1280/sarloramen2-5.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HG5L-O4t71w/UsNa2kGNxwI/AAAAAAABg0c/IwkFXjmvXzI/s1280/ronramen-1.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6HAUQCKWnKQ/UsNa7pkNREI/AAAAAAABg1k/OniUsGSrR6E/s1280/ronramen-8.jpg

[TOPEC]

my favs
1: santouka's tsukemen/toroniku ramen
2: kintaro's cheese ramen
3: benkei's curry ramen, but the robson location has closed down which is surprising, prob cant compete with satouka/kintaro

[Inaii]

Any places outside of downtown that are recommended?

[knight604]

santouka has lost its touch

[Gazorcoop]

Culverin, where is that place of the photos you posted?

I think Santouka isn't as good as people make it out to be..but I'll give it a try again since I haven't been there in half a year. My current favorite is Kintaro. I love the saltiness of the miso ramen they have, but I'm looking for a new location to hop onto next. The Japanese run ones are always the best.

[TOS'd]

^ Photos from his own personal kitchen, lol.

[Jer3]

santouka has lost its touch

i would have to agree. last time i had santouka's tsukemen, it was disappointing. noodles were too firm and broth was missing depth. since then, haven't bothered with tsukemen unless im in japan. if you are ever in japan, i would recommend warito (http://www.doyoueveneat.com/warito-tokyo-aobadai-japan/)

[jtrinh]

Motomachi in dt.

G-Men in Richmond. Been eating here since their old location at Continental plaza. The only thing I don't like is their torigara based ramen.

And Santouka definitely ain't what it used to be.

[NikLee]

Yah Yah Ya Ramen right beside Richmond Sushi has a small menu, but the noodles are top notch.

[FB6]

Yah Yah Ya ramen right beside Richmond Sushi has a small menu, but the noodles are top notch.
Has anyone tried this place? How is it?

[tru_blue]

Yah Yah Ya ramen right beside Richmond Sushi has a small menu, but the noodles are top notch.

is it made by japanese chefs?

was going to try it soon

Anyone try Hakata ramen beside alleluia cafe in richmond?

[Culverin]

Hit up Kamamarui today.
Not great, not terrible either. Just ok.
But the tonkotsu just isn't porky enough.
And definitely doesn't have enough collagen.

imho, I think they need to up the pork and boiling duration big time.

Their charsiu isn't belly, but really isn't too bad.
I like that it's not just boiled pork, but they torch it.

Still demolished the bowl.
I'd come back. I think it's better than Hakkaku.

[tru_blue]

Hit up Kamamarui today.
Not great, not terrible either. Just ok.
But the tonkotsu just isn't porky enough.
And definitely doesn't have enough collagen.

imho, I think they need to up the pork and boiling duration big time.

Their charsiu isn't belly, but really isn't too bad.
I like that it's not just boiled pork, but they torch it.

Still demolished the bowl.
I'd come back. I think it's better than Hakkaku.

where is this place?

[Vale46Rossi]

is it made by japanese chefs?

was going to try it soon

Anyone try Hakata ramen beside alleluia cafe in richmond?


Went to the new place beside Alleluia, its fucking garbage.

[SkinnyPupp]

I've never been to a ramen place in Vancouver but based on the (rather nice) photos posted here, the tonkotsu soup looks really thin and weak compared to what you get in Japan typically... That's just based on appearance though

[Jer3]

I've never been to a ramen place in Vancouver but based on the (rather nice) photos posted here, the tonkotsu soup looks really thin and weak compared to what you get in Japan typically... That's just based on appearance though

i would say thats true for all places except kintaro. i think kintaro is the heaviest tonkotsu base ive tasted ever excluding kotteri style found at tenkaippin

[inv4zn]

Girlfriend and her two friends all had severe stomach aches + the runs after eating at Jinya a few weeks ago...which is too bad, I liked it there.

Santouka is still the best in my books, although it did degrade slightly.

[shenmecar]

holy sweet jesus, the food porn in this thread.

[tru_blue]

Went to the new place beside Alleluia, its fucking garbage.

:lawl:

[Expresso]

Tai sho ken seems legit, havent tried yet.

[hirevtuner]

for ramen lovers you might want to give these places a try, however this list is missing a few places such as Kintaro, Ramengers

my favourites are Hida Takyama for home-made noodle/broth and Kintaro for the rich broth

Best Ramen in Vancouver (http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/04/best-ramen-in-vancouver/)

[Ch28]

Any list that has Kintaro in their best ramen list is automatically garbage

[Tim Budong]

Hida Takayama is the hidden gem for ramen
its in such a shitty place though

Taishoken was alright. Haven't tried their Tsukemen though( this is what they SHOULD be known for)

Ramen Koika(will need to try this soon) this is the new place

as of now, no matter how shitty the ramen is, I still enjoy Santouka out of all of the options on Robson.

[Inaii]

The only thing I don't like is their torigara based ramen.

Any particular reason why?

[Ch28]

Hida Takayama is the hidden gem for ramen
its in such a shitty place though

We'll have that next time

[Ronin]

Okay, I guess I'll do my blog post on Hida this week. I took the pictures like a month ago but haven't had time.

[Noir]

my favs
1: santouka's tsukemen/toroniku ramen
2: kintaro's cheese ramen
3: benkei's curry ramen, but the robson location has closed down which is surprising, prob cant compete with satouka/kintaro


Benkei used to be really good. Really really good. But at some point in time, the quality just took a nose dive, and IIRC it was around the time they opened an additional location by Thurlow/Robson I think.

I don't know what changed at that point in time but those restaurants disappeared not too long after that.

santouka has lost its touch

Culverin, where is that place of the photos you posted?

I think Santouka isn't as good as people make it out to be..but I'll give it a try again since I haven't been there in half a year. My current favorite is Kintaro. I love the saltiness of the miso ramen they have, but I'm looking for a new location to hop onto next. The Japanese run ones are always the best.

i would have to agree. last time i had santouka's tsukemen, it was disappointing. noodles were too firm and broth was missing depth. since then, haven't bothered with tsukemen unless im in japan. if you are ever in japan, i would recommend warito (http://www.doyoueveneat.com/warito-tokyo-aobadai-japan/)

Santouka is the same story. Really really amazing ramen who's quality has taken a dive lately.

Marutama is relatively newer and is still putting out good quality ramen, but for my personal palate, Santouka and Benkei in their hey-deys were putting out better tasting ramen than what Marutama is currently. But as of late, it's currently Marutama that's best tasting IMO.


I can't explain why though why a restaurant would suddenly go from super good to just... mediocre.

[jtrinh]

Any particular reason why?

Too much msg! Not a fan of the dashi taste in it as well. I usually get tan tan men, ae soba or rice for lunch at gmen.

[Inaii]

Too much msg! Not a fan of the dashi taste in it as well. I usually get tan tan men, ae soba or rice for lunch at gmen.

Good to know! Thanks :D

[TOPEC]

I can't explain why though why a restaurant would suddenly go from super good to just... mediocre.

many possibilities, could be a change in chefs, access to ingredients, change in management... many many possibilities y a restaurant that was once good took a turn for the worst

[hk20000]

Went to Ramen Koika on Davie Street and its combination of price and portion makes it a great joint to revisit when just a tad hungry. $6 taxes included for a bowl! also canned drinks are not a rip off at $1 tax in too.

[nguyen]

Any suggestions for vegetarian ramen other than Jinya Ramen downtown?! Tough finding a good spot with a vegetarian gf haha.

[teekaywok]

Benkei has a location on broadway and cambie. I quite like their broth.

Santoka used to be the king of the hill but then they tumbled down.

If anyone is planning a trip to Hong Kong or Japan, try Ichiran

Tonkotsu Ramen ICHIRAN (http://www.ichiran.co.jp/english/)

Probably the best ramen I had, ever.... Until I visit Hokkaido :concentrate:

[SpartanAir]

Damn, this thread is making me hungry! Glad I posted about this, I figured RS would know the best ramen in town.

I never said it was new, just that it's becoming more popular with more restaurants in the DT core these days. Only recently have I become into it more though.

Screw pho, ramen's where it's at.

[Culverin]

Any suggestions for vegetarian ramen other than Jinya Ramen downtown?! Tough finding a good spot with a vegetarian gf haha.
I've heard raving reviews for Harvest's.
I source my noodles from the same place.
:concentrate:



many possibilities, could be a change in chefs, access to ingredients, change in management... many many possibilities y a restaurant that was once good took a turn for the worst
Well..... making ramen is a pain in the ass.
Even if you're a pro at it, it's still a lot of work.

Somehow I seriously doubt that they make the tonkotsu master stock on site.

Santouka has a lot of stuff brought into their Vancouver location.
Next time you're there, notice the piles and piles of boxes on your way to the washroom.
If I remember correctly, the shipping label said California somewhere.
Which makes sense. They have 6 locations there.
Shop Locations?Santouka Ramen (http://www.santouka.co.jp/en/shoplist/index.html)

If a chain like that was going to employ a single ramen "master" for North America, he probably wouldn't be in Vancouver.

My assumption is that the master stock is shipped in.
While the daily broth is done on site along with the condiments and char siu.

Or I could be talking out of my assand only the shoyu, miso and noodles are brought in.

[blee123]

Yah Yah Ya ramen right beside Richmond Sushi has a small menu, but the noodles are top notch.

what is this new place called? want to check out the reviews for it :whistle:

[inv4zn]

It's called Yah Yah Ya Ramen...exactly as he said..lol

[Obsideon]

Ebisu on Robson recently hired a master ramen chef from Japan and he has been whipping up some pretty mean bowls of tonkotsu based ramen!

Available in Shio, Miso, Spicy and new signature
Tan Tan Ramen:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10322792_10152420995043658_1654370709907866522_n.j pg?oh=09e52a0d410b45c80963a42de2b19531&oe=5448BE93&__gda__=1414221189_935e90690498b1ca0247244167eb37a 8

I personally used to LOVE Santouka but the price kept going up and quality diminished slightly. Now ordering a rice combo, ramen and drink would run me close to $45-50 for 2?! :eek:
Kintaro soup is way too thick and salty.

[Obsideon]

Went to Ramen Koika on Davie Street and its combination of price and portion makes it a great joint to revisit when just a tad hungry. $6 taxes included for a bowl! also canned drinks are not a rip off at $1 tax in too.

I went there a few days ago and tried the Black Garlic Ramen, it was decent. The prices are only $6 for soft-opening so go soon! Not sure how long that will go on for. The bowls themselves are fairly small but fair for that price. If they go up to "market" price for the same sized bowls then it would be a tad overpriced ...

[SkinnyPupp]

Roasted chashu at a nice old school place in tokyo

http://i.imgur.com/tNjyc5F.jpg

:sweetjesus:

So expensive there, but so good. If anything, it's a bit too much on the umami side.. almost all soup bases are like that in Japan

[Jer3]

Roasted chashu at a nice old school place in tokyo

http://i.imgur.com/tNjyc5F.jpg

:sweetjesus:

So expensive there, but so good. If anything, it's a bit too much on the umami side.. almost all soup bases are like that in Japan

place looks oddly familiar. is it kiraku?

[SkinnyPupp]

No idea, it's just a random place I came across in Tokyo (Bunkyo area) when I stayed there for 6 months last year. A lot of the traditional places look the same anyway :)

[Ronin]

If you want good ramen in Tokyo, can't go wrong with Ippudo.

You will be exhaling garlic for days, though.

[Expresso]

Ippudo is a huge chain.

For chains, I kind of like Ichiran better.

[SkinnyPupp]

You guys are both wrong. Best ramen chain is Tenkaippin, with extra thick tonkotsu :sweetjesus:

[Obsideon]

I went to the ramen museum in Shin-Yokohama. Ate 5 bowls in one sitting lol ... the one called "Shanghai Dragon" (I know, CHINA?!) inside the museum is BY FAR the best ramen I have ever had in my life. It was pure awesome in a bowl.
http://image.rakuten.co.jp/raumen/cabinet/ryushanghai/ryu000_3.gif

[Ronin]

Ippudo is a huge chain.

For chains, I kind of like Ichiran better.

Yep, I know but it's a reliable choice in Japan if you don't want to play ramen roulette thinking that a place might be good. I'm all about trying new places but there's a few chains in Japan that taste amazing every time.

[hk20000]

I went there a few days ago and tried the Black Garlic Ramen, it was decent. The prices are only $6 for soft-opening so go soon! Not sure how long that will go on for. The bowls themselves are fairly small but fair for that price. If they go up to "market" price for the same sized bowls then it would be a tad overpriced ...

There is the option to add noodles too...The cute Japanese waitresses kneel down for your order which is extra points for me. :concentrate:

[jing]

The best ramen I've had yet was some random place I stumbled upon with my gf somewhere in the middle of Happy Valley and Victoria Park in Hong Kong. We walked there from Tai Hang Road, down a long flight of stairs right beside Illumination Terrace, and it was in this area with a bunch of tire shops and other small restaurants. We were both pretty skeptical, but were overall very pleased with the quality of the food that exceeded anything we've had in Vancouver thus far.

[SkinnyPupp]

The best ramen I've had yet was some random place I stumbled upon with my gf somewhere in the middle of Happy Valley and Victoria Park in Hong Kong. We walked there from Tai Hang Road, down a long flight of stairs right beside Illumination Terrace, and it was in this area with a bunch of tire shops and other small restaurants. We were both pretty skeptical, but were overall very pleased with the quality of the food that exceeded anything we've had in Vancouver thus far.
Nice I'll have to check this place out once the weather cools down a bit :thumbs:

[rageguy]

Taishoken is quite good too!

Menu: http://www.urbanspoon.com/cities/14/restaurants/1838567/menu_photos/451383

[prelude_prince]

Sucks to hear that Santouka went downhill. A few years back when it first opened I gave it a try, I thought it was extremely good, maybe even better than the Santouka in Japan.

Vancouver then
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/s720x720/171251_10150405096385398_802426_o.jpg

VS

Tokyo
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/p480x480/461325_10151473221845398_421372535_o.jpg

[trip]

had my first bowl of ramen at santouka since coming back from tokyo

man.. nothing compares.

anyone know of any good UDON or SOBA places??

[ZN6]

Santouka is still one of the best places to go to and the quality is definitely better than most places.

I guess people just go to Kintaro for the sheer size and price but not quality. Seriously, their pork is grey and boiled to shit, refrigerated then warmed slightly by the broth. The pork meat is dry and the fat:meet ratio is too much. Getting lean pork is just a dried up hunk of boiled pork.

Cold hard-boiled egg, cold corn, cold menma, cold toppings that all make the soup luke warm and gross. Makes it like microwaved food. Ugh.

Sad to say that Kintaro is the last place I'd go to for ramen.

[Culverin]

oooooookkkk....

Just got back from Santouka.
The broth falls a bit short of the last time I went.
The aromatic elements were still present and well balanced.
But the viscosity felt thinner.
And I feel that the broth lacked bone boiling time.

The noodles were still spot on with bite.
The jowl was still amazing.

It's been a while since I went.
I'm not sure if I'm being skewed by this thread or my tastes have changed.
I feel the broth is just a bit more 1-dimensional than what I remember.

At $14 for the toroniku shio, it's a very expensive bowl of noodles.
But it still hits the spot.

Also, I tried their aji egg.
It's sort of sad they dare serve that egg just across the street from marutama. :concentrate:

I probably won't come back until I've hit up all the other shops first.

[Vansterdam]

My current fave is jinya

Marutama and Satouka are also in my top 3 lol

[Culverin]

I haven't gone back to G-Men since they moved.
What's the best they do?

[NikLee]

is it made by japanese chefs?

was going to try it soon

Anyone try Hakata ramen beside alleluia cafe in richmond?

Yah Yah Ya Ramen right beside Richmond Sushi has a small menu, but the noodles are top notch.

The chef and servers at Yah Yah Ya Ramen are Japanese. The manager is Chinese, but is learning to speak Japanese lol. I know he is an honest and super friendly guy because we used to be co-workers at his last job.

[SkinnyPupp]

https://www.facebook.com/richmondyahyahya

New place opened up in Richmond. It looks very customizable, with selections for noodles and broth, etc

[Tim Budong]

Ramen Koika was disappointing.
Black Garlic Ramen, fatty pork, soft noodles

Broth was flavorful and was promising upon first taste
Noodles were chewy, but it wasn't amazing or special
pork was BLAND. really needed some seasoning
Egg was gross

so only the broth was decent.
I wouldn't return...

[guurl]

Went to Jinya last week.
Still love Kintaro and their portions though

[Okami]

Ramen Koika was disappointing.
Black Garlic Ramen, fatty pork, soft noodles

Broth was flavorful and was promising upon first taste
Noodles were chewy, but it wasn't amazing or special
pork was BLAND. really needed some seasoning
Egg was gross

so only the broth was decent.
I wouldn't return...

This pretty much sums it up. I had the SHIO. The broth is flavourful but it was due to the onions and garlic and not because of the pork.

Still enjoy Hida Takayama the most. The guy knows me there and gives me his "special" ramen which is essentially more concentrated and how he made it when he first opened up but people complained it was too salty.. Theres a heavy pork and umami taste.

[rageguy]

Ramen Koika was disappointing.
Black Garlic Ramen, fatty pork, soft noodles

Broth was flavorful and was promising upon first taste
Noodles were chewy, but it wasn't amazing or special
pork was BLAND. really needed some seasoning
Egg was gross

so only the broth was decent.
I wouldn't return...

+1. Went yesterday and got the black garlic shoyu ramen. Very disappointed and will not return, especially when there are better ramen restaurants in downtown. Taishoken for the win.

[Vale46Rossi]

https://www.facebook.com/richmondyahyahya

New place opened up in Richmond. It looks very customizable, with selections for noodles and broth, etc


Jia Jia Jia was absolutely delicious, I really loved their broth and their prices are not bad at all!

[Culverin]

This pretty much sums it up. I had the SHIO. The broth is flavourful but it was due to the onions and garlic and not because of the pork.

Still enjoy Hida Takayama the most. The guy knows me there and gives me his "special" ramen which is essentially more concentrated and how he made it when he first opened up but people complained it was too salty.. Theres a heavy pork and umami taste.


Oh man. That's exactly what I'm looking for!
Anything specific you ask for? Or he just recognizes you by sight?
How's the doneness? Do I have to ask for katame or do you think they come firm enough?

[Okami]

Oh man. That's exactly what I'm looking for!
Anything specific you ask for? Or he just recognizes you by sight?
How's the doneness? Do I have to ask for katame or do you think they come firm enough?

The old guy knows me by sight.. so I don't have to ask..

If you were to ask.. it might be hard since his English really sucks..

Ask for the "heavy broth" like the way you made it when you first opened, or try using simple terms like less watered down..

I suggest you only get the shio one because the other ones are too salty or just bad haha.

Noodle firmness was never an issue for me.. I ask for hard noodles if I ever get a choice at other places that let you choose.

Make sure you ask for the large bowl too.. theres different sizes and they all the same price.

[Presto]

I came across a take-out menu for Full Ramen (Fraser @ 160) in Surrey. Any opinions? It seems like it's the only ramen place that's east of the Port Mann.

[ZN6]

https://www.facebook.com/richmondyahyahya

New place opened up in Richmond. It looks very customizable, with selections for noodles and broth, etc

This place is above average. When you ask for extra noodles it's like they give you 2x the amount of a regular bowl. My friend had the set meal with the pork on rice. I tried the rice and pork, it was amazing.

The cha shu was sliced and slightly cold but warmed by the broth and the noodles were a bit undercooked. The broth was flavorful. I would give the bowl of noodles 7/10

If I include the rice in the set with the bowl of noodles, it would get 1 point higher and sit at 8/10.

[TOS'd]

Anyone try Aji-Kura Ramen & Sushi on Victoria Dr./41st Ave.?

[Culverin]

The old guy knows me by sight.. so I don't have to ask..

If you were to ask.. it might be hard since his English really sucks..

Ask for the "heavy broth" like the way you made it when you first opened, or try using simple terms like less watered down..

I suggest you only get the shio one because the other ones are too salty or just bad haha.

Noodle firmness was never an issue for me.. I ask for hard noodles if I ever get a choice at other places that let you choose.

Make sure you ask for the large bowl too.. theres different sizes and they all the same price.


I went, ordered the shio.
Definitely not thick at all. Quite runny in fact, not rich like I was hoping for.
Not bad, but sort of weak in my opinion.

Next time I go back, I'll try asking for heavy broth.

[Ronin]

Is there any other place that does tsukemen that isn't Santouka or Taishoken?

[Z3guy]

Went Gyoza bar on pender by Malone's downtown. No msg handmade noodles and Gyoza. Same owners as miku and manami. Best ramen and broth in the city IMO!

[Ch28]

Went Gyoza bar on pender by Malone's downtown. No msg handmade noodles and Gyoza. Same owners as miku and manami. Best ramen and broth in the city IMO!

Uh...you're pretty much the only person that I know that has eaten at Gyoza Bar and actually liked the food.

"Best ramen and broth in the city IMO!"
:heckno:

[Z3guy]

^ I guess Revscene members have better tastebuds than the food critics. Also, the 2x I have gone, they have been packed, we must all not no good ramen.......haha, I luv Revscene, everyone is a pro at everything!

[Vansterdam]

Anyone try Aji-Kura Ramen & Sushi on Victoria Dr./41st Ave.?

:heckno: one of the worst ramen places I been to lol

their sushi might be worth checking out although every roll is like $10

[guesswho]

^ I guess Revscene members have better tastebuds than the food critics. Also, the 2x I have gone, they have been packed, we must all not no good ramen.......haha, I luv Revscene, everyone is a pro at everything!

51% on urbanspoon, 2.5 stars on yelp.. Dont think its only revscene..

[Ch28]

^ I guess Revscene members have better tastebuds than the food critics. Also, the 2x I have gone, they have been packed, we must all not no good ramen.......haha, I luv Revscene, everyone is a pro at everything!

http://i.imgur.com/iPo7bLb.gif

[Z3guy]

51% on urbanspoon, 2.5 stars on yelp.. Dont think its only revscene..

everyone can have an opinion. that's kool. Trip advisor and georgia straight both gave great reviews....allot of reviews think Gyoza bar is over priced, maybe it is, but quality food is quality food. No MSG and handmade noodles, how many ramen houses do this locally?

[SkinnyPupp]

Why would you not want MSG in your ramen? :fulloffuck:

That's like having toast without butter

BTW whatever they use instead will certainly have the same amount of glutamic acid anyway, they just use other ingredients instead. That is, if it has any umami at all

[Z3guy]

^ really? I bet you drink allot of pop as well.......sorry, I actually care what I consume in my body......

[bcrdukes]

I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however...

If you are using Tripadvisor and The Georgia Straight to base your opinions on food, art, culture, and politics, you should realize they are hardly authorities on anything.

[Z3guy]

^ I don't trust reviews, especially Yelp, I trust my tastebuds. I work in the Vancouver F&B industry and I am lucky enough to sample many different restaurants in Vancouver, again, it is just my opinion, my taste buds like what they like. I do put an emphasis on eating relatively healthly when I can......

[TOS'd]

I've been to Gyoza Bar + Ramen. Food, meh. Drinks, good. Too much hype, place full of hipster wannabe 'food critics' trying to get some new content for their blogs.

TLDR: Check out my review of Gyoza Bar + Ramen on my blog!

[Expresso]

MSG gets a bad wrap, but it occurs naturally in a lot of foods. Otherwise food wouldn't taste good.

[bcrdukes]

STFU TOS'd

[SkinnyPupp]

^ really? I bet you drink allot of pop as well.......sorry, I actually care what I consume in my body......
If you care, you should learn more about it

[Ronin]

^ I guess Revscene members have better tastebuds than the food critics. Also, the 2x I have gone, they have been packed, we must all not no good ramen.......haha, I luv Revscene, everyone is a pro at everything!

;)

[ZN6]

You can all go to hell; this is the best:

http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/img/prods/food/noodle/ramen/90080_ramen_nissinramenpork_lg.jpg

10/10, would bang again, snort the powder and chase it with the solidified seasoning oil then munch on the noodles like a cookie.

Am I doing this right? :concentrate:

http://ramenreview.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/nissin-hk-sesame-4.jpg

[willystyle]

Tried to love ramen; however, I never find myself craving for them like I do for Pho.

[cho]

^ I don't trust reviews, especially Yelp, I trust my tastebuds. I work in the Vancouver F&B industry and I am lucky enough to sample many different restaurants in Vancouver, again, it is just my opinion, my taste buds like what they like. I do put an emphasis on eating relatively healthly when I can......


damn i must be an expert too :fuckyea:

[Spoon]

^ So is everyone in your local McDonalds. They're in the F&B industry too. :troll:

[Ch28]

You can all go to hell; this is the best:

http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/img/prods/food/noodle/ramen/90080_ramen_nissinramenpork_lg.jpg

10/10, would bang again, snort the powder and chase it with the solidified seasoning oil then munch on the noodles like a cookie.

Am I doing this right? :concentrate:

http://ramenreview.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/nissin-hk-sesame-4.jpg

You're missing the poached egg :fullofwin:

[PK-EK]

I've had Hokkaido Ramen Santouka a few times, and It still taste like Nissin Noodles to me.

http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/img/prods/food/noodle/nissin/original_a.jpg

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/yD4AAOxyKsZRvdjr/$(KGrHqVHJCEFDLpKJ0+SBRvdjqsISQ~~60_35.JPG

I love the taste, but i just don't see the differance

[Ronin]

If you can't tell the difference, then good food just isn't for you...and that's just fine. You'll never have to spend massive amounts of money on good food when you're perfectly happy with shitty food.

It's like people telling me they're cheap drunks. GOOD! You get all the fun without the money so if you think a 50 cent pack of Momofuku Ando's best work is as good as a bowl of real ramen, then that's fantastic.

Those of us cursed with tastebuds are doomed to blow all our money on bluefin when you can grab perfectly good tuna from a can or at Tim Horton's.

[Vansterdam]

been wanting to try that Teppan Gyoza at Gyoza bar

http://assets.vancitybuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gyoza-bar-gyoza.jpg?47a21b

[TOS'd]

been wanting to try that Teppan Gyoza at Gyoza bar

You can find that in the T&T frozen aisle.

[Culverin]

:seriously:
Complaining about msg?
:fulloffuck:




Let me guess, you believe in "yeet hei", gluten allergies, "fan death", tarot readings and astrology too?
:facepalm:




Are you going to get your research, get your shit in order, or
Is Culverin gonna have to smack a bitch?
:rukidding:



You can all go to hell; this is the best:

http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/img/prods/food/noodle/ramen/90080_ramen_nissinramenpork_lg.jpg

10/10, would bang again, snort the powder and chase it with the solidified seasoning oil then munch on the noodles like a cookie.

^
yeap. Agreed.
That's my favorite for dried in bulk.



From the same brand, you can get this at a much higher price/pack.
http://www.jtt.com.au/img/photo/All%20Photo%20Folder/food/cupnoodle/Nisshin%20Umami%20Tonkotsu%205pcs.jpg



If you're ok paying even more of a premium, you can find this in the freezer section.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6308417148_9b67ec31d1.jpg
That's the best I've found short of DIY or getting to a real ramen shop.

[toyobaru]

You can find that in the T&T frozen aisle.

Im glad Im not the only one who feels Gyoza Bar was not up to standard. Its nothing more than a frozen gyoza. However their dipping sauces are a different topic. But their ramen definitely was garbage for the price. Overhyped for sure.

[Obsideon]

I haven't been to Gyoza Bar yet but everyone and their sister has been telling me it is overhyped. Way too expensive ($17 ramen?!) and it was mediocre at best. I will try to swing by and give it a try in the future when the media hype is over...

Just came back from NYC, hit up Ippudo, must say it was pretty solid!
Ramen + extra chashu, mini-unagi rice bowl and salad, $18! (and that's in Manhattan)
http://s17.postimg.org/svuwlgltr/IMG_3431.jpg
http://s17.postimg.org/7nh8417cv/IMG_3438.jpg

[Vansterdam]

^ does the spicy ramen at Ebisu contain curry powder by any chance?

couldof sworn I tasted curry lol

[Expresso]

Came back from Japan recently. Some pix of the bowls I had.

Nagi
http://i.imgur.com/Hizl0yW.jpg

Menya Musashi
http://i.imgur.com/J7dCZvf.jpg

Ichiran
http://i.imgur.com/DopZlvt.jpg

Rokurinsha
http://i.imgur.com/hmL5fLq.jpg

[DragonChi]

Ill leave this here.

Monosodium Glutamate ? An Undeserved Reputation? | Compound Interest (http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/08/25/msg/)

[h0pz]

I gave Taishoken (across from tinseltown) a try last night right before closing and it was a pleasant surprise. The soup base is thicker than most of the other places I have been to with very good and full flavor. They are having a re-opening special until Sunday Oct 19th. $5 a bowl starting after 4pm. Good chance to try it out if you haven't already.

[TOS'd]

Anyone try Ramengers on Kingsway near Boundary?

[typ.]

Anyone try Ramengers on Kingsway near Boundary?

I have and it was nothing fantastic. The cha-siu was kind of cold, the soup wasn't very tasty and noodles were too soft. This was for both the spicy and miso tonkotsu.

I still think the best place for ramen is Nanchuu despite the RCMP giving me the runs the next day (Also Nanchuu's seafood salad is the best!.. and they give free garlic). Marutama is pretty good too with their chicken base and their cha-siu is super fatty and really does melt in your mouth.

[TOS'd]

The cha-siu from Marutama was much thinner yesterday than the previous time I have been. Yesterday I went during peak dinner time compared to the restaurant being almost empty when it was thicker, not sure if that has anything to do with it. Quality of food overall was still great.

[Ronin]

Can someone name all the ramen places in that little Denmen/Robson corner? I'm pretty sure I've been to all of them.

Writing a piece on the "Ramen District" for Vancity Buzz.

[Obsideon]

^ does the spicy ramen at Ebisu contain curry powder by any chance?
couldof sworn I tasted curry lol

Hmm no there's no curry powder lol.

We recently hired a Ramen Specialist chef from Japan and he's been making some pretty solid ramen.
We are introducing 8 new versions, from Sichuan Fusion Tan Tan Ramen, or Spicy Hot Lava Ramen to the simple yet refreshingly delicious Shio Tonkotsu Ramen (my personal fave).

I used to frequent many of the Denman Ramen joints (especially Santouka) but after trying the one this dude makes, I haven't went in over half a year.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10322792_10152420995043658_1654370709907866522_n.j pg?oh=594aeefbdd6da8b4c97f8b1706054ce5&oe=54BF6593&__gda__=1421997189_2839b7b006386958ec7d821126e4af7 3
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10300959_10152420995048658_3221753117517074902_n.j pg?oh=4d7e390149802281c01018f88755fc00&oe=54BCC3A2&__gda__=1420485853_8a9dc43ad86d8b34008cc642b907fa7 4

[winson604]

Can someone name all the ramen places in that little Denmen/Robson corner? I'm pretty sure I've been to all of them.

Writing a piece on the "Ramen District" for Vancity Buzz.

This is all I can think of right now all within a few block radius of that intersection.

Marutama Ra-men
Hida Takayama Ramen
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Motomachi Shokudo Ramen
Kintaro Ramen

[Verdasco]

read all 5 pages and still couldn't figure out whats the best one.... only the knowledge ive gained is that kintaro sucks according to you guys, and gyoza bar

[murd0c]

I went to Gyoza bar the other week and was far from impressed. The servers were kinda bitchy and the food wasn't bad but I was expecting more.. The sauces were stellar tho

http://i.imgur.com/wkDmNxq.jpg

[TOS'd]

New ramen place in chinatown, opening in feb. Ramen Butcher, from the Menya Kouji group.

Ramen Butcher carves a sweet spot for noodles in Vancouver's Chinatown (http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/01/ramen-butcher/)

[Obsideon]

I know the guy that opened that, will definitely visit!

Went to Taishoken, my friend highly recommended it. Personally it was below average, my noodles were room temperature at best which is a huge turn-off for me.

[TOS'd]

I know the guy that opened that, will definitely visit!

Went to Taishoken, my friend highly recommended it. Personally it was below average, my noodles were room temperature at best which is a huge turn-off for me.

Every time I go, since its the closest ramen place to work, my noodles are cold. Tsuke-men with cold noodles. lol

[Special K]

Ate the cheese ramen at Kintaro tonight. Hits the spot for $10.45.

They also make the food less salty now which I like.

[kcl38]

New ramen place in chinatown, opening in feb. Ramen Butcher, from the Menya Kouji group.

Ramen Butcher carves a sweet spot for noodles in Vancouver's Chinatown (http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/01/ramen-butcher/)

Just downloading the documentary about Kazuo Yamagishi in preparation :concentrate:

[Ronin]

Taishoken is under new ownership. Not sure when it happened but it's definitely different than when I reviewed it for VCB a few months ago.

Photos of the Japan location are off the wall and new options on the menu with kimchi. Tsukemen tasted a little different...a little more average than it used to be.

[stuff99]

The reason Gyoza Bar is overhyped is because they probably paid for VanCity Buzz to feature them and local food bloggers love talking about the same few restaurants all the time once one of them picks up on them.

[rageguy]

The reason Gyoza Bar is overhyped is because they probably paid for VanCity Buzz to feature them and local food bloggers love talking about the same few restaurants all the time once one of them picks up on them.

It's 38% on Urbanspoon, that's scary low.

[Ronin]

The reason Gyoza Bar is overhyped is because they probably paid for VanCity Buzz to feature them and local food bloggers love talking about the same few restaurants all the time once one of them picks up on them.

And the reason everyone knows Gyoza Bar is overhyped and not very good is because they invited local food bloggers to eat their food and everyone was honest about how it was just "Meh." for 50% more than what you'd pay elsewhere for better ramen. Go ahead and read some of the posts of that media night.

Gyoza Bar was talked about because it's from the same group that does Minami and Miku, which are generally regarded as two of the best Japanese restaurants in town. It isn't that Gyoza Bar is bad...it's just that more was expected for the reputation and price. Instead, what people got was...mediocre.

I don't think it's 38% bad...there's worse out there but it should be much, much better.

[Gerbs]

read all 5 pages and still couldn't figure out whats the best one.... only the knowledge ive gained is that kintaro sucks according to you guys, and gyoza bar

Same. I wanna go try tomorrow but can't choose lol

[Verdasco]

lol miku and minami are top 2 in vancouver? man..... why is vancouver cursed with bad sushi restaurants compared to miami, las vegas, LAX??? I know vancouver can do better than this but minami?? really??LOL..

[TOS'd]

Same. I wanna go try tomorrow but can't choose lol

Santouka is still closed for renovations fyi, one less place to choose from. And arguably the best place according to many people.

[TOS'd]

Anyone try the soft opening at The Ramen Butcher yet? How was it?

[shawnly1000]

February 6th is the scheduled grand opening with a lunch service (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and a dinner service (5 to 10 p.m.) with a vegetarian and chicken broth options available.

The soft opening is from February 1-4th with an offering of $5 for a bowl of any of the ramen selections.

Day 2 soft opening review (Feb 2nd):

I was able to try both the Black (roasted garlic oil) and the Orange (rich miso marinated ground pork) variations.

The Black has a smokey flavour and may be a tad salty to some. The broth of the Orange has a silken texture/mouth feel.

The fatty chashu chosen (fatty or lean are the options) was quite tender and flavorful.

The noodles are of the thin kind and are different than that of Santouka or the thicker kind served at Kintaro. My kae-dama (extra noodles - 1st order is free by the way!) had more of a chew/bounce and were more to my liking.

The egg was a medium-cooked and pretty decent, but some would probably say short that of Marutama

http://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/ipbBPbi_kFrR1JcMdxdSvw/o.jpg

http://s3-media2.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/6lR8lU8PlDew62FzTnFeEg/o.jpg

http://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/0pU6xk1Bhtyr2yc21wB3-g/o.jpg

[HonestTea]

Shame that their soft opening ended today :(

[Verdasco]

sooooo which ramen place for a newb ramen eater?

a celebrity told me motomachi shokudo.... any other sugestions

[Expresso]

^^^which celebrity!

[Verdasco]

^^^which celebrity!

a celebrity no one will know about :okay:

[Phil@rise]

then hardly a celebrity...

[Verdasco]

since it is fall season, and its raining hard, I went to ramen butcher a couple days ago and loved it


Will be my go to ramen spot now, get the black (garlic oil)

[illestchk]

I will always and most definitely recommend Danbo on Burrard and 4th. Small place, usually long line up, but worth the wait imo.

[Verdasco]

I will always and most definitely recommend Danbo on Burrard and 4th. Small place, usually long line up, but worth the wait imo.

do they use thick thick noodles or thin (like marutama / ramen butcher thin)

[LsquareD]

do they use thick thick noodles or thin (like marutama / ramen butcher thin)

I've had Danbo once and it was pretty good. They don't have a lot of toppings to choose from though.

You get to choose between thick/thin noodles and how firm you want it. You're also able to choose the thickness of the broth.

I'm mad craving ramen now..

[rageguy]

I've had Danbo once and it was pretty good. They don't have a lot of toppings to choose from though.

You get to choose between thick/thin noodles and how firm you want it. You're also able to choose the thickness of the broth.

I'm mad craving ramen now..

Do you prefer the thick or the thin noodle at Danbo?

[EvoLove]

My go to ramen is still G-men or Jinya kerrisdale, the tonkosu black never disappoints me.

[jtrinh]

Thin noodle is best at Danbo. Sometimes the location on Robson is less busy than the one on 4th. lol