Ramen, a Japanese soup dish that consists of wheat-noodles and a traditionally meat-based broth (vegetarians see: Ramen Isshin), is one of the most popular meal choices in Toronto. With ramen restaurants opening all over the city, picking the right spot can be a little overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 10 ramen locations in Toronto that are worth checking out.
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Ryus Noodle Bar
Even a fire can’t stop Ryus. After their Baldwin location burned down, they opened up a new location on Broadview near the Danforth, where they’ve become the top spot around for a heaping bowl of noodles and broth. Their dishes have done so well they’ve been invited to set up a food stall inside of a ramen museum in Japan, where there are only spaces in its food court for two ramen restaurants from outside of Japan.
Ramen Isshin
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Looking for the best noodles you’ll ever have in your life? The Isshin Team tried over 800 types of noodles and combinations before they settled on the two on their menu. It has over a dozen different kinds to offer, including exotic Ramen like Tsukemen (Dipping Ramen), White Sesame Shio Ramen, and their famous Black Sesame Tan Tan Noodle. Plus, it’s the only place in the GTA that serves Wok Fried Red Miso Ramen.
Santouka
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If you want an authentic bowl of ramen, this is the place for you. Santouka is an export from Japan, and the noodles are made by a supplier who uses their recipe at all locations around the world. Santouka started on an island in Japan in the 1980s with its shio ramen served with a small, pickled plum. Now, it’s expanded across the globe. In Toronto, you’ll find multiple locations serving ramen lovers.
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Kinton Ramen
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Kinton was the first authentic Japanese ramen bar to open in Toronto, but it’s most well known for its giant bowlers that come in bowls the size of your head. Even though there are five locations downtown, each one is absolutely packed by the time lunch rolls around. This ramen hot spot is a must try for any ramen lover, and it was even featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here.
Ramen Raijin
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With an open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant, Ramen Raijin has tasty food and offers a front row seat to tons of ramen action. With tons of broths to choose from like Tonkotsu (pork-based) or clear Torigara (chicken-based), this place is not for the indecisive eaters out there. They serve more than ramen, in fact they even have a signature Raijin Poutine, which is a poutine with teriyaki mayo sauce, green onion, and nori seaweed.
Sansotei Ramen
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Sansotei is a hot spot that’s thriving despite opening up right near the famous Japanese restaurant, Momofuku. If you’re grabbing dinner, make sure to get there early because they frequently sell out in the evenings. With speedy service, delicious soups, tender noodles, and a chef who studied at the Yamato School in Japan, Sansotei is a restaurant that will quickly become one of your regular spots to grab a steamy bowl of ramen.
Touhenboku
The famous Queen West noodle shop, Touhenboku, was one of the first on the Toronto ramen scene. It’s another spot with an open kitchen, and you can watch the noodles being made in-house with a machine that cuts them to the perfect length. The noodles don’t have any preservatives, and all dishes are only made with natural ingredients. A new fan-favourite is the Kimchi Ramen that has one of the richest, creamiest broths around.
Konjiki Ramen
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Konjiki Ramen originated in Japan, where it was named the best ramen in the country. Recently, Konjiki has expanded to Toronto, where the noodles are crafted fresh using a machine imported from Japan. Konjiki makes classic ramen with a twist using its renowned traditional clam broth and modern ingredients like truffles or porcini mushroom oil. If you’re looking for a drool-worthy broth and tasty, fresh ingredients, this is where you’ll find it.
Momofuku
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The restaurant first gained its fame in New York City and then expanded to Toronto where the noodle bar has tons of seating. Known as one of the most popular ramen spots in the world, the noodles are their claim to fame. Made with baking soda or alkaline salts, the firm noodles are cooked fresh every day. The broth has a modern twist where chef David Chang threw some bacon into the mix for a distinct flavour.
Ajisen Ramen
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At Ajisen you’ll have nearly 45 varieties of ramen to choose from, with unique dishes on the menu such as kimchi BBQ pork ramen and tomato filet mignon ramen. Ajisen is another famous ramen restaurant that started as a small ramen house in Japan and expanded to over 800 stores around the world. If you love burning your tastebuds off with a spice-filled dish, give their Volcano Ramen a try.
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