By: Izzy Cheung, Arts & Culture Editor
88 W Pender St., Vancouver
Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
A tiny food court stall, Torimaru Ramen is located in the International Village Mall. Their menu is relatively small, but any bowl of ramen that you order from them is bound to be packed with rich flavours that are soaked up by their thin and chewy noodles. Their black ramen is topped with black garlic oil that gives the broth the perfect kick of salt, and their bowls are generously topped with two large pieces of pork chashu — something that doesn’t happen as much nowadays (I find that most places only give you one, unless otherwise specified).
#102 20218 Fraser Hwy., Langley
Every day 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Akedo Showten is a must-try for those in the Langley area who are looking for a warm bowl of noodles to soothe their soul. Their specialty is chicken-based ramen, resulting in thin, thread-like noodles doused in a milky broth. Despite this, Akedo Showten also serves up a vegan ramen made with a soy-based broth and topped with a multitude of crunchy and colourful vegetables. While they had an outpost in New Westminster that has since closed, their convenience store is located just around the corner from their restaurant and is ready to supply unique snacks and other Japanese products.
#18 2755 Lougheed Hwy., Port Coquitlam
Monday–Thursday 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m–8:30 p.m.
With the largest menus on this list, Ramen Bella Poco is no stranger to diverse taste profiles. They offer two meat-based broths, chicken or pork, as well as some vegan options with tofu as the main protein component. Non-noodle fans can enjoy their rice bowls or tonkatsu sets, or load up on appetizers such as their red-drizzled spicy gyoza. Craving ramen for a later date? No problem! Ramen Bella Poco sells frozen versions of five different types of their ramen — they’re a great meal option at the end of a long day or if you’re not in the mood for cooking.
4518 Hastings St., Burnaby
Sunday–Thursday 12:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Friday–Saturday 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Ramen Gaoh’s specialty is miso, a type of ramen soup known for its rich, nutty, and umami-infused flavour. Their dishes vary from ramen with customizable spice levels to yuzu citrus chicken-based noodles. While Ramen Gaoh definitely has a sumptuous selection from their spread of ramen, their gyoza can’t be overlooked. With five different types of these pan-fried dumplings, including their mushroomy truffle parmesan and warm green matcha vege, this restaurant is the perfect place to hop on the R5 and stop by after a long lecture on a rainy day.
6541 Royal Oak Ave., Burnaby
Every day 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
A cute hole-in-the-wall that’s a six-minute bus ride away from Metrotown, Kamamarui Ramen & Don gets its cozy vibes from their simple and square wooden benches and tables. Diners get the choice between two types of broth, regular or rich, as well as adding or subtracting the preset toppings. Alongside your bowl of steaming-hot noodles, you can order some of their “bomb” appetizers. From seaweed-sprinkled rice balls to ajitama (soft-boiled) eggs, Kamamarui Ramen & Don provides visitors with a quaint and friendly dining experience.
