When it comes to a slurp-worthy bowl of ramen noodles, New York City has Toronto beat by a mile. For some reason, my dear city hasn’t been able to get this right. Japanese noodle houses are few and far between, and the ones I’ve tried are either below or around the average mark. Kenzo Ramen (138 Dundas St. West) is adequately decent, but nothing to rave about.
Speaking of rave reviews, I’d read great things about their Gyoza ($7.95). I am sad to report that you end up paying more than a dollar per dumpling which taste just like the frozen variety you can buy for much less at a korean grocery store.
I opted for a bowl of Tonkotsu ($8.95) under the “special ramen” section of Kenzo’s menu. It’s about the size of a medium pho and the noodles are decent, but not superb. The cloudy white broth is pork-bone based and usually simmered for 20 hours. Toppings include half a hard-boiled egg, slices of pork, bok choy, bean sprouts, a fish cake, bamboo shoots and thinly sliced green onions. Instead of working together, they toppings compete and this didn’t stand-up to my experiences at Ippudo or Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York.
The second bowl was tried purely because of its description on the menu. Orochong Ramen ($7.95) is tagged as “the most popular to the youth.” It’s quite spicy with lots of mushrooms and ground meat. I guess that’s exactly what the kids are into nowadays.
As one of the few ramen spots in the city, Kenzo gets a pass, but here’s hoping more spots crop up to elevate our city’s slurping game.
Kenzo Ramen / 138 Dundas St. West, Toronto
416 205 1155
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Theres a place up at yonge and sheppard ive been meaning to try, I’m hoping it’ll be alright as the east asian community there seems to be as big as the one in chinatown now…
Thanks for the find, the 2nd ramen at least looks really good
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Ajisen, is what youre looking for, Adam. And don’t bother.
I think one of the best places that died was Konnichiwa at Bloor and Bathurst. Their ramen was cheap, good tasting and sooooo hearty. Kenzo is now the best in the city, and that’s sad. Would you guys know if J-town (at Warden and Steeles) is a good go-to spot for ramen?
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