Ottawa Ramen & Noodle Shop Showdown | The Ultimate Guide 🍜

As a Chengdu native, my noodle standards prioritize rich broth, bold spice, and zero MSG overload! After trying 5 local spots, here's my unfiltered take—your mileage may vary. 1️⃣ Le Mien 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 43 William St, ByWard Market 🔥 Why It Wins: Broth Master: Clear, non-greasy, with deep bone umami (no shortcuts here!). Noodle Options: Thin, leek-leaf, wide—order thin noodles + tendon slices + pickled greens (secret combo!). Sides Shine: Braised pork belly/intestines (cleaned properly!), chili oil is fragrant not fiery. ⚠️ Note: Limited menu, but what they do, they nail. 2️⃣ Noodle Again 🌟🌟🌟⭐ 📍 Location TBD 🔥 Highlights: Top 3 Liangpi in Ottawa: Perfect sauce (sesame paste + vinegar + chili)—takeout portions > dine-in! "Ottawa-style" Youpo Noodles: Topped with crunchy soy sprouts (purists may side-eye). ⚠️ Gripes: Soup noodles taste MSG-heavy, "Sichuan" chicken salad drowns in northern sesame sauce. 3️⃣ 98°F Lala Noodles🌟🌟 📍 Location TBD 🔥 Reality Check: Overhyped Big Plate Chicken Noodles: More soup than noodles, flavors meh. Stir-Fried Noodles: Wok hei saved it, but "2mm-thick" noodles = jaw workout 🥢. Verdict: One-and-done. 4️⃣ Noodle's Invitation 🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 Location TBD 🔥 Ottawa's Only Sichuan Noodle Spot: Mala Xiao Mian, Wanzai Noodles—authentic spice levels. A must for homesick spice fiends! 5️⃣ Amazing Authentic Noodles 🌟🌟🌟 📍 710 Somerset St W 🔥 First Impressions: Hand-Pulled Dao Xiao Mian : Thick, chewy, textbook texture. Other dishes: Service was chaotic at launch—updates welcome! 💡 TL;DR Broth Snobs → Le Mien Cold Noodle Lovers → Noodle Again Sichuan Diehards → Noodle's Invitation Skip Unless Desperate: Lala Noodles #OttawaNoodles #NoMSG #SpiceSeeker