Wakado Ramen — Restaurant in Calgary

Wakado Ramen — A Taste That Tells a Story

A Hidden Gem After Church

We discovered Wakado Ramen on a quiet Sunday afternoon after church and were lucky to find a table. From the first step inside, it felt like stepping into a small piece of Japan. The atmosphere is clean, warm, and deeply thematic — every element feels intentional. The décor, the gentle music, the calm rhythm of the kitchen — everything whispers authenticity.

Attention to Cleanliness

Even the washroom was clean and odor-free, which always says a lot about a restaurant’s culture. A little deep cleaning could someday remove the faint marks of age, but overall it was well-kept and cared for. Every corner reflected pride in the space.

Ramen That Touches the Soul

Then came the ramen — and it was unforgettable. I’m not Japanese, but if I had a Japanese grandmother, this is probably how she would make it: a bowl that comforts, nourishes, and touches the soul. The broth was rich and creamy, the kind that can only come from patience and craft. You can tell there were no shortcuts taken — just skill, time, and love. The noodles had the right bite, the egg was perfect, and the pork was tender and full of flavor.

It was, quite simply, perfection in a bowl.

Masters Behind the Counter

The chefs worked quietly and gracefully behind the counter — focused, disciplined, and clearly passionate. I didn’t get to speak with them this time, but their work said everything: these are true masters of their craft.

The front staff were equally impressive — friendly, organized, and attentive without being intrusive. They’ve created a great system for welcoming guests and managing flow, even during busy times. Parking was easy and stress-free, which adds to the experience.

A Family Experience to Remember

My wife, my 11-year-old son, and I all left the table smiling. It wasn’t just a meal — it was an experience of comfort and wonder. There was a moment of silence after the last bite, the kind that happens when everyone knows something special just happened.

An Invitation to Japan

This visit stirred something unexpected. I’ve never been to Japan — but after this bowl, I want to go. Or maybe, I want to go back. Because somehow, in that rich broth and careful presentation, I felt the heart of Japan itself — precise, humble, and full of soul.

Final Word

To the chefs and staff: thank you for creating such a meaningful place. You’ve turned a simple bowl of ramen into a story — one that I’ll...

First experience at Wakado and it was a mixed one for sure. Arrived at 11:40am, ordered two bowls of ramen (the one pictures is the Tonkotsu Black btw) and two charsui buns at 11:45am. There was another couple sitting next to us that ordered right after us. Our ramen arrived at 12:00pm, but the couple next to us didn't get their ramen until 12:15pm (30 minutes?!). Broth was flavorful and the noodles were firm and chewy. They are straight and smooth compared to other shops that are more rounded/wavy. My Tonkotsu Black had garlic oil (the black part), but after mixing, it wasn't very garlicky at all.

We ordered two charsui buns, but only one came out at 12:10pm (after we had finished our ramen). It's a pet peeve of mine when the appetizers come out after the entree. That's just bad service. Seemed like the bun was sitting for a while because the steamed bun was flat and cold, not fluffy and warm (how it's typically served at places like Jinya and Momofuku). Because it was served cold, it was kinda bleh to the taste.

I'm giving two stars not because the food was bad, but because the service was subpar. We arrived when it wasn't busy (it was busy by the time we left at 12:30pm). Gladly they didn't charge us for the two charsui buns. The server apologized saying that she had put us down for one charsui bun and one order of gyoza (and that the gyozas were overcooked and that's why they didn't come out yet). A bit confusing there.

Hopefully their service will turn around, as it's nice to finally have a ramen shop around the MEC area of downtown (tons of Pho...

The food I had at Wakado Ramen Shop might be the best meal iv had in years, I'm not kidding. The simple store entrance reveals nothing about the delightful and tastful interior design. Just to start, cloth drapes everywhere giving layers of privacy, but clear concept of the building as a whole. Imported bottles line the high cabinets making a asthetic display of some of the drinks they have to offer.

On that note, I went with a Plum Sake, and I cannot describe how delightful it was, I'd compare it to Ice Wine, but if you don't drink that either, I'd say stick with just ordering the 3oz, because it goes down SMOOTH.

My main course was the Spicy Miso Ramen, and if you can handle a bit of spice, I cannot recommend this dish enough. The broth was thick and flavorful, the noodles, cook to perfection, firm but giving, tasteful, yet the perfect medium to deliver more of the dishes other flavors.

Each piece of the dish from the seaweed slices and bamboo root slices, to the fatty meat and fresh greens, gave every bite a delight.

I really had a nice bowl of Ramen here, and my only complaint is that, as a decent cook in my own kitchen, to know I will never be able to make a Ramen bowl like that without 5 times the time, and 3 times the cost, weighs me down.

I, whole heartedly, recommend you try this place if you haven't already, this is where I'll go if I bring any friend to Calgary from out of town.

10/10 (or 5/5 bc google like to do the 5...