Koi Sakana Ramen — Restaurant in Markham

Been big fan of Japanese Ramen and its culture, every prefecture has different styles and tastes, from the best to the worst, one can always be surprised/shocked. In Greater Toronto Area, very difficult to find a decent bowl of ramen still culturally attached to Japanese taste, this little eatery shows its dedication and I've been loyal to it for more than 3 years since discovered this place. Personnel service has always been up to standard, polite and welcoming. I have given verbal comments to whom I believed to be the owner or management associate like points earning system or rolling in discount for cash payments...etc. to attract more customers.

HOWEVER, and that is a BIG HOWEVER, I found it unbelievable how these were implemented.

During the tax-holiday period, discount for cash payments were suspended; such reason seems to be quite suspicious as the management associate seems to be evasive and hesitant on her response.

Then, after a few months and times that I have entered my number for their point earning system, somehow all points were reset down to zero at my recent visit when I log-in their system to check. Since the system started, I had only been asked to enter my number to their kiosk tablet and had never checked. In this recent visit, a permanent metal plated QR code has replaced the sticker QR Code on the tables; as after seated, no one came to the table to ask whether we are ready to order, I proceeded to use this new QR Code on my mobile and tried ordering there. After logging in (which proves that my info has been entered in the system as my email was also displayed in the account with my name), I found that there is no other payment method and I must enter my credit card info for immediate payment; I also found that there is no saved point in my account. Reluctant to leave my credit card info and curious about my saved points, I went to the counter kiosk asking whether I can order there to which response was positive. I then went on asking about my points but the staff said they know nothing about the new system and owner is not available on site. Of course, such response is pretty unacceptable. But I mean, I really don't mind about how much points I've earned as I have never enquired at all and have only come for the taste of their Ramen. But when things get unfair such as this: ie. changing system without migrating customers' points and with no notification at all, that's a different story. It leaves an inevitable feeling of being scammed.

I may still come for a taste of ramen. Yet, perhaps not as often anymore. The feeling for this place's decency / integrity is definitely lost. Let's put everything clearly in the books and on the table, all payments from me, as from now on, is going to be by credit card. The discount for cash payment was not even enough to offset my tips in any case and, on the other hand, I can definitely earn cashback points for sure from my credit card. At least, I can be care-free and need not be disappointed again.

I still like their ramen. Hopefully, they would recognize the problem and stop digging...

Pros: Same great ramen as previous location Very friendly staff

Cons: Seats are not as family friendly as pervious location

My family and I used loved going to Koi Sakana at their previous location. Because of the pandemic, we never really got to go to their new location until now.

My wife and I decided to try this place by ourselves without our kids since we didn't know the lay of land with dining in here post pandemic. Walking in, I noticed it was definitely smaller seating wise than their previous location.

Even though it was over a year since we last went to Koi Sakana, the waitress instantly recognized us. I've said it in my previous review how good the waitress is, and I still stand by it today. She is one of the most friendly I have ever met working at a restaurant.

All the ordering is done through your phone. I think it's a great way to order post pandemic. You order everything online once they get your order they go to work. We ordered 2 ramen bowls, a chicken karaage side and a wafer sandwich for dessert.

The ramen is just as good as it was at the previous location. Same taste and portion sizes. Nothing has changed too much in terms of food. The chicken karaage could of been seasoned more, but they do give you a sauce to dip it in. The wafer was very good. You can choose between vanilla, chocolate or matcha. It is filled to the brim and so worth the 3 dollars.

The seating is the only thing to take a hit in my opinion. There used to be multiple booth tables at their previous location. The new location only has 2 tables of 4 that could be called booths. 2 of the seats at these tables are just have square cushions with no backs for seats. It's more of a half booth if you ask me. The other 2 tables are reminiscent of what would you find at an izakaya. Long tables with the same square cushions for seats. There are no chairs to speak of here. It's not the ideal seating for families with young children.

I'm still a fan of Koi Sakana despite it not being as user friendly for my young kids. Anybody looking for a good bowl of ramen should definitely check...

Ramen is okay and nothing special. My one star rating is because one of the staff literally was trying to force me to pay tips. When you enter the restaurant you sit where you want and then scan the QR code to order. You will be prompted to pay for your order including tax and tips before they even receive your order to make. So my boyfriend and I chose not to pay tips because there literally was no service and I didn't understand why I needed to tip before the meal. The server then came up to me and told me "this bill does not include tips." I said I know and she walked away. The food was brought to us so we ate it. Not a single time did they come and ask how the food was or if everything was okay. I was in a dilemma whether or not to add tips after the meal because I know that all servers in Ontario now make minimum wage so they do not rely on tips anymore for income but we both don't have any friends or family in the industry so we weren't sure if that was actually the case. So I asked the server if we could talk about the tips situation because she clearly told me I didn't tip. She kept avoiding my questions and kept telling me that in Canada and US you have to pay tips... no you don't. Then she switched to "could" but it definitely wasn't what she wanted and clearly was getting upset. She said her pay is below minimum wage which should be illegal so I decided to tip her anyways for the hardwork of the kitchen staff but honestly instead of getting angry at customers, I think employers should just pay more. They literally only brought the food out and bring back the bowls when done so what service is she giving me that isn't part of her job description or hourly wage? I am still unsure if I misunderstood the new legislation and if I did anything wrong in this situation. Definitely not coming...