Maruhachi Ra-men Richmond — Restaurant in Richmond

We knew of this place years before. Even though we live within walking distance, we never bothered to try it because we had simply lost faith in Japanese ramen restaurants in GVA, as they all offer small portions at an overpriced price. We only came here this time because several Facebook users recommended it to us.

Many selections listed on the website are missing from the in-store ordering menu (via QR code on each table).

As always, we ordered the most expensive ramen available, the $19.60 "Cha-Shu Tamago Ramen" and the $17.50 "Cha-Shu Ramen." The only difference between the two is the egg.

When it comes to spiciness, you can choose "mild or spicy." As my wife cannot handle the slightest bit of chili, she asked, "How about no spicy?" The waitress replied, "Mild is zero spicy!" So desu ka? Cool! But I chose mine spicy, though it was very mild. I wonder if you can ask for extra spicy....?

The Cha-Shu is considered thin in Asia standards, though normal for GVA ramen restaurants, but it was one of the most tasty and tender we've ever had in GVA. It's nostalgic, reminding us of Japanese street ramen stalls.

The noodles are not ramen. They resemble noodles found in Chinese noodle restaurants. The texture is good, but I still prefer traditional ramen noodles. Sorry, you don't get to choose the type of noodles.

The broth is creamy and delicious, reminiscent of traditional pork bone broth, but in this case, it was chicken broth.  A very heavy, thick, creamy taste. I drank every drop. Yum! 👍

One Facebook user said, "Amount is huge, too much for one person." LOL. I beg to differ, maybe for extra small eaters. For me, a medium eater, it was just right. My wife, a small eater, ate the whole bowl (with egg) in no time.

We were In and out of the restaurant in under 30 minutes. At 2:37 p.m., when we checked out, the restaurant was completely empty.

Unlike traditional Japanese restaurant, they don't close and take breaks in the middle of the afternoon. They are one of the hardest working run-by-Japanese Japanese restaurants in GVA 👍👍👍

Hasta La Vista, baby! We...

If you find yourself near Vancouver International Airport and craving an authentic bowl of ramen, look no further than Maruhachi Ra-men. This cozy spot, tucked away near the airport, offers an exceptional dining experience that is both welcoming and satisfying.

From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the warm and inviting ambiance that Maruhachi Ra-men effortlessly exudes. The decor is modern yet cozy, with an industrial chic design that makes you feel right at home. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that every visit is a pleasant one.

Now, let's talk about the ramen – the star of the show. Maruhachi Ra-men offers a diverse menu featuring traditional and innovative ramen dishes that cater to all taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of rich, creamy tonkotsu broth or prefer a lighter, more delicate shoyu or miso base, there's something here for everyone. Each bowl is a masterpiece, meticulously prepared with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection.

One standout dish is their signature Tonkotsu Ramen. The broth is velvety and full-bodied, delivering an umami punch that keeps you coming back for more. The noodles are perfectly chewy, and the toppings – tender chashu pork, fresh green onions, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg – complement each other beautifully.

For those looking to try something different, Maruhachi Ra-men also offers delicious appetizers and side dishes. The gyoza are crispy and flavorful, and the takoyaki is a must-try, with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Conveniently located near Vancouver Airport, Maruhachi Ra-men is the perfect spot for a pre-flight meal or a comforting bowl of ramen after a long journey. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this ramen haven is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Overall, Maruhachi Ra-men delivers an outstanding dining experience with its exceptional food, cozy atmosphere, and top-notch service. It's a must-visit for any ramen enthusiast or anyone seeking a delicious meal near Vancouver Airport.

Enjoy your meal at...

I am giving this establishment 2 less stars because of a ridiculous rule that only applies to groups. When I ate in this resto, I was with a group of 4 people. Two of my friends are coming from South Surrey, one just flew in from Toronto, and I came all the way out from Coquitlam. We chose this resto for the ood reviews of their Ramen which did not disappoint. All of my friends enjoyed them.

Now for the bad. I was the first one to arrive among my group and I was greeted by one of the resto staff at the door. I asked for a table for 4. She said there was one and asked about when my friends will arrive. I told her that they will arrive in 10 to 20 minutes. She told me that she wo't let me in if my group is not complete. It was 4-degrees and raining outside. I asked her if it was OK with her if I stand outside in the rain while waiting for my friends. She wasn't too happy but let me in and showed me to my table. I ordered some sides to start so I had something to eat while waiting for my friends. When the rest of my group arrived, the same staff member who greeted me at the door gave the same sermon to my friends and I. We just graciously apologised just so we can continue with our reunion. This ridiculous rule is not published in the Marutama website or posted on their front door. They do not take reservations so I would have not known about this rule. So, to those planning to drive in from different areas to dine in here as a group, make sure you arrive at the same time or you wait outside even if it is cold and wet. Next week, I planned to meet up with another group of friends at the Coquitlam branch of this same resto. I will be changing the venue to another ramen place close-by which also serves fantastic ramen. I don't want to go through the same treatment.

BTW, parking at this Richmond branch is difficult. My friends had to park far away and walk in the rain. There is curbside parking in front but you will have to be lucky...