Ramen Taka Richmond — Restaurant in Richmond

[Update: Nov 15, 2024]

It's been over 1.5 years since we last dined here. Even though we live a 5-minute walking distance away, we only returned because someone on Facebook mentioned its $10 "Happy Hour Ramen." LOL! It turned out there are caveats to this deal:

Happy Hour Ramens do not come with eggs and only come with 1 Chashu. 🤣

No loss with the eggs here. It's not like they are Hot Spring Eggs, as they are so famously known to be offered in ramen shops in Japan. At best, they are Sous Vide eggs, which you can easily replicate with an air fryer if you don't have a Sous Vide stick. Just 3 to 5 minutes in an air fryer will give you something close to a Hot Spring or Sous Vide egg. We used to eat that for breakfast every morning before going to work.

As for Chashu (see picture), it's slightly thicker than a potato chip. 😂🤭

Some things never changed:

Same amount as an instant noodle ramen. Some ramens are spicy, but it is not mentioned in the menu. As delicious as always, it reminds us of the ramen stalls in Osaka.

See you in another 1.5 years or your next promotion, whichever comes first.

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[Original post: 1.5 years ago]

the portion is laughable. I ate two bowls, and it was just right. Mind you, I am not a big eater.

expensive for the quantity. It's Japanese food. We were expecting the price but not the quantity. This place offered the most un-generous portion of all the ramen restaurants in the world we have ever tried. I swear I am not exaggerating.

both our bowls were spicy, but they are not labeled in the menu. Wife can not stand the tiniest bit of chili, gave me her bowl as well. I ate both bowls and they were just enough

very delicious. If only they could be more generous, we would definitely call this home as we love Japanese food, especially...

This review is solely based on Richmond alberdeen location. Since there are two stores and one is in downtown. Both offers 30% off during happy hours. It is the best valued happy hour ramen in lower mainland. Their happy hour is between 3 to 5pm and everything on the menu is 30% off on the entire menu.

Their soup is very hot and a bit too oily for my liking. But you can request to have less oil in the soup and they have no problem with it. Normally every noodle shop has three choices of different soup base. Salt, soy sauce, and miso flavors. And I found there must be one that's better than others. And the choice here at taka is miso. But it seems they don't stir everything well when making a bowl of ramen. I found out by discovering different darker noodle after half bowl into it. So please mix your own noodle soup once you received it. Also I prefer the none tonkazu based soup more. Even though both are awesome. Noodle is on the thinner side, thicker one is not an option here. They are cooked to perfect texture. Chasiu is on point. Occasionally there are very thin slices. Eggs can be improved on with a bit less cook time. Fried chicken is juicy and tasty. Chasiu rice is a bit too lean and dry. Wish there are more fatty chasiu used than lean meat. Overall it's a very decent place to visit. I would give it 8 out of 10 for overall experience. Staff are friendly and always come fill the water. Credit cards friendly and they even have stamp cards to collect loyalty point is another bonus. Parking is decent since it's inside...

This place is on the 2nd floor inside Aberdeen, is easy to miss as it is kind of in a corner with less foot traffic. The store is a bit small, so it can get busy during peak hours.

They have a wide selection of ramen to choose from, as well as special seasonal options as well. Ordering is super easy as you can scan the QR code to order on your own. Or if you are ordering take out, you can also find the ordering page online and pay. Portion, like others have mentioned, is on the smaller side on par with the pricing ($12-$18 per bowl), but is still a good lunch. Been there for a few times and tried different ramens, their broths are very flavourful. Food are being served rather quickly as well. Online order/pick up was also super quick. My order was well-packed. Everything was separated from the broth in the bowl, so it does not get soggy. The bowl was wrapped in a plastic bag, utensils provided with a cardboard underneath to make sure it stays upright. Came in a reusable bag as well.

Service is amazing. The staff are all very friendly, polite, and accommodating. Will regularly check in with you as well.

Overall, the place is pretty cozy. Seating can be a bit tight as it is a smaller store, so you might be seated next to another party.

9/10 would recommend trying once. Their wide selection of ramens will have you go back there a...