Decided this afternoon to put aside the electric unicycle and just walk downtown abit. Hokkaido ramen Santouka was on my route and i dropped by to order the cha-shu kara-miso ramen, large size. After picking up my order, i walked over to the public gathering area of ryerson university to sit and eat my afternoon snack. What struck me was the packaging of the takeout. The ramen noodles, cha-shu, and accompanying vegetables were all very neatly packed into 1 double walled/stacked cardboard bowl. And to top it off, the cook/chef arranged all the meat and vegetables in a very well ordered fashion, atop my large order of ramen noodles. It was so well arranged and packaged, i thought there was not enough to eat. Well, my assumption was completely wrong... there was ALOT of ramen noodles and kara-miso broth !!! Aside from the food, eating utensils and napkins, there is one extra item that i think should be mentioned. Included with my takeout order is a small page containing eating and reheating instructions: who does that ? I mean, WHO CARES ENOUGH TO INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT YOUR TAKEOUT FOOD ? I send out a big thankyou to this dundas st. location of Hokkaido Ramen Santouka for adding that nice xtra touch to their takeout packaging. This is the only ramen restaurant i have seen so far that adds instructions to their takeout food packaging.
As for the ramen, it was piping hot, and not overcooked. The cha-shu is fine, and the broth just had a hint of heat, very mild. I would add a dash of chili paste next time to kick the heat up abit.
For sure i will be returning to try their green chili Tsuke-Men !!!! This dundas location is a return...
Read moreThere is no other ramen establishment I can say I’ve eaten at with confidencemore than Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.“ The age old “Best ramen in Toronto” debate is arguably one of the city’s most heated debates, but regardless of what the majority vote, there is no better ramen than the ramen that speaks to you.
Perhaps in part to subconscious bias, Hokkaido, has always been soft spot for me, from the iconic oysters and seafood delicacies, to the millennia old history and rich culture that contributed to Japan’s history.
From the iconic blue ceramic bowls, to the consistency of the broth, if there is one combo I can always swear by, it is the Toroniku ramen. If this isn’t available as a stand alone, the Toroniku can be selected as a side dish and combined with a shio, shoyu, or whatever ramen is preferred. For the uneducated of us, Toroniku is the pork jowl, or pig’s cheek. The texture is a more tender than the pork belly, due to the constant movement and daily exercise of the pig’s mouth. When combined into the context of a ramen dish, this ultimately equates to a fatty and juicy, super flavourful combination, and absolute centrepiece than what other establishments simply cannot, and have not, offered. Unlike Chashu, which can often be seared /with a burn like texture, this type of meat simply melts in the mouth.
The noodles aren’t half bad either, and compliment the rich soup base perfectly.
Overall, Hokkaido Santouku is incomparable, bringing its own perspective to Japanese gastronomy, and will forever be etched in the minds of those who are open to try...
Read moreHokkaido Ramen Santouka is a fantastic restaurant that offers authentic Japanese ramen dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From the moment you step in, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that transports you to Japan.
One of the standout dishes at Santouka is their signature Shio Ramen, which is a delicate and flavorful broth that is made using premium ingredients. The broth is simmered for hours, resulting in a rich and savory flavor that is perfectly balanced with the tender slices of char siu pork, bamboo shoots, and other fresh ingredients. The noodles are cooked to perfection and have a great texture that complements the broth well.
In addition to their Shio Ramen, Santouka also offers a variety of other delicious ramen dishes such as Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, and Spicy Miso Ramen. They also have a great selection of appetizers, including gyoza and takoyaki, which are a great way to start your meal.
The service at Santouka is top-notch, with the staff being friendly, helpful, and attentive to your needs. They take great care to ensure that your dining experience is enjoyable and comfortable, making you feel like a valued customer.
Overall, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for authentic and delicious Japanese ramen dishes. The food is top-notch, the service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. If you haven't tried it yet, make sure to add Santouka to your list of must-visit...
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