KINTON RAMEN YONGE X RICHMOND — Restaurant in Toronto

Kinton Ramen – From Ramen Star to Franchise Flop

We ordered Kinton Ramen for lunch via UberEats on Dec 16th, 2024, and honestly, I wish we hadn’t. This is a brand that once set the bar for Japanese ramen in Canada after opening in 2012. Now? They’ve fallen off the wagon, likely distracted by their franchising ambitions. There are literally dozens of them in Toronto alone with this express location being probably the worst.

The result: a sad, soulless bowl of soup that barely deserved to be called ramen. The “Pork Shoyu Ramen” was a disaster. The broth tasted powder-based, overly salty, and utterly lifeless. I’m talking murky brown water with strange, unidentifiable ingredients bobbing around—fake seaweed, limp (fake) bamboo shoots, and two slivers of pork that looked like they were being punished. The scallions were the only thing that tasted remotely fresh, but even they couldn’t save the soup from itself.

No one at lunch finished their ramen. Even those who ordered the udon noodle soup left half or more untouched. That says a lot. And my experience? Bloating, heartburn, and a lingering regret that no amount of antacids could fix. For a bowl of ramen, I can handle a little discomfort—if it’s worth it. But this wasn’t.

Kinton, what gives? Quality control has clearly taken a nosedive. Your competition, Kibo Sushi House’s ramen doesn’t leave me wrecked, and guess what? It actually tastes excellent. Maybe revisit your roots, and get some quality control going on before you start losing all your customers who have...

They got absolutely slammed during the lunch rush and it's not their fault. I really enjoyed my first time there after the lunch rush (1-2pm) but I made the mistake of going at 12:45 or so and it took a very long time to get food and there just isn't enough seating. Ramen is a dine-in-only thing for me so I'll just remember to go later next time.

The ramen is good! It's nearly as good as other kinton locations. I think the company should be cared about expanding too aggressively and diluting their brand, though. Personally I would prefer seeing that the restaurant was slammed and had no seating left than order at a machine, not know how many people were getting take-out and wait 25 minutes while trying to hog a seat to ensure I actually get to sit and eat.

I think the order flow needs to be improved. I intensely hate order kiosks and feel sorry for businesses that get roped into the contracts with software companies to provide them. But... This is all very meta-restaurant-goer-experience claptrap.

I will be back because I love Kinton and they have good ramen here. I will just bear the annoying order process, which is probably unavoidable these days in downtown Toronto and I'll stop...

Kinton Ramen Express is a fantastic spot for a quick and satisfying meal, especially if you're craving soup and noodles. Located in downtown, it offers a convenient and affordable option for lunch. The prices are decent, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly meal in the heart of the city.

The service here is excellent. The staff is friendly, efficient, and always ready to help. Whether you're in a hurry or just looking for a cozy place to enjoy your meal, Kinton Ramen Express ensures a pleasant dining experience.

During my recent visit, I decided to try the Spicy Beef Mazemen. Unlike traditional ramen, it doesn't have a soup base, but it was incredibly tasty. The flavors were bold and satisfying, making it a delightful choice. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the beef was tender and flavorful.

As the weather starts to cool down, I definitely plan to drop by more often. There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of ramen to fend off the chill, and Kinton Ramen Express is the perfect...