I visited Kyouka Ramen after a long break and was pleased to see that the restaurant has maintained its commitment to quality food. From the outside, the restaurant is easy to spot with its striking red, black, and white signage. The red walls, plants, and hanging vases create a cohesive look that draws attention, even if you're just passing by. Inside, the predominantly black decor seems designed to allow the food, served in white bowls, to take centre stage. However, the seating and tables are on the smaller side, giving the restaurant a tight, somewhat cramped feel. The menus were also a bit challenging to read, as they were printed in fine text with no pictures or numbers to differentiate the items. Here's what I ordered: Dipping Tsukemen: The dipping ramen was a highlight of the meal. Served in two bowls, the large bowl held a generous portion of noodles, along with three thick slices of chicken chashu and a halved soft-boiled egg. Although chilli paste was technically a $1 add-on, it was offered for free during our visit. The small bowl contained a rich, thick soup with a layer of fat on top, perfect for dipping the noodles and toppings. I appreciated that the soup wasn’t overly salty, yet still packed a robust flavour. The blend of pork broth into the chicken broth seemed to be crafted to appeal to a wider audience. However, the chicken chashu, while plentiful, was a bit dry. Since it wasn’t already immersed in broth, the slices were cold and dry, needing a soak in the soup before I could enjoy them. Kyouka Donburi: As a lunch option, I could add a donburi of any size to a ramen for $2 less. Although the menu indicated this deal was only for weekdays, the server kindly allowed me to order it on a Saturday. The donburi featured a healthy serving of pork chashu pieces and veggies on top of perfectly steamed white rice. The portion was generous, big enough to be a small meal on its own. Boneless Karaage: I had mixed feelings about the boneless deep-fried chicken. While the chicken was definitely juicy, it lacked the expected crispiness. The accompanying sauce didn’t particularly stand out either. Service was adequate, though our server didn’t check in on us much. The restaurant was clean and well-maintained. Overall, I had a good experience at Kyouka Ramen. The restaurant continues to deliver high-quality ramen, despite a few minor disappointments, such as the dry chicken chashu and lackluster karaage. Considering the overall value, I might revisit if I’m in the area to try their...
Read moreMy wife and I have been regular patrons of Kyouka Ramen for quite some time now, and I must say, it is an absolute gem that has captured our hearts and taste buds. This delightful ramen haven has become our go-to destination for a comforting and soul-satisfying dining experience, and we find ourselves returning week after week without fail.
The true star of the show at Kyouka Ramen is undoubtedly their house ramen. The moment the first bowl arrives at your table, you can't help but be enveloped by the aroma that wafts through the air. The rich and flavorful broth forms the foundation of this culinary masterpiece, and with every sip, you are transported to a realm of pure bliss. The balance of umami, depth, and subtle undertones is simply unmatched, leaving you craving for more with each spoonful.
The noodles at Kyouka Ramen are a testament to their dedication to excellence. Cooked to perfection, they possess an ideal balance of firmness and chewiness that only enhances the overall experience.
But it doesn't end there. Kyouka Ramen is known for its attention to detail, and their garnishes and toppings elevate the ramen to new heights. From the succulent and tender slices of chashu that melt in your mouth to the perfectly cooked ajitama (marinated soft-boiled egg) with its irresistibly creamy yolk, every component adds to the symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The addition of fresh green onions, completes the culinary masterpiece, bringing a delightful medley of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more.
Beyond the extraordinary ramen, the atmosphere at Kyouka Ramen is warm, inviting, and filled with the comforting aroma of simmering broth. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, always ready to provide recommendations or answer any questions you may have. The restaurant's dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience is evident in every aspect, from the warm welcome you receive upon entering to the sincere goodbyes as you leave with a satisfied belly.
In conclusion, Kyouka Ramen is a haven for ramen lovers, a place where the art of crafting exceptional bowls of this traditional Japanese dish is celebrated. If you're looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure that will transport you to ramen nirvana, look no further than Kyouka Ramen. Whether you're a connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates good food, their house ramen is an absolute delight that will have you coming back for more, time...
Read moreThis place is out near the beaches, so it was quite a trip for me since I took the 501. It's probably one of the only ramen places in the area, but it definitely did not disappoint.
It's a pretty small restaurant with limited seating: a few seats up at the bar, a table near the front for larger groups, and a few high seats along the sides for two. There's a coat rack near the doorway, so feel free to use it if needed. Washrooms are clean and maintained, though they are a bit small (but then the whole place is kind of small anyways).
Most of their ramen bowls are $11 when I went. The usual shio and shoyu bowls that you find on most menus in most ramen places. There were a couple bowls at $13, but I ended up going with the Kyouka Ramen for $11 because their name was on it; of course, if they put their name on it, it must be good right? You have the option to choose your level of spicy and salty as well.
About 5 minutes later, bowls were served up. The size of the bowl is not too bad: it's a little bigger than what you'd get at a place like sansotei for example. The Kyouka ramen comes as it is presented on the menu: one piece of pork, one piece of chicken half an egg, wood ear mushrooms, bean sprouts, one piece of naruto fish cake, ... well basically what they wrote down. No mystery there.
The broth was heavy in flavour, and the noodles had time to soak in some of that goodness. Definitely an enjoyable bowl, though if you're not a fan of salt you might want to get less salt in it.
We also got an order of chicken wings. It was deep-fried when our order was placed, so it's very hot when it arrives. Seasoned with sesame and pepper, it comes with a lot of flavour. You get 3 pieces for $6, which I feel is a bit too much for wings.
If you're in the area and craving ramen, Kyouka has...
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