I rode by on my ebike and was curious. Went in and chose a window seat to watch my bike. Server promptly came by and gave me a menu. The menu itself is actually quite short, so you would think that the cooking would be great and the service would be quick.
Wrong...
I ordered the tantan ramen with the octopus ball appetizer. The order took way too long to process, i think it was around 10 to 15 mins. The appetizer was ok i guess - they were too perfect to be hand made and i wonder whether or not they were cooked enough cause the inside was abit too gooey... The ramen dish... the vegetables were stone cold, the broth luke warm, the marinated egg was not left in the marinade long enough to even darken the egg white. The noodles were abit over cooked and consequently, abit mushy. The broth was dull in taste and character. As for table condiments, there was a small jar of chilli paste, reminiscent of what is found in chinese restaurants. I asked for japanese chilli powder and the server pointed out their jar of chilli paste, well, ... okay. One other thing i call them out on is the offer of a free appetizer if i post a favorable review on instagram...nope, i will pay my bill and be candid in this review. This is my second supposed 'ramen' restaurant in old chinatown and i think i will avoid ANY 'ramen' restaurant in this area of the city... Service - 3/5 Food - 2 / 5 Im generous this afternoon, but im not taking the transit to this 'station' again...27$ just flew out of my wallet...sigh...and to think i could have gone to kenzo ramen, Hokkaido ramen santouka, even kinton ramen...still shaking my head in regret...
PS: please ditch the 'gold' theme on the utensils and things,...
Read moreThis is a great ramen place! Went with a large group of relatives and although seating was limited due to the small space they accommodated us. The ramen was excellent with a really strong taste compared to more mild bowls at other restaurants. Portion sizes were good too! Everyone in my party was satisfied with the food they received.
In addition, at the time that we visited there was a promotion where you would receive a free pop for one social media posting with an image. Limit of one person of course but this was a nice touch to build word of mouth for the restaurant. It was fun!
Now onto the negatives. First is the limited menu. One of the party members in my group was hoping for a bit more variety. In addition, once we ordered it took awhile for our food to arrive. Not to the point where we felt ignored but not as quick as other competing ramen restaurants. Finally, we were a party of six and we had to specifically ask for additional cups. There were only 5 at our tables and no one noticed that we needed an extra one until asked. Not a major issue, but many other restaurants that I have visited will go the extra mile to ensure that everyone has a cup as soon as possible once seating is completed.
Regardless of the minor quibbles, I still enjoyed eating here. Food tasted great, prices are reasonable for what you get and the the social media post for a free can of pop made experience a bit fun. Definitely check this place out and give them a chance. On my list of ramen places to eat when I am near...
Read moreRamen Station – A Must-Visit in Toronto’s Chinatown!
I recently visited Ramen Station on a freezing day (hello, -20°C wind chill!), and it was the perfect remedy for the cold. Located at 361 Spadina Ave., this cozy spot serves up some of the best ramen I’ve had in the city.
🍜 Miso Ramen The broth is incredibly rich and flavorful, made from pork bones, trotters, and chicken feet. It’s thick, collagen-packed, and warms you up from the inside out. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the chashu + soft-boiled egg make it a complete meal.
🍗 Karaage (Fried Chicken) Crispy, juicy, and not greasy at all. A great side dish to complement the ramen.
🥟 Gyoza (Pan-Fried Dumplings) These were a highlight! Thin, crispy bottoms with a flavorful filling. Dip them in the vinegar sauce for an extra kick.
✨ Standout Feature: FREE REFILLS on their house-made plum juice! It’s sweet, tangy, and the perfect palate cleanser between bites.
The prices are very reasonable (~$15 per bowl), and the portions are generous. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.
If you’re in Toronto and craving authentic, comforting ramen, Ramen Station is a must-try. I’ll definitely be back to try their Creamy Mushroom Vege Ramen and Black Tonkotsu...
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