Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, rich with a full-bodied Asian influence. Among the city’s comfort foods, Japanese ramen reigns supreme for many Vancouverites. Whether you’re a seasoned ramen aficionado or a curious newcomer ready to explore the delicate tang of yuzu, the richness of tonkotsu bone broth, or the perfect bite of hand-crafted noodles, Vancouver’s ramen scene has something to satisfy every craving.
Here’s my first roundup of seven of the best ramen restaurants in the city that no noodle-soup lover should miss. (Stay tuned for Part 2!)
As a proud local Vancouverite and devoted ramen enthusiast, I’ve made it my mission to explore every ramen spot this city has to offer. From iconic downtown locations to hidden neighbourhood gems, I actively seek out and take delight in each bowl I can find.
My dedication to trying every ramen restaurant I hear about has led me to experience the full breadth of flavours and textures that define Vancouver’s ramen culture. This hands-on approach ensures I know exactly where to point fellow ramen lovers in search of the city’s most slurp-worthy bowls.
1. Ramen Danbo
With 4 locations in the Vancouver, Ramen Danbo is a local buzz-word and the go-to spot for authentic Fukuoka-style Tonkotsu ramen. Their customizable bowls allow you to choose your preferred noodle thickness, firmness, and even the richness of your broth. The Classic Tonkotsu Ramen with spicy miso is a must-try, especially when paired with their perfectly marinated soft-boiled egg.
Location: 1333 Robson St (West End), 1833 W 4th Ave (Kitsilano), 2277 W 41st (Kerrisdale) or 1445 Lonsdale Ave, (North Vancouver)
Must-Try: Classic Tonkotsu Ramen with Spicy Miso
2. Maruhachi Ramen
If you’re looking for something different from the usual pork-based broth, Maruhachi Ramen offers a rich and creamy chicken broth that’s sure to impress. Known for their handmade noodles and toppings, Maruhachi’s ramen is a bowl of comfort. Their Tamago Ramen is a crowd favorite, featuring a perfectly soft-boiled egg that melts in your mouth.
This chain boast 5 locations in Metro Vancouver: 2 downtown, one in Mount Pleasant, one in Richmond and one in Burnaby, and I can attest that service at all five spots is extremely fast, clean and efficient!
Location: 780 Bidwell St (West End), 270 Robson St (Central Library), 2858 Main St (Mount Pleasant), 2780 No. 3 Rd (Richmond), or 5278 Kingsway (Metrotown)
Must-Try: Tamago Ramen
3. Menya Juémon
*Update: As of September 2024 Menya Juémon has closed and transitioned to ONIGIRI YA, where you can now get top-notch onigiri 🍙 in Vancouver! I’ll miss the ramen but I’m here for the tuna filled rice balls, that’s for sure!
Menya Juémon is my newest obsession and a top destination for ramen lovers seeking bold flavours and perfectly crafted bowls. This location offers a cozy setting with a menu that focuses on traditional yet refined ramen.
Their Truffle Shoyu Ramen is a crowd favorite, featuring a rich soy-based broth infused with the delicate aroma of truffle, giving the dish an elevated taste. Paired with chewy noodles and generous portions of tender pork chashu, it’s a must-try for those looking to indulge in something special.
Location: 545 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Must-Try: Truffle Shoyu Ramen
4. Ramen Kounotori
Ramen Kounotori is a notable addition to Vancouver’s ramen scene, offering a unique focus on chicken-based broths. Located at 3950 Main Street, this cozy eatery is celebrated for its meticulously prepared broths, particularly the Tori Shoyu Ramen. This dish features a chicken and seafood broth that undergoes a 72-hour preparation process, resulting in a deep, rich flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional pork-based broths.
The menu also includes options like the Tori Paitan Ramen, known for its creamy chicken broth, and the Tori Shio Ramen, which combines chicken and seafood flavors with sea salt. With its dedication to quality and distinctive offerings, Ramen Kounotori provides a refreshing take on classic ramen, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking new flavours.
Location: 3950 Main St, Vancouver, BC
Must-Try: Tori Shoyu Ramen
5. Ramen Gojiro
Ramen Gojiro is a must-visit for those who love hearty portions and bold flavors. Situated in downtown Vancouver, this popular spot specializes in jirō-style ramen, featuring thick noodles, rich garlicky broth, and generous toppings like bean sprouts and chashu pork. The atmosphere feels like late-night ramen spots in Akihabara, making it perfect for students seeking a cheap, filling meal.
Their signature Chicken Karaage or Chashu Bakamori Ramen is notable for its size, featuring an enormous amount of noodles with bean sprouts—perfect for those with a big appetite. Even my 6’4″ husband couldn’t finish his! I prefer the Yuzu Shio Ramen with its clear, light broth and chicken, as their shoyu broth is a bit salty for my taste. Yet with over three thousand ratings and a solid 4.2 stars on Google, Ramen Gojiro’s vibrant atmosphere and hearty servings make it a favorite for ramen enthusiasts seeking a satisfying meal.
Location: 501 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC
Must-Try: Chicken Karaage Ramen
6. The Ramen Butcher
Situated in the heart of Chinatown, The Ramen Butcher is famed for its modern clean and funky atmosphere and rich, pork-based tonkotsu broth. There is even an outdoor patio during the summer months. They offer a variety of flavours, including seasonal specials, spicy, black garlic, and vegan and vegetarian options.
The Black Ramen with garlic oil is a standout, offering a deep, umami-packed experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Location: 223 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
Must-Try: Black Ramen
7. Menya Raizo
Menya Raizo is a friendly local ramen spot that has gained a loyal following for its consistently flavourful broths, tender noodles and cosy private booth atmosphere. Known for crafting rich, umami-packed bowls, Menya Raizo offers a variety of ramen options, each meticulously prepared.
Their Black Garlic Ramen is particularly popular, combining a creamy tonkotsu base with roasted black garlic oil for a deep, earthy flavor. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners, offering a comforting experience in the bustling city.
Location: 401 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Must-Try: Black Garlic Ramen
Whether you’re in the mood for a rich and creamy tonkotsu or a light and flavourful shio, Vancouver’s ramen scene has something for absolutely everyone. It may not be Tokyo, Japan, but if you’re in the Pacific Northwest it’s pretty darn close! So grab your chopsticks and discover the best ramen in Vancouver while you slurp up your new favourite bowl in one of these killer spots.
How are your Canada travels coming along? Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Vancouver, indulging in fantastic coffee, or slurping up some of the best ramen in town, be sure to save this guide to make your experience fantastic!
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Happy eats!
♥ Agni
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