Hokkaido Ramen Santouka- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pork Jowl, Very Salty Broth
After having croissants at Footo Delights, Meta Knight and I checked out Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. I have heard
so many great things about this place through blogs and word of mouth but I
distinctively remember trying Ramen Santouka when it first opened and was not
impressed with their ramen.
Their display case is so eye-catching. I bet a lot of people
who walk by stare at it and decide to try the restaurant because of it.
The interior is quite cramped and stuffy which I didn’t
particularly enjoy. Meta Knight and I were sitting with another couple at the
same table and we found it a bit weird and uncomfortable.
particularly enjoy. Meta Knight and I were sitting with another couple at the
same table and we found it a bit weird and uncomfortable.
Meta Knight ordered the Toroniku
Shio Ramen ($12.95) which is a salt seasoned ramen with simmered pork jowl.
He really liked the soup base as it was light, yet flavourful. However, one
thing he did not like were the noodles as they were a tad overcooked and thus not chewy, or, al dente.
Shio Ramen ($12.95) which is a salt seasoned ramen with simmered pork jowl.
He really liked the soup base as it was light, yet flavourful. However, one
thing he did not like were the noodles as they were a tad overcooked and thus not chewy, or, al dente.
I ordered the Toroniku
Shoyu Ramen ($12.95) which is a shoyu flavoured ramen with simmered pork
jowl.
Shoyu Ramen ($12.95) which is a shoyu flavoured ramen with simmered pork
jowl.
The broth was thick, creamy and authentically produced by simmering
pork bone and rib for periods of time. It was also stronger in flavour
than the shio ramen. The only downside was that
the
broth was too salty and we were incredibly thirsty afterwards… hm, perhaps too much MSG?
pork bone and rib for periods of time. It was also stronger in flavour
than the shio ramen. The only downside was that
the
broth was too salty and we were incredibly thirsty afterwards… hm, perhaps too much MSG?
Along with the bowl of noodles, we were served pork jowl and
a bunch of toppings. I recommend getting the pork jowl as it
literally melts in your mouth. And I am not even exaggerating.
a bunch of toppings. I recommend getting the pork jowl as it
literally melts in your mouth. And I am not even exaggerating.
The pork jowl is full of flavour, full of fat, and is better
than the regular ‘cha shu’ by a mile. For me, this is a great occasional
indulgence. ;D
than the regular ‘cha shu’ by a mile. For me, this is a great occasional
indulgence. ;D
In my opinion, Ramen Santouka serves up great authentic ramen. However, I (along with Meta Knight) both found the broth too salty and the noodles were not up
to par with the other authentic ramen shops (such as Kintaro and Gyo-o) in Vancouver.
to par with the other authentic ramen shops (such as Kintaro and Gyo-o) in Vancouver.
Based on these reasons:
- authentic ramen and amazing pork jowl
- location is in the heart of downtown
- if you go during prime time, prepare to wait 20 or more minutes
- very oily and salty broth and ‘meh’ noodles
Service Rating: 4/5
Food Rating: 3/5
Price: $$
Overall Rating: 3/5
Happy Eating!
