Authentic, delicate, delicious, best value and service Japanese ramen! Horin has crowned my favourite tonkotsu ramen in Metro Vancouver! Their appetizers and side dishes are also very delicious. The lineup tells you a lot. Regardless the day in the week, you always see lineups around lunch and dinner time.
The first time I went with a friend. I ordered their combo, which is highly recommended. You get a ramen of your choice, 1 side and 1 salad by adding just under 6 bucks. The value is incredible. I got to try more of their dishes. My friend ordered ramen only.
- The One (House Special tonkotsu ramen - Small 100g)
- Matcha Tiramisu (1 side)
- Kimchi and Daikon (1 salad) (They ran out of Takana that day and replaced with Daikon)
- Tan Tan Ramen
We got to customize the noodle firmness, the level of soy sauce, the broth richness, the lean/fat/aburi seared of the Chashu, and the level of Horin chili. The level of their details to meet the individual's preference was appreciated.
For first timers, it's good to have everything in the middle. Then you can adjust to level up or down next time. Chili is very personal. You can have it or leave it.
The tonkotsu soup base was very tasty. The flavour and creaminess were perfect for me in medium. Their ramen is the common light yellow thin kind of noodle. Medium is a great texture. I really liked how thick and big their chashu were (4 pieces). So much yummier with the charcoal taste after Aburi seared.
Their salad/appetizer was very fresh and marinated nicely.
The side order I chose was a dessert - Matcha Tiramisu. Most of their sides are savoury dishes. The plating of the tiramisu was an eye gem. The floral ceramic bowl was so pretty. The marcha powder layered on top was perfect and not skimpy. It was creamy and full of matcha in the first few bites. When I scooped deeper, the espresso and ladyfingers blended with the cream made you forget for a moment that you were in a Japanese restaurant.
The Tan Tan Ramen my friend ordered was very flavourful as the soup already looked very appetizing.
When we were lining up before 6pm, we were the 3rd party in the line. The wait wasn't long. A few minutes in, a server brought water in paper cups on a tray to serve everyone in the line. How considerate and sweet!
Overall, this ramen restaurant is a must try. It is located facing Kingsway right between Crystal Mall and McKay. They accept plastic only. No cash. read more