Restaurants
Kenzo Ramen
Kenzo Ramen is bringing a revolution to our fair city, a ramen revolution that is. With noodle nosheries like Momofuku taking Manhattan by storm and similar chains established on the West Coast, Toronto is perhaps one of the few final frontiers to popularize this age-old dish.
Luring those among us who are a wee bit apprehensive, Kenzo's storefront is plastered with detailed photos mapping out the culinary journey ahead. Immobile in front of the facade, I learn that ramen was first brought over to Japan by Chinese migrants in the 19th century. The soup noodle quickly swept across the nation, particularly during wartime when people sought a cheap, easy way of nourishment.
With a belly aching for warm soupy goodness, I head into the ramen shop on a weekday afternoon. Inside, Kenzo Ramen is no different than any other sushi joint in town. Typical wooden table sets and pseudo Japanese cloth screens adorn the split- level dining room. Service is straightforward and efficient, however could use an extra touch of friendliness or perhaps even a smile. 
I'm disappointed to find out that their signature Tonkotsu ramen, a pork bone based broth that is simmered for over 20hours, has been temporarily pulled from the menu. I settle for Sho-yu ramen, ($6.95) a dark soy sauce based soup, garnished with thin slices of fatty pork,a single sliver of Japanese fish cake, sautéed bamboo shoots, thin slices of dried seaweed, green onions and half of a marinated soy sauce egg. The noodles are thin and bear a springy texture that only freshly made noodles can have.
We also order Shi-o Ramen ($5.95), which is almost identical in appearance, except that it has a lighter broth and is minus the tasty demi egg.
Gyozas ($6.95) are pan-seared and crisp, squirting juice upon contact. The scrumptious pork filling, peppered with crushed ginger and diced green onions is enveloped by a delicate wrapper.
Many may scoff at Korean owners Daniel and Jane Park along with Chef Fang Yong Song for opening a traditional Japanese ramen shop; however, they have dedicated the past 7 years to perfecting the art of making the best bowl of brothy noodles this side of the Pacific. The Parks don't skimp on details and painstakingly import most machinery and ingredients from Asia.
Always a few steps ahead, Kenzo Ramen will be offering izakaya style fare (including an array of kushimono, skewered meat sticks) to its evolving menu come autumn.
Photos by Casey Cunningham
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You can get with vegetarian miso broth
Definitely want to eat here sometime soon.
Embarassing!
I think too many people watched Tampopo and judge themselves to be experts. The food is great.
Also if a greek ran the place I'd still have no problem with it, it's an interpretation of the Japanese take on an old Chinese dish. Either enjoy it or don't.
it's stupid 'cause I asked them to say one of the noodles dish in Japanese, and they didn't know how to say it..
these people cook food, they are not in the marketing business
you just screwed up basic english sentence structure in all of your posts, yet your message got across
you want real japanese go to tokyo grill, great little place
just so happens it doesn't do japanese food as well as these koreans do it
And, I have to agree with the above posters ... who gives a crap where the people are from? They make good food. Period. Yeesh.
Then by that accord, Nota Bene is crap because of David Lee (Chinese), Momofuku Noodle Bar sucks because of David Chang (Korean), and Per Se couldn't hold a candle to French cuisine because of Keller (American).
"i think it is stupid.. it is stupid.. esp they screwed up a basic hiragana, it's stupid 'cause I asked them to say one of the noodles dish in Japanese, and they didn't know how to say it.."
I figured this out guys. Jack is an adolescent, but definitely Japanese. In Japan some people do look down on Koreans and Chinese, so I suppose this is just him being elitist. Sadly to the point where he tests the waitresses here to see if they are reproducing his culture properly. Man that is too much.
Ajisen may be slightly better, depending on your preferences.
food was really good but one thing that wasn't up to par is their service. on a sunday night, with the restaurant in full house plus plenty of people waiting at the door, there were only 2 waitress who weren't attentive enough (or were just too occupied), our food didn't arrive until we asked them to check on our order.
Much better ramen can be had nearby at Konichiwa or Tokyo Grill. Manpuku is also close by and they have much better noodles in general (although no ramen).
This place is not good.
Good for them. But らーぬん? That reads "raanun." Come on, if you're going for the authentic feel, double check the spelling!
see ya later Pho, ramen is the new chief in town
Oh FYI Tokyo Grill on yonge and wellesly makes their own ramen in the house. Witness the process in person. Also they seemed to owned by Japanese people if that matters to you. If you like places like Kenzo it's worth checking it out. Plus they have the best chicken katsu I ever had.
I've been to Ramen-Ya in Montreal, which is in my opinion, the best ramen shop you'll ever find this side of the country. When I was visiting Toronto and saw this place I wanted to go real bad to experience a different place to compare the different ramen recipes they might have. Also, with the pictures out front it looked authentic.
However, the Ramen-Ya place in Montreal is a thousand times better. This Kenzo ramen shop is really selling Korean soups in disguise and they are really not that tasty. It tasted like regular store bought noodles, and the broth just tasted like some instant cup-o-soup Kimshi bowl noodle stuff. Nothing to go crazy for. And the gyoza, however huge they were, were just some regular Chinese dumpling recipe. Not Japanese.
If you want to experience authentic TASTY ramen, don't go there.
Hi, this is Kenzo Ramen.
We are now pleased to announce that We recently open new Kenzo on 372 Bloor st. West Toronto (416)921-6787.
We hope you come and enjoy at our new location as always.
Thank you and it is always a great honor to serve you all.
Sincerely,
Kenzo Ramen