World-famous ramen chain opens first Canadian location in Toronto this month

A hugely popular ramen restaurant chain with locations around the world is finally about to open its first-ever Canadian location right here in Toronto.

Toronto has had a big year when it comes to popular Japanese food concepts venturing into the city. From the Michelin-approved Kajiken laying roots in North York to B.C.'s Saku, beloved for its katsu, opening at Yonge and Dundas.

Indeed, it's a very fruitful time in Toronto for fans of Japanese cuisine, with a whole crop of new restaurants adding to the city's already bountiful scene, but things aren't slowing down yet.

Officially opening for business on Friday, Dec. 12, Japan's Machida Shoten is the latest Japanese phenom to land in Toronto, serving up Iekei-style ramen that's all about rich, creamy broth and thick, chewy noodles.

Invented in Yokohama, Japan during the 1970s, Iekei ramen centres around a pork marrow and soy sauce broth base with thick, straight noodles and topped with the likes of chashu pork, spinach and nori.

Founded in 2008 in Machida City, Tokyo, Machida Shoten has earned international acclaim over its 17 years in business, going on to spawn over 800 locations in Japan on top of restaurants across Asia, Switzerland and the United States.

Now, it's finally about to be Canada's turn to taste what all the hype is about.

As it happens, though the restaurant's grand opening is slated for Dec. 12, you don't even have to wait that long to try Machida Shoten for yourself. As of Friday, Nov. 28, the restaurant has soft-opened, so you can stop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily for a bowl.

Machida Shoten is located at 326 College St.