Places to go for an authentic bowl of ramen in Montréal

In recent years, Montréal has been blessed with a blossoming ramen scene that has proliferated from non-existent to having places that specialize in regional Japanese specialties. If you’ve never had ramen before, it’s a humble dish of fresh wheat noodles swimming in a broth (that has most likely been simmering for hours) topped with meats and vegetables. This quintessential Japanese comfort food has been growing in popularity as more and more noodle shops and ramen houses pop up around town. Here are the some of the best places to go for an authentic bowl of ramen.

Yokato Yokabai – 4185 Drolet Street

Located in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood, Yokato Yokabai specializes in authentic Hakata Tonkotsu style ramen—which is a pork bone-based soup. Their menu is a checklist that you fill out at your table. They offer two types of broth, pork bone and vegetarian, a choice of grilled pork or chicken and a myriad of toppings to garnish your bowl with that include scallions, soft boiled egg and seaweed. The wooden decor and rice paper paneling will transport you into a Kurosawa film. Their tongue-twisting name is a literal translation of a Japanese term that means, “I like it.” Order the extra salty pork bone tonkotsu, with extra scallions and half an egg and I guarantee you’ll love it.

Kazu – 1862 St. Catherine Street West

This popular downtown izakaya is known for line-ups that stretch down the street starting as early as an hour before the doors open. Known for their reinspired classic izakaya dishes, Kazu also serves up a mean bowl of ramen. Home-made noodles in a silky smooth miso broth topped with braised pork belly and scallions will leave you craving more. Try to grab a seat at the bar for a great view of the action of the open kitchen.

Misoya – 2056A Bishop Street

 Misoya is a ramen chain with over 30 locations worldwide that has been recognized in the New York Michelin guide for three years in a row. Their broths are miso-based and come in three different concentrations: shiromiso, komemiso and mamemiso. The tastes range from light to mild and sweet to a more robust and savoury full-bodied flavour. The classic bowl is delicious but try the curry ramen—a rich curry miso broth that’s topped with three pieces of chicken katsu (fried chicken cutlet), bean sprouts, corn and fried slices of potato.

Schlouppe Bistrot Nakamichi – 2159 Mackay Street

Nakamichi specializes in tori paitan-style ramen. A rich creamy soup made with chicken bones and rendered chicken fat that produces the most impossibly luscious broth that literally clings to every strand of noodle being pinched out of the bowl. The menu is straightforward and simple. You have a choice of three ramen bowls—including a vegetarian option.  The menu also consists of great side dishes and salads. Get the combo special that includes a side dish and home-made green tea ice cream with your ramen.