Slurp-worthy Delights: Top Picks for the Best Ramen in Vancouver

If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, chances are you've tried or at least heard of ramen. This popular dish consists of a bowl of steaming hot broth filled with fresh noodles, toppings, and seasonings.

While ramen originated in Japan, it has become a beloved dish in many countries, including Canada. Vancouver, in particular, has a thriving ramen scene with plenty of options to choose from.

In this article, we'll be exploring the best ramen spots in our city, from classic tonkotsu ramen to unique fusion creations. Whether you're a longtime ramen enthusiast or simply curious to try something new, our guide has got you covered. We've scoured the city to bring you the ultimate list of must-try ramen restaurants in Vancouver. So, get your chopsticks ready and prepare to slurp your way to noodle nirvana with our favorite ramen restaurants in Vancouver.

If you're looking for a unique take on ramen, Maruhachi Ra-men is definitely worth a visit. This cozy and intimate ramen shop is located in the heart of Vancouver and also has multiple locations throughout the city. It has gained a loyal following for its creamy chicken broth ramen.

Maruhachi, once called Marutama, is different from most ramen places because they use a smooth chicken broth instead of the usual pork or beef soup. This makes their ramen just as creamy but possibly lighter. The result is a bowl of ramen that is equally creamy but arguably lighter. The broth is made from free-range chicken and is simmered for hours to achieve the perfect level of richness and depth of flavor. The noodles are perfectly cooked and complement to the flavorful broth.

One of the must-try dishes at Maruhachi is the Cha-shu Tamago ramen. This signature dish contains Marutama's creamy chicken broth and is a perfect example of the shop's unique take on ramen. It's like an upgraded version of chicken noodle soup, with tender slices of pork chashu, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich and creamy broth that will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted. 

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, Maruhachi Ra-men also has something to offer. Their Veggie Curry Ramen is a delicious bowl of noodles in a savory vegetable broth.

If you love ramen and live in Vancouver, you might know about Hokkaido Ramen Santouka. It's a very famous ramen place in the city, and it's well-known for a good reason. Santouka started as a small restaurant in Hokkaido with only one type of ramen (the commonly known Shio ramen) and now it's popular all over the world.

Santouka wants to make tasty, healthy ramen that everyone in the family can enjoy. They make their soup in house and use very little salt and fake flavors, so it tastes light and subtle. They cook pork for a long time to make the soup rich and full of flavor. Once the soup is done, they don't cook it again to keep the flavours just right.

Their Shio Ramen is a foolproof option, but we also suggest trying the Spicy Miso. It's a tasty and spicy version of miso ramen with a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of spiciness.

It's no surprise that Santouka is a popular spot in downtown Vancouver. The restaurant is highly regarded as one of the top ramen spots in the city and has a dedicated following, which is evident by the long line of people often seen waiting on the street. However, the best part about ordering takeout is that you won't have to stand in one of the most infamous ramen lines in Vancouver.

Horin Tonkotsu Ramen offers one of the best ramen in Vancouver for a nice night out, along with a fantastic sake menu to accompany your meal. Horin Ramen has been around for over 50 years, originating in Japan, and has since made its home in Vancouver.

The restaurant has an elegant feel, with stylish décor and a sleek glass exterior that showcases the sake on full display. But don't let the high-end look intimidate you; Horin Ramen is still a casual spot for a quick meal with friends or a casual ramen date.

One of the best things about Horin Ramen is the customizations they offer. You can choose the flavor, broth richness, noodle firmness, and spiciness levels to create the perfect bowl of ramen for your taste. The result is a very flavorful ramen with hearty portions and great service.

If you're not sure what to order, we highly recommend trying "The One". This dish is plenty of food and super tasty, with a rich and flavorful broth that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Horin Ramen keeps their offering simple with just ramen and sake, but they do it exceptionally well.

If you're looking for a unique and modern take on ramen, look no further than Zubu Ramen. With several locations around Vancouver, this trendy Japanese restaurant is perfect for a quick lunch or a night out with friends.

The interior is sleek and stylish, with plenty of seating and natural light. It's the perfect spot to take some Instagram-worthy photos of your meal.

But let's talk about the food! The menu at Zubu is extensive, with plenty of options for ramen lovers and sushi enthusiasts alike. Their ramen flight is a must-try, giving you the chance to sample three different types of ramen in one sitting. For those looking for something a little different, the Beef Tongue Ramen and Truffle Vegan Ramen are both popular choices.

Don't forget to pair your meal with a signature cocktail or a glass of sake. The drinks menu at Zubu is just as impressive as the food menu, with plenty of options to choose from.

If you're on the hunt for hearty and filling ramen, Ramen Gojiro is a must-try spot in Vancouver. Not only do they offer traditional chashu pork as a side to their ramen, but you can also opt for their deliciously crispy karaage for an extra bit of crunch in your bowl.

The portions at Ramen Gojiro are definitely on the larger side, making it an excellent spot for those with a big appetite. Their bowls are piled high with plenty of noodles and meat, ensuring you'll leave feeling satisfied and full.

In addition to their delicious ramen offerings, Ramen Gojiro also serves up a variety of other Japanese dishes, including dumplings, salads, and more. And if you're in the mood for a drink, they have a great selection of beers to choose from as well.

One thing that sets Ramen Gojiro apart from other ramen spots in the city is their tasty vegetarian miso ramen option. It's the perfect choice for vegetarians or those looking to switch up their usual order.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic ramen experience, The Ramen Butcher is a must-visit spot in Vancouver. This Chinatown staple is known for its Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, with noodles made fresh in-house every day, using a traditional method that creates a wonderfully chewy texture.

Their tonkotsu broth is also made in-house, simmered for hours with pork bones until it becomes rich, creamy, and deeply flavourful. It’s the perfect base for any of their ramen offerings, whether you prefer a classic pork belly and egg combination or something a little more adventurous.

But what really sets The Ramen Butcher apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and unique flavours. Their black garlic ramen is a crowd favourite, featuring a deeply savoury broth that’s infused with garlic and topped with tender slices of pork belly.

Vegetarians need not fear, as The Ramen Butcher also offers vegetarian miso ramen that’s both tasty and satisfying. And if you’re looking for a little something extra to round out your meal, be sure to try their gyoza.

If you're a true ramen lover, then you definitely need to visit Menya ITTO, the new talk of the town in Vancouver's ramen scene. This top-rated ramen shop from Tokyo has finally landed in Vancouver and has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

What sets Menya ITTO apart is their rich, smooth broth that's slowly simmered for 12 hours to bring out the perfect balance of chicken, seafood, and other curated Japanese ingredients. And if you're a Tsukemen fan, their Classic Tsukemen is an absolute must-try. People line up for it for a good reason! The thicker noodles are served with Menya ITTO's signature broth and tasty meat and seafood fillings that create an explosion of flavours in your mouth.

But the delicious noodles and broth are not the only reasons to visit Menya ITTO. The elegant interior decor is also a feast for the eyes. The wooden panels along the walls and the centerpiece tree make the atmosphere cozy and beautiful, and the friendly staff adds to the warm and welcoming ambiance.

Make sure to order the smoked duck as a side dish to complement your ramen!

Are you looking for a ramen spot that not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a lively atmosphere? Try Jinya Ramen Bar!

Their ramen bowls are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Each bowl is massive and filled with colourful ingredients that pop. It’s an Instagram-worthy moment for sure!

Jinya Ramen Bar takes their craft seriously, using only the finest ingredients to create their famous broth. The broth is simmered for 20 hours, creating a rich and flavourful base that is combined with whole pork bones, chicken, or vegetables. The ingredients are carefully chosen and perfectly balanced to create a thick and savoury broth that will leave you craving more.

The atmosphere at Jinya Ramen Bar is just as impressive as their food. The sleek and modern interior design creates a contemporary Japanese dining experience that is perfect for social gatherings. It’s a fun izakaya with a party vibe that makes it the ideal spot to hang out with friends after a drink or two, or even before a night out.

If you’re a fan of rich and flavourful pork broth, we highly recommend trying their Jinya Tonkotsu Black ramen. It’s the best ramen in Vancouver for those who love a good pork broth. For vegans, we suggest trying The Creamy Vegan ramen. It has just the right amount of fat and huge chunks of tofu, making it a satisfying and delicious choice.

Located in the heart of Vancouver, this casual joint is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Taishoken Ramen offers a selection of classic ramen dishes, including shoyu and miso. The wood decor adds to the cozy, intimate vibe, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your meal.

The menu at Taishoken Ramen is extensive, featuring all the classic ramen staples you could ever want. From traditional Tonkotsu to garlic-spiced oils, miso broths, and more, there's something for every taste bud.

Even vegetarians can enjoy a tasty bowl of ramen at Taishoken. Their Tomato Cheese ramen is a must-try, complete with tofu, caramelized onion, corn, basil pesto, and parmesan cheese. It's a unique twist on the classic ramen bowl that will leave you wanting more.

But the real star of the show at Taishoken Ramen is their Tsukemen. This dish consists of noodles that are eaten after being dipped in a separate bowl of soup or broth, allowing the noodles to maintain their chewy texture. The soup is rich and flavourful with a nice smokiness, and it coats the noodles perfectly. It's truly a great bowl of ramen.

If you're a fan of Tonkotsu ramen, then Ramen Danbo is a must-try when in Vancouver. This warm and traditional ramen restaurant offers a classic type of Tonkotsu ramen that's hard to find in Vancouver which is called Fukuoka-style. And the best part? You can customize your ramen order to your liking.

Ramen Danbo provides a menu that you can personalize and make your own ramen dish from scratch. You have the option to choose the type of noodles, the thickness of the broth, and the cooked vegetables as well as meats to add. Additionally, they offer various toppings to decorate your dish once it's served.

But if you're unsure where to start, their simple, Traditional Shio ramen is a great choice. The broth is flavorful and wholesome, and the Kyushu-style noodles are made in-house, which definitely shows.

The cozy atmosphere at Ramen Danbo only adds to the experience. You'll feel like you've been transported to Japan as you enjoy your delicious ramen bowl in this classic ramen house.

If you’re looking for a cute and intimate ramen spot in Richmond, G-men Ramen Shop should be on your list of places to try. With Japanese noodle soups and izakaya plates, this bustling and informal atmosphere is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

One of the standout dishes at G-men is their ramen. The noodles are made in-house with expert detail, ensuring that every bite captures the rich and tasty broth. If you’re not sure where to start, the menu has recommendations to guide first-timers. The signature Tonkotsu ramen is a great option, or you can go for the Ramen Combo if you’re extra hungry. For those who like a bit of heat, the RCMP ramen is a perfect choice with the perfect level of spiciness.

Aside from the ramen, G-men also offers delicious izakaya plates like their perfectly cooked Chicken Karage. It's moist on the inside and crispy on the outside, making it the perfect side dish to pair with your bowl of noodles.

Kokoro-Ramen is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for healthier and delicious, authentic Japanese ramen. Founded in 2016 by a group of professionals who share a passion for great food, the impeccable presentation, great place and decoration, wonderful service, and authentic taste from Japan will leave you wanting more.

For those who love Pork broth, the Kokuton Ramen is a perfect choice. The broth is deep, rich, and takes more than 10 hours of cooking time to prepare. Made with several different parts of pork bone, the broth is finished with house-made roast garlic black oil.

If you prefer Chicken Ramen, you can choose between the original and spicy options. The broth is made by cooking chicken at extremely high heat and for a long time. As a result, the broth turns white in color, becomes rich and creamy, and is full of flavor.

For those who crave a Vegetarian option, Kokoro-Ramen has crafted amazing ramens that are vegan-friendly. They use a variety of vegetables and different types of mushrooms to make the broth and add their original miso tare to boost the natural flavor. These vegan ramens are crafted without any MSG or meat products, and it's packed with layers of umami.