Tag Archives: Ramen

02.05.25
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Free to View! God of Ramen, A Documentary on YFF Theatre

God of Ramen Movie PosterStreaming period [JST] 2025/02/01 11:00:00 – 2025/05/01 11:00:00

You can now stream the beautiful documentary about The God of Ramen online at YFF Theatre. This free streaming service has been available for nearly a decade now, and it helps popularize Japanese films and videos around the world. The Japan Foundation is funding this service, and it’s a great place to check out fond favourites, like this foodie staple.

After Come Back Anytime, I had to wonder what other documentaries exist about renowned ramen chefs. When the craving hits, and I need something more to warm my soul. I’m not out to look for how to recreate recipes at home. Instead, I was hoping for insight about why Taishoken ramen is better than others. When this dish is comfort food for the masses, and only a handful of people know how to elevate it to ambrosia like levels. 

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11.06.24
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Sometimes Finding The One Japanese Place to Regularly Hit Isn’t All That “Yoshi”

20240929_124317Gateway Village
771 Vernon Ave
Victoria, BC

Hours: 12:00pm to 8:00pm Daily
Phone: (250) 475-3900
Menu: yoshisushi.ca

ES: In anime, “Yoshi” (where the I is silent) can mean, let’s do it, but in truth, it means excellence, and as a fixture in Victoria for such a long time, I’m sort of inclined to agree Yoshi Sushi is a great place to give your taste buds a treat. Had I truly wanted to go crazy, I could’ve gone for the massive platter of sashimi on my birthday to really experience all the wonders, but to be honest blowfish wasn’t on the menu and what’s offered are the safe staples.

The exception is with a soft shell crab roll, which when properly still warm, can do wonders to excite the taste buds. Or should I say the baos?

DK: My experience with the Japanese language pretty much begins and ends with doing flashcards with my roommate in the TRU dorms before tossing rotten vegetables into the parking lot from our balcony. Don’t know if he ever passed that test, but we did make room in the fridge for more eggs and bacon for our roommates to “borrow.” 

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07.17.24
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[Vancouver, BC] The Fast and the Furious with Ramen Danbo on Robson St.

20240216_2203321333 Robson St
Vancouver, BC

Hours: Daily from 11p.m to 11 p.m.
Menu: ramendanbo.com
Phone: (604) 559-8112

On a chilly night, sometimes a warm dish of ramen is required to chase the blues away. Technically, we’re now in summer, and it’s a great time to explore the big city, or the adjacent municipality like Richmond. Trying to find a bite late at night isn’t all that tough, but when my appetite strikes closer to midnight, the options are fewer. Thankfully, Ramen Danbo came to the rescue! With this chain opening operations all around the world (almost), I had to check out this operation. Every time I’m on the Robson strip, I see lineups. 

The buzz is in the broth, and it’s all about what’s in the white tonkotsu (pork bone) soup. Part of the process is now “mass-produced” so that it can be shipped to outlets so it can be brewed properly in house. Unlike open window operations, I couldn’t get to see how it’s made (when compared to another place I hit while in town).

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03.06.24
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Otaki, A Destination for Fans of Yamadai Instant Ramen!

window displayThere’s a new operation in Victoria, BC which is designed to feed the hungry instant ramen enthusiast and also sell geeky wares. Otaki has over 30 flavours from Yamadai, and it all comes courtesy of the stock that the sister operation, Sakura Grocery, has. The plan is to provide even more brands from other parts of Southern Asia so that those hungry asian noodle eaters will say this shop is the place to go to find that comfort food from home.

Besides Oni Oni, which is a convenience store that sells delicious rice balls, the decision to open another operation was in response to the pandemic. Some folks wanted something to do. Although that time is behind us, these individuals didn’t quit these hobbies. That’s the reason this store is stocking up on those bestsellers and will consider how to expand from there. Because some folks are lazy to cook, instant ramen became all the rage for some self isolating, and as for what other instant goods one wants depends on who you ask.

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03.06.24
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In Victoria, BC, There’s a A Ramen Bar, but What’s Geekware?

This bit of tantalizing news dropped on some social media channels in the past few days, and we will update as soon as we can. This operation is opening today, and we have roving reporter Ed Sum going to this place near Market Square in Victoria, BC to investigate. We will update with further information, photographs as soon as possible.

Ramen Bar and Geek Ware

01.04.23
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Lots of Great Umami Exists with a Kiss at Kissato Sushi

20221116_175220Kissato Sushi
2027 Oak Bay Ave
Victoria, BC

Hours: Tues to Sat, 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5 to 8pm.
Phone: (250) 370-5195

I’m surprised that I never noticed Kissato Sushi before in my sojourns to the municipality of Oak Bay, which is one district over from where I live. The main reason is that there aren’t a lot of areas to park my car. It’s almost a must bus in the zone, given how restrictive the area is for vehicle traffic along the strip.

When I am here, I make the most of my time here. The avenue is even more of a throwback to the yesteryear than any other area, and I’m glad there are no signs of modernisation here, except maybe one operation or two.

The best known operations for eats here include the Ottavio Italian Bakery & Delicatessen and The White Heather Tearoom (review link). For where to buy alcohol, I highly recommend The Cork and Barrel; they are one of the few places that keeps a good stock of Strange Brew’s holiday drinks. Also, the Penny Farthing bar can be hit or miss, but as for buying delicious meats, I heartily believe The Whole Beast is tops. I go there to purchase their maple rosemary bacon. 

With all that said, this district has only three sushi operations still running. Sadly, Osaka Sushi (review link) is permanently closed, and I consider them one of the best. Thankfully, Kissato can fit the bill, even though their selection is not as extensive. That is, sea urchin isn’t available. In what they offer is a terrific catalogue of the staples. The fish was especially fresh since my friend Max and I arrived at the opening, and we had enormous appetites going on. 

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