It’s getting colder, and that means it’s officially soup season. Ramen is perhaps the most comforting dish out there, and luckily, we have excellent ramen by the ladleful in Calgary.
Broth, noodles, and tons of options for meat, veggies, eggs, and a heaping of other toppings can be added to create what basically tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect cure for a cold day.
Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch, a comforting dinner, or a delicious late-night snack, ramen is always a good idea.
Here are nine spots to find the best ramen in Calgary.
Shokunin combines local ingredients with Japanese techniques and flavours to create a unique dining experience. In addition to some amazing ramen, this eatery also features craft cocktails, charred yakitori, small plates, and sake.
Address: 2016 4th Street SW, Calgary
This ramen spot is so good that it only sells a limited number of bowls daily, so make sure you get yours before it’s gone. Be warned: The lines can get extremely long, but good ramen is worth the wait.
Address: 824 1st Avenue NE, Calgary
Popular Banff ramen spot, Ramen Arashi, has just opened its first Calgary location. The extensive menu offers several ramen varieties and aims to showcase the “best of the best” regional favourites such as Tonkotsu, Tan Tan, Shoyu and Miso ramen.
Address: 240 Kensington Road NW #103, Calgary
This Japanese BBQ restaurant has a grill installed at every table for a fun dining experience, but if you’re looking for something a little more simple, Gyu-Kaku also dishes out a couple of incredible ramen options, with an emphasis on garlic.
Address: #100 638 6th Avenue SW, Calgary
Serving ramen and pasta dishes, often on the same plate, this one-of-a-kind eating experience is modelled after the creative street food vendors in Tokyo train stations.
Address: 1505 15th Avenue SW, Calgary
This authentic restaurant that specializes in rice rolls and shaved ice treats now also has Canada’s first-ever Korean instant ramen machine.
It’s a fun fast food experience. First, you choose your noodles and grab any of the toppings you want — including fish cakes and eggs. Then, you set it up on the machine and watch it instantly cook at the push of a button.
Address: 919E Centre Street NW, Calgary
Located in Stephen Avenue Place, this is the perfect downtown lunch spot for a quick bite that also happens to be delicious.
Hakata ramen, or tonkotsu ramen, is a hot noodle soup dish with creamy, white, and rich broth. There are five different options at Goro + Gun, and we had the original tonkatsu, the vegan mushroom, and the patina ramen, served with noodles, chicken broth, BBQ pork, and bamboo shoots.
Address: 225 7th Avenue SW #245, Calgary
Chicking.yyc Ramen Shop is one of the best spots in town to get your hands on some ramen.
Located on Centre Street, this exciting concept (formerly known as Boom Boom Ramen House) serves up 12 different ramen bowls.
Address: 1817 Centre Street N, Calgary
JINYA is known for its slow-cooked approach to ramen, simmering its broths in-house for 20 hours. This contemporary Japanese dining chain offers a customizable menu, a sleek interior, and a rotating “Chef’s Special” dish.
Address: #180 1800 4th Street SW, Calgary