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UBC/Point Grey

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Kinton Ramen is a Canadian chain of Japanese Ramen, which originated in Toronto. We actually went to Kinton Ramen in Toronto a few years ago and their ramen didn’t disappoint, so we were excited to try it out again.

Founded by Toronto’s Kinka Family in 2012, Kinton Ramen has earned critical acclaim for its chef-driven Japanese ramen dishes, which feature rich and flavourful broth paired with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Kinton Ramen’s new venture at UBC will be the first West Coast outpost for the celebrated ramen chain, which now boasts more than 20 locations around the world in Canada, Japan and the U.S. The restaurant has received numerous industry awards for its signature take on Japanese ramen – including a Platinum award in the ‘Best Asian’ category at the 2019 Toronto Star Reader’s Choice Awards – and has been voted ‘Toronto’s Best Ramen’ by readers of NOW Magazine for six consecutive years.

They are currently in soft opening mode.

Patio

Kinton Ramen at UBC is a sit down restaurant and because of the whole Covid-19 pandemic, only the patio was open when we were dining here.

Keeping you Safe

In accordance with current public health recommendations, Kinton Ramen has incorporated a number of new safety protocols into its day-to-day operations in order to protect restaurant staff and guests. While the eatery is usually known for its communal-style seating and energetic atmosphere, seating options have been reduced both indoors and outdoors to allow for physical distancing between diners. Additionally, all staff will be subject to pre-shift health screenings, must wear with PPE while interacting with guests, and will sanitize high-touch surfaces and common areas throughout the restaurant on a frequent basis.

Pork Miso

This has soybean paste, pork, corn, garlic oil, and scallions. We customized it with thin noodles, and then added an egg and seaweed.

The broth was very delicious and rice. There are a good amount of toppings included in the bowl. The cha shu was cooked nicely. We did feel the thin noodles were a bit on the soft side, so next time, we would want to ask for firmer noodles.

Veg Original

This has sea salt, fried bean curd, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, corn, onion ginger oil, and scallions. We customized it with thin noodles, and added on cheese, which came on the side. The broth was very nice, but we did feel the same about the noodles how they were a bit soft.

They have 4 different vegetarian ramens on the menu, which is a specialty just to this location. It’s great that there are so many options.

Karaage

We also got a side of ramen to accompany the meal. It has lemon and a garlic mayo. It was fried really nicely with crisp skin. The meat was also very tender.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki is deep fried octopus balls with tonkatsu sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and aonori. This was really good and it’s so good to have takoyaki again. It has a nice thin crisp exterior and very savoury on the inside.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s an amazing option for those at UBC at the centre of the campus. They do also have alcohol and dessert on the menu if you want more than just the savoury items. The prices are definitely very reasonable and won’t break the bank for a university student.

Address:
6111 University Blvd #102, Vancouver, BC

Website:
https://www.kintonramen.com/

It’s been 3 years since my last visit to Rajio Japanese Public House and I remember a lot of great nights here but I’m glad I’ve come back for more of their Osaka-style dishes.

Interior

The interior is fun and gives you a mix of traditional and modern feels. The space isn’t very large, but there are a decent number of tables.

Rajio’s Famous Fruit Punch

Their cute punch is served in a fresh watermelon or pineapple. Great for the Summer or what you need a smile on your face.

You cab have it with alcohol or without to customize your experience.

Beer

My favourite beverage to pair with Japanese food is beer as it helps cut the grease off some fried items. Plus, I love how light and refreshing it is.

Craft Ginger Ale

They have their original ginger ale recipe with freshly grated ginger, lime, lemon, and sweet brown sugar. It’s definitely different than the ginger ale at the stores since it has an extra kick of ginger balanced by the brown sugar.

Super Rib Steak

This $38 hug 2lb beef rib steak comes with sharp wasabi and a garlic soy sauce. I’ve always ordered their huge steaks before and they are a joy to eat. It is best to be shared among the table. Super tender and medium rare.

Modern Yaki

This is a featured dish, so it’s not on their permanent menu. It is a combination of Osaka Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba. I liked the concept, but the execution wasn’t ideal. As the dish cooled off, the okonomiyaki portion of it peeled off from the yakisoba hiding underneath. It was also quite rich and heavy compared to some other items that we had.

“Uni Bonara” Sea Urchin Carbonara

This was delicious item with the creamy udon paired with the fresh uni and the ikura. I enjoyed it and it was a good twist on an udon dish.

Y Mommy’s Assorted Oden

I love oden as it’s a warm bowl of comfort. There were so many items in this bowl with a bit of karashi, which is a spicy mustard. Put a little bit in as it really transforms the broth. Add more if you love the stingy wasabi-like feeling.

Chef’s Choice Sashimi

You can choose between 7 or 9 different types of sashimi chosen by the chef. It changes seasonally, but you can always ask ahead what you’ll get.

Hot Stone Crab Bibimbap

In the hot stone bibimbap bowl, there is snowcrab, crab miso, ikura, julienned omelet, shiso and scallions with a drizzle of their original sauce and a bit of ginger.

Kushikatsu

These skewers are Rajio’s signature skewers from Osaka. We got an assorted set with a mix of veggies and meat. One of my favourites are the shiitake mushroom, lotus root and eggplant.

Aburi Shime-Saba Sushi

There is delicious cured mackerel with Hokkaido kelp and vinegar is lightly seared and drizzled with a sesame mustard soy. Delicious and I love the taste of mackerel.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the atmosphere at Rajio is lively and fun. The food at Rajio is solid except for a few small misses in certain dishes.

We Rate Rajio:

Address:
3763 W. 10th Ave.
Vancouver, BC

Facebook:
http://www.rajiopublichouse.com/

Rajio Public House Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato