Strategically located in the downtown golden triangle between Starbucks and LuLuLemon and directly across from the Victoria Tourist office. But don’t let the busy locale get in your way of a visit to Kinton Ramen, well known to Vancouverites and Kelowna fans, this localtion is ideal. It’s easy to find, it’s on one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in Victoria. Steps from Government Street but tucked around the corner on Wharf Street in a brand new building. Customs House is an iconic and historical location and much loved locale to enjoy the Victoria harbourside.
But that’s not all, Kinton Ramen on Wharf Street in Victoria serves up hot and tasty Ramen. Four kinds; Pork, Chicken, Beef and Vegetarian with four different flavoured broths and your choice of thick, thin or gluten free noodles.
I cannot believe this was my first time trying Ramen and I can assure you it will not be my last. Everything we tried was delicious. By “we” I mean myself and @canadianne_eats your local Victoria foodie in the know. Under her direction I was able to make some good decisions for my first foray into this yummy cuisine.
Service is timely and the team were both friendly and patient with our questions. The restaurant is very pleasant with good use of the space, modern and spotlessly clean.
We decided to try a few starters;
Edamame
So worth splitting the pod to get to the bean inside and they’re heathly too.
Original Kaarage
So good. I will be ordering the chicken Kaarage every time.
Pork Gyoza
I was already a big fan of Pork Gyozas but I had no idea they could be this good. Crispy and crunchy the best ever. I’ll be ordering these yummy dumplings every time too.
Time to move on to the main attraction:
Pork Miso Ramen
My first time and I am embarassed to admit the wooden spoon/scoop and chop sticks made for a slightly awkward first few moments so I asked for a knife and fork, luckily, no judgment. Why haven’t I had this before. Boy what I was missing. Can you say perfect lunch item.
For my companion:
Veggie Miso Ramen
Another hit! Lots of variety and colour in this dish that by all accounts really hit the spot. Servings are generous and half of this vegetarian went home for sharing. Two thumbs up.
It was pretty busy and we didn’t want to keep people waiting so we opted out of desserts this time. Next time we are definitely indulging. Who can resist Matcha ice cream?
Soft drinks, lemonade, flavoured Pellegrino and Japanese tea available while Victoria waits for their liquor license to be finalized. Then expect to find Sapporo draft and non-alcoholic Sapporo on tap, hot or cold House Sake, Ramune (a carbonated, flavoured beverage in a bottle), pop and sparkling Pellegrino water.
Not yet up and running on Open Table for reservations but coming soon. Meantime, waiting time is short as the space has flexible seating that can quickly shift from a table for two, or more and back again. Also some bar seating right up where the action is.
Be sure to put Kinton Ramen on your list, whether you’re a visitor or a local. Take out available when you can’t get away from the office.
Check out their Summer Ramen Tour specials here. Also pop onto IG to catch @canadianne_eats post about our visit to Kinton Ramen.
Menu descriptions (in italics) courtesy of the restaurant. Images: MyVanCity. Feature image: Beef Miso Ramen (takeout) We reeeived our lunches complimentary, including a Beef Miso Raman to go (equally delicious by the way). A cash gratuity of 20% of the cost of our meal was left for the Kinton Ramen team.
