Where to Find the Best Ramen in Calgary?
Where will you find some of the best ramen in Calgary? If you’re like me, you get a craving for a bowl of noodle soup often and have a handy list of the best ramen restaurants in Calgary to go to when it does kick in.
Up until a few years ago the selection of ramen in the city was lacking, but today a handful of new restaurants have emerged which has given us more options and an alternative to your usual Vietnamese pho spot.
Like pho, most ramen restaurants in Calgary have their own signature broths and tastes. I’ve visited as many of them as I can to make this list of best ramen in Calgary for you to check out.
Make sure to leave us a comment below and let us know what your favourites are – we will add them to our list! Also see:
Ramen Ichinen
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- Address – #349 – 3132 26th Street NE
- Phone Number – 403-454-2646
- Website – ramen-ichinen.com
Our favourites
- Original Tonkotsu Ramen
- Tonkotsu Red Ramen
- Thin egg noodles
- Gyoza (housemade)
- Green tea jugs
Why we like it
- 10+ different ramen bowls
- lots of extra options: spice level, thin or thick noodles, etc.
- More options: pork shoulder or belly, green onion or mixed green, etc.
The Facts
Why is Ramen Ichinen one of the best ramen restaurants in Calgary? This Japanese noodle house is more than deserving of this list.
To start, Ichinen has a separate menu just for spice with four different tiers, each with increasing hotness. The top level of spice is made from two of the world’s hottest chili peppers, so be careful! There’s even cute little anime faces exploding with fire for the level 4 spicy description just to give the proper warning for those who dare. Each level costs $1.00.
Ichinen also has a ton of different customizable options. You get 1.5x the amount of noodles for free if you want, a choice of lean shoulder or fatty belly pork cha shu, mixed greens or onion, thick or thin noodles and several different ingredients to add all for between $1.00 to $3.00 per selection.
This ramen restaurant in Calgary also has unique broth that you wont find anywhere else. They even have a little stand on the table that takes you through the four steps as to how they make their broth in-house.
The original tonkotsu is unbelievable with its delightful sesame taste. Also, the gyoza dumplings are made in house and you can taste the difference.
Goro & Gun
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- Address – #245 – 225 7th Avenue SW
- Phone Number – 403-237-5596
- Website – goroandgun.ca
Our favourites
- Tonkotsu ramen
- Mazemen ramen
- Seared yellow tail roll
- Chinook tuna / albacore tuna sashimi
- Ramen burger
Why we like it
- Gluten-free noodle option
- Stand-up + happy hour $10 ramen
- Large selection of alternatives: bento, teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi
- New selections come often, like the creamy seafood ramen
The Facts
Calgary’s downtown core was blessed with this modernly-fashioned Japanese restaurant in 2014.
Since then, Goro + Gun has made a lasting impression with its cool Japanesque décor and noodle soups which are considered some of the best ramen in Calgary.
A large selection of other Japanese cuisine favourites such as bento, teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi make Goro + Gun the perfect place to head for lunch in the city centre even if you’re not feeling like a good bowl of ramen.
In for a drink? Try one of several different kinds of sake’s on Goro + Gun’s extensive drink menu that also includes Nikka whiskeys and beers all sourced from the land of the rising sun.
Ikemen Ramen Bar
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- Address – 217 10th Street NW
- Phone Number – 403-452-2148
- Website – ikemenramenbar.com
Our favourites
- Spicy miso ramen
- Mushroom ramen (vegetarian)
- Mango roll
- Unagi poutine
- Beef tataki
Why we like it
- Thick, lean chasu slices
- Thick, flavourful broths
- Smart selection of complimentary appetizers and sushi
- The best vegan ramen in the city (mushroom)
The Facts
Ikemen Ramen Bar has an awesome traditional-like ambiance inside, plus a decent-sized patio great for spring and summer right on 10th Street NW.
The interior features with wood finishings and communal tables give it an authentic Japanese-like feel.
The food feels just as authentic, served in large bowls and packed with ingredients that make each ramen on the menu unique in its own respect.
For the solo-diners, there’s six streetside booth seats to for you to peer out and watch the hustle and bustle along 10th Street as you indulge in some of the best ramen in Calgary.
Menyatai Japanese Noodles
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- Address – 24 12th Street NW
- Phone Number – 403-263-3666
- Website – Menyatai – Doordash
Our favourites
- Extra BBQ pork ramen
- Spicy tonkotsu ramen
- Curry ramen
- Beef teri udon
- Takoyaki
Why we like it
- Over 10 different ramen options
- Thick, lean chasu slices
- Very reasonably priced
The Facts
This cozy restaurant in Kensington makes a strong impression on its customers not only because of its wide selection of ramen bowls, but also via its cute boutique-like interior.
Notice the photo above that shows nine different kinds of Japanese noodle soups. We’ve tried almost all of them, and love each and every one!
If you don’t necessarily feel like soup, Menyatai’s menu offers a decent selection of donburi, udon and complimentary appetizers like edamame, takoyaki and shumai.
Try spicing up your ramen just the way you like it with a small but essential selection of add-ons like seaweed, egg and pork / chicken chasu.
With the excellent selection, great taste and customizable options, Menyatai Japanese Noodles is a must try on our list of best ramen in Calgary!
Shiki Menya Ramen
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- Address – 827 1st Avenue NE
- Phone Number – 403-454-2722
- Website – shikimenya.ca
Our favourites
- Tonkotsu black ramen
- Chili goma ramen
- Feature ramen
- O.G. char siu tacos
- House made gyoza
Why we like it
- Classic and new school ramen
- Gourmet ramen
- Exclusive – limited bowl servings
The Facts
Named one of the best new Calgary restaurants in 2015, Shiki Menya comes from the family who owns the already well-known and well-liked Shikiji.
Japanese egg noodle soup is the star of the menu at this ramen restaurant in Calgary where you’ll find a huge selection of traditional favourites mixed in with new types.
Shiki Menya’s chili goma and black tonkotsu should be on your list to try; we think these bowls are two of the best ramen in Calgary.
A limited number of bowls and house-made noodles are served up each day, so its best to give Shiki Menya’s social media accounts a follow so you don’t waste your time.
Also make sure to call them to check if they’re open. It seems each time we’ve visited they have closed every day at different times.
JINYA Ramen Bar
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- Address – #180, 1800 4th Street SW
- Phone Number – 587-356-0721
- Website – jinya-ramenbar.com
Our favourites
- Tonkotsu black
- Cha cha cha
- Wonton chicken ramen
- Pork chasu bowl
- 20+ toppings
Why we like it
- Thick, delicious broths
- Choice of thick or thin noodles
- Massive selection of ramen
- Lots of customizable options
- Excelletion location and ambiance
The Facts
JINYA Ramen Bar is the newest restaurant on our list of best ramen in Calgary, but as a chain originating several years ago in Los Angeles, it most definitely isn’t the least experienced in the game.
With several locations all over the United States and in other major Canadian cities, you can count on its extensive ramen menu that includes a huge selection of complimentary appetizers, rice bowls and even mini tacos that make for an all-inclusive dining experience.
We were really impressed by the countless topping add-ons available to customize your selection. With over 20 to choose from you’ll never have a ramen bowl quite like the last.
Gagana Ramen
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- Address – #101 – 5421 11th Street NE
- Phone Number – 403-452-3826
- Website – gaganaramen.com
Our favourites
- Tonkotsu Ramen
- Spicy Miso Ramen
- Housemade noodles
- Traditional broth temperature
- Pressed green tea
Why we like it
- Owned by Gagana Japan
- Wet ramen served lukewarm; easy to eat quickly
- Good sized char siu; no skimping on ingredients
The Facts
Gagana departs from the typical ramen restaurant in Calgary in the sense that this place is actually owned by Gagana Japan, which means their dishes are served like they are often back home at lukewarm temperature instead of hot.
This difference was at first surprising but delightful because you can begin indulging into your bowl right away. There’s no stopping to blow on noodles or cool the inside of your mouth off by huffing and puffing.
Apart from the temperature, the ingredients used were also slightly different. Gagana uses a rich brown coloured bamboo shoot that actually has amazing flavour, is softer to chew and easier to eat as a result.
They also include a ton of lightly cooked cabbage which adds a nice change up of texture from the soft egg noodles and other ingredients.
The broth is rich in flavour with a nice balance of sweet, fish and spice. It compliments Gagana’s housemade egg noodles rather perfectly and combines the rest of the dish ingredients seamlessly, making for some of the best ramen in Calgary.
Shinjuku Ramen Noodle Bar
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- Address – 639 5th Avenue SW
- Phone Number – 587-356-8881
- Website – shinjukuramennoodlebar.com
Our favourites
- Chicken ramen
- Tonkotsu black
Why we like it
- Fast service
- Gluten-free noodle option
- Downtown business lunch
The Facts
Located in downtown, Shinjuku one of the best ramen restaurants in Calgary to visit if in the area during the day.
At Shinjuku the menu is mainly ramen bowls with a few appetizers. The noodles are house made and you have a choice between thick or thin. They even have gluten-free option if you need it!
We tried the chicken and black tonkotsu black ramens our first time around. The chicken broth was quite rich and chasu wasn’t overcooked but melted in your mouth like it should. The meat was also pretty lean, and not too fatty which is always a delight.
Overall, the prices are very reasonable and the food comes out fast. We expected so since Shinjuku definitely tries to keep up with the lunch rush.
Tekkotsu Ya Ramen
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- Address – #4, 1704 61st Street SE
- Phone Number – 403-569-0785
- Website – tekkotsuyaramen.com
Our favourites
- Chicken jigoku
- Pork jigoku
- Edamame
Why we like it
- Best edamame in the city
- Rich broth taste
- Modern and spacious interior
The Facts
To indulge in some of the best ramen in Calgary at Tekkotsu Ya, you’ll have to drive to the far east side of the city. But it’s well worth the trip (if you don’t live nearby, that is).
Located beside the petro on 17th Avenue and 61st Street SE, Tekkotsu Ya has an unsuspecting sign so make sure to keep your eye open.
Inside you’ll find a beautiful interior with wood trim and comfortable seats. There’s also lots of space, making it perfect for larger groups.
We absolutely loved Tekkotsu Ya not only for its rich tasting ramen, but also for its edamame. It really is the best edamame you’ll ever have in the city.
The ramen was also delightful. They basically have six different types, all available with either chicken or pork broth.
We highly recommend the chicken or pork jigoku, although we’re sure any choice you make will be just as good!
Honorable Mention: Donburi at Kanpai Sushi
We couldn’t go without letting you know how delicious the dan dan ramen is at Kanpai Sushi.
Located in the Beltline, Kanpai Sushi only has three ramen selections on their menu but the spicy dan dan is out of this world.
It comes in a large bowl with lots of thin noodles in a spicy peanut broth, with diced pork, corn, scallion and sesame chili oil.
If you get a chance, stop by to try out this best ramen in Calgary – you won’t regret it!
I Love Ramen!
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