[London] The reason why I come to Kanada-Ya? The Truffle Ramen.
A search on “London’s Best Ramen” delivers similar results, such as Kanada-Ya, Shoryu, Bone Daddies, Tonkotsu, Ippudo, Nanban and Taro.
Every entry I found listed Kanada-Ya. Have to go, right?
Known for its authenticity at this part of the world, Kanada-Ya is a Japanese ramen restaurant with a couple of locations in central London – with one being in Piccadilly, the other in Covent Garden. (I also spotted at branch in Hong Kong at 34 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay.)
The story of Chef Kanada illustrated on its website showed that he is a fighter, from a professional Keirin Race to ramen student, owner with many setbacks, and finally opening a shop in London with success.
Typically attracting a queue, the interior is small and simple which can accommodate about 15 to 20 diners.
Kanada-Ya’s signature Tonkotsu Ramen (£10.50, SGD19) consists of an 18-hour pork bone broth, chashu pork belly, nori, hand-pulled noodles, wood ear fungus, spring onions and a secret sauce.
Exclusive to London’s branch is the Tonkotsu X (£10.50, SGD19) with pork and corn fed chicken bone broth.
Perhaps it was also because of the cold weather, the Truffle Ramen (£14.00) turned out to be better than expected. My imaginery went “tonkotsu broth plus truffle oil”, but somehow they just got the balance right.
The broth in slight creaminess, was appetisingly smooth and flavourful. To me, this is similar to those very good ramen I had in Japan.
The porcini truffle paste and white truffle oil, added a faint scent which thankfully didn’t smell too artificial.
I also enjoyed the thin wheat noodles which had a firm, eggy bite.
The other favourite is the Gekikara Ramen (£13.00, SGD23.50) – the highlight in the form of a ball of minced pork akin to a spicy “Tan Tan” noodles.
All that chilli came as a surprise. So the Londoners can take this level of spiciness, which could possibly cause some to break out in sweat.
I tried a number of ramen eateries in London. Let’s just say if I can pick another to return to, it would be Kanada-Ya.
Besides the ramen dishes, the restaurant also offers a variety of tasty sides such as Karaage, Aburi Chashu and an extensive drinks menu that features authentic Japanese beers, hot and cold sake, and whiskey.
Though I would probably skip the extremely salty Truffle Edamame (£4, SGD7.24) and head straight for the Truffle Ramen.
Kanada-Ya – Covent Garden
64 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8LE, UK
Tel: +44 20 7240 0232
Opening Hours: 12pm – 3 pm, 5pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 12pm – 8:30pm (Sun)
Google Maps – Kanada-Ya
Kanada-Ya – Haymarket
3 Panton Street, Soho London SW1Y 4DL (Piccadilly)
Kanda-Ya – Angel
35 Upper Street London N1 OPN
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