Kintaro is by far the busiest shop for ramen around Vancouver. There is a constant line up and I always refuse to wait around for a spot inside and opt to go next door to Motomachi. Not this time! My partner and I were fully committed to this ramen session.
Felt like we waited for an eternity but it was probably around 45 minutes. They took orders ahead of time so you would get your food in a short time frame once seated and get the heck out when you were done!
I had the BBQ Pork Ramen and went with the regular pork. When we were waiting in the windows I saw people eating the fatty pork and it is fat! Even the half and half was pretty fat to me. The broth was a lot saltier and had more oil than what my palate was normally use to. It reminded me of the street spots in Tokyo with fast food that had lots of salt and oil. None the less it is definitely tasty! I had a side of kimchi and the portion was huge! I was expecting a lot less kimchi but that little bowl is packed with kimchi - very spicy!
My partner had the vegetarian option loaded with nori, corn and egg. Broth is lighter but still a bit more oily than what we were use to next door.
Felt like we waited for an eternity but it was probably around 45 minutes. They took orders ahead of time so you would get your food in a short time frame once seated and get the heck out when you were done!
I had the BBQ Pork Ramen and went with the regular pork. When we were waiting in the windows I saw people eating the fatty pork and it is fat! Even the half and half was pretty fat to me. The broth was a lot saltier and had more oil than what my palate was normally use to. It reminded me of the street spots in Tokyo with fast food that had lots of salt and oil. None the less it is definitely tasty! I had a side of kimchi and the portion was huge! I was expecting a lot less kimchi but that little bowl is packed with kimchi - very spicy!
My partner had the vegetarian option loaded with nori, corn and egg. Broth is lighter but still a bit more oily than what we were use to next door.
All in all, my preference is still Motomachi. I find it more comfortable, broth less oily and more 'earthy' which makes some sense since they claim they use a lot of local and organic ingredients. I never have to wait in line and I don't feel rushed when inside. Kintaro is still worth trying out for yourself to see what line up is all about!
Happy Thanksgiving and maybe you can use that leftover turkey in a bowl of ramen??
