For all those days that I’ve been waiting for – an authentic, hearty ramen – has finally arrived in Montreal! Kinton Ramen, originated from Toronto (already have 5 locations!), is part of the Kinka Family, which decided to come to Montreal after the successful launch of Kinka Izakaya last year. I love ramen. However, none of the ramen spots could satisfy my cravings as there’s always just something lacking in the bowl. Now, you’ll know where to find me during the harsh winter in Montreal.
I’m glad to get the chance to try it out before the official launch. Before the ramen is served, we got to sample all of the 8 broths before choosing the one that we want.
There are two types of broth bases: pork or chicken, which have four flavors. The original, which is rich and flavorful. It’s definitely a good choice for first timer. The broths are simmered for more than 20 hours with pork and chicken bones, good quality bonito fish and selected vegetables , which created a beautiful milky color. The shoyu is with soy sauce, which I found it too salty, but for people who like stronger taste, this is the one. The miso is a combination of three different types of miso: red, white, and rice. It creates a more complex flavor as red is saltier, and white is sweeter. The spicy is my favorite, both pork and chicken. The pork broth is spiced up with chili pepper, which is a really comforting spiciness. The chicken broth is with jalapeño paste. The spiciness actually kicks in at your throat, diffuses out slowly.
Guess which one did I choose?
I chose the original chicken ramen. As much as I love the spicy ones, I thought it was the best to have the original to get the most authentic and basic taste/sense of the ramen. It was my first time having chicken broth ramen, which was surprisingly good! It’s lighter than pork brother, but creamier, and more flavorful. The chicken breast so tender. The seasoned egg is a must too! Some flavors don’t come with it, so make sure you add it! It’s well-marinated in soy sauce, mirin, and sake, which the egg yolk is gooey and well-absorbed the flavors too!
This is the miso pork ramen. Kinton uses the best quality Canadian pork, and simmer the meat with their “special” soup. Then, they marinate it with a mixture of sea-salt and soy sauce.
Upon serving, the pork (aka the chāsiū) is torched to add some caramelized flavor to it!
There are two types of noodles: thin or thick. Personally, I prefer the thick noodles. It’s springy and chewy! Just like my favorite Japanese ramen, Tonchin Ramen. Their noodles are made with a special air-tight mixing technique, which creates the elastic and al dente texture! Gluten-free noodles are available upon request.
Besides ramen, Kinton ramen also serves some tapas.
Takoyaki is a classic Japanese street snack, which is one of my favorites. These octopus balls are served with tonkatsu sauce and mayo. It’s so moist inside, but I prefer it without mayo. It’s really hot if you are like me, who eats it by just popping it in the mouth in one bite.
The karaage original is a classic and a must when visiting Kinton or Kinka Izakaya. I do not like fried things, but these fried chickens are not greasy at all. Thin batter, moist chicken, and with a splash of lemon juice, perfect!
The tofu furai, aka the tofu nuggets. I would’ve probably thought these are chicken nuggets if they didn’t tell me it’s made with tofu. A good option for the vegetarian friends!
The age gyoza, which are deep fried pork dumplings with original sweet chili sauce. The skin is crisp, filling well seasoned, but not my type.
Kinton Ramen definitely stepped up the ramen game in Montreal! Definitely a spot that I’ll go back over and over again. I’m so glad that it’s close to downtown. The master mind behind the restaurant, chef Aki Urata (on the left), was a ramen chef in Japan at the age of 19 before coming to Canada! The ambiance is cheerful and energetic, such like the classic Kinka restaurants. Lastly, if you finish your entire bowl (including the soup), welcome to the “Kinton bowler” club.
Kinton Ramen
1211 rue Bishop, Montreal
Tel: +1 (438) 387-6187
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