Stay cozy this March with a comforting meal
Illustration by Chloe Latour.
With the cold, rainy weather refusing to relent, it can be hard not to let the winter blues take control. Instead, why not lean into the cozy vibes and grab a steaming, hot bowl of perfectly cooked ramen noodles and silky broth.
Here are four ramen spots to keep you company this season while you wait for the sun to come back out.
Menbow Ramen Bar
With multiple locations in Victoria, including Hillside and Downtown, Menbow Ramen is a classic choice if you’re wanting a quick and easy bowl. It’s a chain restaurant that serves an authentic ramen experience. While it’s not my go-to ramen place, it’s cheap compared to other options on this list, with bowls under $20. Given the price and convenience, Menbow Ramen Bar is a quick and easy choice for a good bowl of ramen.
Ramen Arashi
Created in Banff, this franchise was opened in 2017 with the idea of bringing authentic ramen across Canada. The first location became a success, and since then they have opened four different locations in Alberta and B.C. Their Victoria location opened in 2022. Located near Mayfair, Ramen Arashi is an authentic ramen experience and a must-try the next time a ramen craving hits.
Bao
Bao focuses on different Asian street foods, including Korean bibimbap, ramen, and of course bao. Located in Chinatown, this restaurant is a small hidden gem that is worth the (often long) wait. While the bibimbap is my personal go-to, the ramen is definitely a must-have, if you like a spicier option I’d recommend the kara miso ramen. It is definitely a busy place to sit and eat, so I’d recommend heading there early or avoiding the busy Friday/Saturday rush, it’s definitely one of my favourite restaurants in the city.
Ghost Ramen
I really saved the best for last with this one. Ghost Ramen is my favourite restaurant in Victoria, so I’m a little biased. They use local ingredients and prepare everything, including the noodles, from scratch. This is more on the expensive side for ramen, with most bowls over $20. Despite this, if you’re looking to impress a date or someone special, Ghost Ramen is the place to go. With the cozy ambiance, specialty cocktails, and everything made from scratch with fresh ingredients, it’s worth the visit. If you decide to head downtown to try this place, make sure to make a reservation as it gets a little busy on the weekends, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
