After hearing the buzz about Kanada-Ya Ramen, famed as Fukuoka’s top ramen spot and London’s No. 1 (according to The Telegraph), I couldn’t wait to try it.
Known for its tonkotsu ramen, Kanada-Ya also ranks among Singapore’s top ramen spots, so my expectations were high.
Quinn and I first visited at lunch to check out the menu and the enviroment.
It was practically empty. as we had plans to lunch elsewhere.
We returned for dinner, braving the rain and chilly, over-air-conditioned dining room.
Kanada-Ya Ramen Truffle Ramen
I wanted to try their signature truffle ramen, which features truffle chashu, black truffle jelly, ajitsuke tamago (marinated egg), and asparagus.
Quinn noted, ‘You know you’re not going to get truffle shavings, right?’
We laughed.
‘You have to manage your expectations, Dory.’
Yet, this dish fell short of our expectations.
My memories of authentic tonkotsu ramen include intensely flavored, creamy pork broth, tender braised chashu, and jammy eggs.
But here, the ramen lacked the rich depth and melt-in-your-mouth textures I crave in premium ramen.
Meat Lover’s Favourite (RM37.90)
This bowl was different from what I had expected for a RM44 (incl tax and SST).
Thin, overly fatty pork slices took the place of chashu belly, with little sear to add flavor or texture.
While the tonkotsu broth looked rich and creamy, it was overly salty, with no luxurious mouthfeel you’d expect.
The ramen noodles were limp and not al dente.
I missed the satisfying chew of good noodles.
The garnish is a sheet of nori stood sentry over the dark wood ear mushrooms and egg with a scatter of spring onions.
Lackluster Pork Slices Instead of Chashu Belly
2 Sides: Prawn Tempura and Takoyaki
The biggest letdown from a premium ramen restaurant was the frozen and pre-fried prawn tempura.
This item should not be on the menu.
Period.
A disappointing experience: this frozen and pre-fried prawn tempura lacked the crispiness and flavor expected from a freshly made dish.
Takoyaki, which is usually a hot, flavorful street food staple, was equally disappointing.
The best item of the night?
The plain white rice, according to Quinn.
Underwhelming Takoyaki Experience
Final Thoughts
For a spot hyped as the best, Kanada-Ya Ramen felt like an overrated experience.
The service and environment were decent, but this isn’t a place I’d return to for authentic Japanese ramen.
Kanada-Ya Ramen @Gurney Central
Kanada-Ya Ramen Penang | No. 1 London Truffle Ramen
Address: Central @ Gurney, GHotel, No. 168-A, G-05 & G-05a, Alfresco Ground Floor, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town.
Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Disclosure: Not sponsored; all opinions are my own. Quinn covered the meal.
