Kintaro Tonkatsu Ramen

Phone: (604) 682-7568

Address: 788 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L5

Hours: Tuesdays to Sunday 12:00pm to 11:00p, closed Mondays

Website:  N/A

Date of Visit: Mar. 29, 2013

Parking: Meters along street.

Kintaro Ramen is one of the first and most popular ramen restaurants in West End, Vancouver. They boast to serve hand made tonkotsu ramen, although I have no idea which part of the bowl of ramen was actually handmade. Located at the busy corner of Denman and Robson where several other very popular ramen restaurants (such as Santouka and Benkei Ramen) have opened up, line-ups are to be expected. Kintaro Ramen was so busy during my visit that orders were being taken while people were still in line. Their menu is relatively simple compared to other ramen restaurants offering only ramen with BBQ pork in your choice of Shoyu (soy sauce), Shio (salt), or Miso soup base and a few sides (such as gyoza). The option to choose between fatty or lean slices of pork and a light, medium, or rich soup base is available. They do not accept credit cards.

Ramen
 

Shio Ramen (Fatty Pork Slices & Medium Soup Base)
6.5/10

• The pork bone broth was pretty heavy. There were so many bits of pork fat suspended in the broth that it was almost creamy. While I could really taste the salt used to season the broth, I couldn't really taste the savoriness of the pork bone.
• The noodles had a nice, chewy, springy texture
• The highlight of the bowl; the BBQ pork, or Chasu, was fatty, flavorful and tender.
• Toppings were minimal; an overcooked hard-boiled egg, green onions, sprouts, and bamboo shoots.

Perhaps my expectations were too high given the massive amount of hype surrounding the place, but I couldn't find much memorable about the ramen they serve here. The bowl of ramen served at Kintaro was pretty large and you do get a decent amount of ramen. The broth was a let down and it did get very salty after a few sips. The only redeeming quality of the dish was the large piece of chasu, although the dish could have greatly benefited by adding a second slice.

Shio Ramen (Fatty Pork Slices & Light Soup Base)
6.5/10

Here's a picture of the light soup-base for comparison.

Miso Ramen (Lean Pork Slices & Rich Soup Base)
6.5/10

I expected the lean pork slice to be a bit on the rough side but it was actually fine. You get a few more slices when ordering the lean pork.

SERVICE

• Service was minimal. Our order was taken while we were still in line to get into the restaurant. We waited for our food to arrive once seated.
• The line up was about 15-20 minutes during the Friday dinner rush.
• They were very busy, so dont expect attentive service.
• Water was filled frequently.

ATMOSPHERE

• Decor is minimal. 
• There are a few small tables along the wall, a few bar-seats, and a big communal table by the window. Space was sparse.
• Seating was cramped and uncomfortable.

 

VERDICT

 
With plenty of ramen restaurants in Vancouver, (there are several big ones only a few minutes of walking away), Kintaro holds its edge by offering a more affordable pricing, larger servings, and better chasu with their ramen. However, my overall experience with Kintaro was okay at best. While the ramen was decent, with the line-ups and cramped seating inside, I'll be trying another place nearby the next time I want ramen.