National Post (National Edition)
The best ramen in Japan comes to Toronto
Chef Atsushi Yamamoto (Yamamoto-san) has received numerous accolades for his eight-seat Tokyo ramen stand, Konjiki Ramen. And now, it’s coming to Canada. Yamamoto-san has chosen Toronto for his first overseas outpost, according to a statement. The eatery will reportedly open in early December, 2017, in Toronto’s North York neighbourhood.
Established in 2006 in Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district, Konjiki Ramen has been awarded Bib Gourmand-status in the prestigious Michelin guide for the past three years. In 2016, Tokyo Walker Magazine named it both “No. 1 Ramen in Tokyo” and “No. 1 Ramen in Japan.”
“In his quest to further promote Japan’s staple comfort food, Yamamoto-san has chosen Toronto, one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, as his stage to discover more inspirations for his ramen from the diverse masses and abundant resources,” the statement says.
Konjiki Ramen is renowned for its full-flavoured clam, chicken and pork stock. All elements of the soup are made from scratch, including the noodles, which are created according to Yamamoto-san’s well-guarded recipe. According to an Instagram post, the noodles will be crafted fresh at the Toronto spot using a machine imported from Japan.
Canadian customers can expect to find non-traditional ramen ingredients such as truffles and porcini mushroom oil integrated in dishes, according to the statement. Tokyo sweet shop Saryo — makers of Japanese treats such as shiratama dango (sweet rice flour dumplings) and jelly-like confections called warabimochi — will be supplying the desserts. Follow @konjikiramen on Facebook for updates.