Hokkaido Ramen Santouka is a Japanese chain that only recently made the jump across the Pacific, and many Vancouverites are delighted by the expansion. They serve authentic ramen, taking great care to cook this tasty noodle soup the exact same way they do back in Japan. It’s definitely quite a process; the tonkotsu pork soup broth simmers for over 20 hours before serving. With plenty of options ranging from mild to spicy, this is one of Vancouver’s most authentic ramen joints.
Lineups frequently go out the door here, so it’s probably a good idea to block out a couple of hours for your Santouka meal. But you’ll find that it’s well worth the wait: the ramen beautifully rests in a pork bone broth that’s been “simmered and never boiled,” making it nothing short of an intensely flavourful experience. And don’t forget to spring for a side order of the Toroniku cha-siu: the incredibly tender meat literally melts in your mouth.