Kanada-Ya (Restaurant)

Top 10 things to know about Kanada-Ya:

1) You can travel the world in 80 (or more) cuisines simply by staying in London. So make the most of it, and go where the locals go. Follow the Italians to find the best carbonara, the Koreans for the tastiest bibimbap, and don’t be surprised to notice Kanada-Ya’s visitors are, by a large majority, Japanese. You’re in the right place.

2) Kanada-Ya is a London ramen restaurant specialising in tonkotsu, Fukuoka’s acclaimed dish. The secret is all in the rich pork-based broth, which is simmered for 18 hours and then topped with mouth-watering chashu pork, nori, hand-pulled noodles, mushrooms and spring onion. What a treat!

3) Good ramen bowls don’t grow on trees: Mr Kanada had to perfect the recipe over years and years, after he left his career as a keirin racer, a dangerous Japanese sport involving cyclists knocking each other down.

4) And you can taste his determination in every luscious bowl. Think smooth silky noodles, an indulgent broth, and remarkable toppings, including the hanjuku egg, whose slightly uncooked centre provides good #yolkporn material for your taste buds and Instagram feed alike. Remember: slurping is allowed, if not encouraged.

5) Kanada-Ya is not only about tonkotsu though. There are nine different ramens on the menu, including one vegetarian option, and the popular truffle ramen. If in doubt, go for the wonderful gekikara ramen, with its crunchy ball of spicy tan-tan minced pork.

6) You can enjoy your ramen with a good range of sides, from edamame to karaage fried chicken; but please, leave room for dessert: the matcha soft serve is as refreshing as it can be after a steaming bowl of pork-bone broth.

7) As most of the ingredients have to be prepared in advance, service is incredibly fast. However, you’re allowed to take it easy: no one is rushing you out of the door. Relish in your brothy dreams, and leave when you like.

8) Kanada-ya’s warm bowls of goodness come at a very reasonable price and in satisfying portions. A rarity for a Japanese restaurant in London.

9) Tucked away on quiet Panton Street, between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, Kanada-Ya is at the centre of all the action, but also hidden from the crowds.

10) This ramen joint doesn’t accept reservations, but the speedy service makes it an ideal option for an affordable pre-theatre meal. You can also check out their Covent Garden branch if you’re off to a West End show....read more