BF and I rode our bikes around the seawall the other day (riding the seawall around the Stanley Park seawall at sunset reinforced why I shouldn’t ever leave Vancouver) and attempted to stop by Kentaro Ramen for dinner. We saw a line up of people that stretched about half a block long and our stomachs were digesting themselves and unwilling to wait 45 minutes + for ramen. We then proceeded to walk around the corner on Robson and headed to Benkei Noodle Shop. Benkei Noodle Shop seemed to be doing quite well as a franchise, they were opening up a few more shops around Vancouver.
I am determined to do a Cheap and Good Eats: Kentaro Ramen one day to show you just how good that place really is (it’s just like Japadog- it’s sort of a must-eat when you come to Vancouver). Until then, here’s a review on Benkei Ramen Noodle Shop.
The atomosphere at Benkei Noodle Shop is nice and modern- (much nicer than Kentaros as Kentaro’s has a ‘hole in the wall’ atmosphere). Staff were friendly and service was fast.
I sat down and had my bag in my lap, and I thought it was really cute how when you first sit down they offer you a cloth bin you can put on the floor for your bag and accessories. Very thoughtful indeed.
Very thougtful bag holder, your bag doesn't get dirty! Innovative indeed
After checking out the menu, BF and I both had the Spicy Miso (Akaoni) ramen was alright- it was actually quite spicy with chilli sauce in the soup base. It was the most expensive bowl (yes, living large in a cheap eats place tends to makes you feel better about yourself) at $7.80 a bowl.
Spicy Miso
This post is kind of a post in lieu of Kentaro’s. I’m not sure- I wonder if Benkei Ramen’s customers (it was full that evening) were all trickling in from people who wanted to eat at Kentaro’s?
Readers, have you ever tried ramen noodles (or even better- ramen noodles whilst in Japan?? What an authentically delicious experience!)? Which soup base is your favourite?
Wow, I love that bag holder idea!
It always get grossed out seeing my wife put her purse on the floor when there isn’t an empty seat to put it on, when we go out…
I’m sure I would love the ramen noodles there!
Heck, I even like the super cheaps noodles that I use to buy for my “Lunch Experiment” from Walmart
I’ll have to see if I can find that Spicy Miso (Akaoni) ramen down here, it looks delicious!
@Money Reasons- lol, I was thinking of you when I did this ramen post and your “Lunch experiment” with ramen noodles lol. =)
Thanks for shareing! I’ll have to check it out before a Canucks game some day. I just looked up the location and it’s on the far end of Robson. I’ll plan some extra time.
I do like the authentic Yakitori place no far from there on Denman. It’s called Zakkushi.
@The Passive Income Earner- yay! someone from Vancouver who will know where I am talking about. I’ve heard of Zakkushi, it’s all BBQ stuff right? I hear it’s very popular too. I think I’ve been their once, but when it first opened. Near the Dairy Queen, right? Yeah, you don’t have to wait long at this place, which is good.
Hi. I’ve just found your website. I really like the food section. I love food and cheap is good. As is interesting.
Thanks for the info.
@Beth- Glad you like it! I thought it would be a nice break from the heavier financial stuff. =)
Hmm, I have to be honest, the best places so far are Motomachi and Q-Go. The Akaoni ramen at Benkei made my stomach queasy at night and the oil/fat just didn’t digest. The noodles at Q-Go are great, and the soup is tasty and mild. Definitely give that one a try.
@Yuki- cool thanks! I’ll check out Q-Go- haven’t heard of them though- but will google it.