It's ramen time in Halifax
Halifax has a healthy food scene, but is still finding its footing with ramen; the selection is limited with stark variations in quality and diversity. Don't despair though – there are some wonderful places that have sprung up in the last few years where you're bound to find ramen to your liking.
Tako Sushi Ramen
480 Parkland Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 1P9At Tako Sushi & Ramen, you'll find an unassuming exterior in a Clayton Park parking lot that gives way to a welcoming and friendly interior decorated with Japanese lanterns and screens. This is a ramen lover's destination; the menu offers nine different ramen variations. The seafood ramen with squid is not to be missed but, then again, neither is the Hokkaido, where pork slices float in an exquisitely spicy broth.
Truly Tasty
6210 Quinpool Rd, Halifax, NS B3L 1A3Look for the grey brick facade with the wooden awning on Quinpool Road; it's the place to go when you're in the mood for ramen made from local ingredients. Here, they use an Oulton's Farm stewing hen to make the broth, the pork is delicately sliced and the broth is nice and brackish, while cabbage and green onion come on top of every bowl. The staff welcomes you with smiles and helps you explore the menu, which has seven ramen options.
Lot Six Restaurant&Bar
1685 Argyle, Halifax, NS B3J 2B5Lot Six is the new kid on the Argyle block, and it's already asserting itself in marvellous ways. The vibe is upscale and stylish – a place where young professionals take a leather stool at the bar to see and be seen. Find a seat under the glass atrium downstairs and peruse the fantastic cocktail menu while you wait for your thick, salty, tasty pork-belly ramen to arrive. It's the only ramen on the menu, but that's not a problem –- fried reindeer moss and pea shoots, anyone?
Sushi Shige Japanese Restaurant
5688 Almon St, Halifax, NS B3K 1T6Like other ramen spots in Halifax, the broth at Sushi Shige tends to be on the salty side. It can be a bit clear and miso-like on occasion, though it's still savoury enough to satisfy an occasional craving. The vibe is bare here – a few tables lined up against the walls with hardly anything on them. Bar seating is available around the grill if you want to watch the magic happen and, while the decor may be minimal, the staff is friendly and the prices won't break the bank.
Dharma Sushi Restaurant
1576 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2B3Dharma Sushi is run by the friendliest bunch you're likely to encounter when dining out in Halifax. You're welcomed and seated with bright smiles and the staff is right there to recommend dishes and take your order. There's only one ramen on the menu here, but the broth is thick and tastes of mushrooms, and the pork is tender. In warmer weather, sit outside on the patio and watch the people on Argyle Street.
Doraku Foods Limited
This establishment is so enthusiastic about ramen that it occasionally holds ramen nights. An enormous bowl comes at a discounted price, with a $2.00 discount if you reserve it in advance. The kinds of ramen vary – from traditional hot miso-style to Hiyashi Chuka, a type of cold ramen with cucumber and shrimp. Ko-doraku used to be a very popular lunch counter, but recently expanded into a full-fledged restaurant in the bottom of Spring Garden Place mall; it's slightly cafeteria-like, but the tastes are worth it.
Sushi Nami Royale
1458 Queen St, Halifax, NS B3J 2H7The ramen here is hot, oily, eggy and full of corn and pork; it's the perfect dish for those foggy, windy Halifax days. While the noodles can have a slightly store-bought texture at times, the broth is flavourful enough to compensate. The interior, with warm, low-key lighting, has a more elegant, upscale vibe. Set on the corner of Dresden Row and Artillery Place, it's a great spot to watch the downtowners go about their business as you sip your spicy broth.
