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| - First thing first. This place is beautifully renovated. Easily the most modern and classy ambience of all the popular Toronto Ramen-ya. In the blink of an eye, you can easily imagine you are at a fine dining spot in L.A. or New York. Interior reminds me of Ipuddo East Village. This is in total contrast of the previous BBQ property, which was worse than a dump. Once they have the liquor license, it can become a hot hangout.
Next, the food. Tonkotsu Shio is what I ordered. Comparing to Santouka, which managed to burn my tongue with their "soft launch Tonkotsu Shio", the bowl was served at a perfectly comfortable "hot" temperature. The broth is creamy white, somewhere between the obviously powder-mixed soup of Ajisen and the smooth simmered broth of Sansotei. The noodle is the most "Instant Nissin/Top Ramen like" of all the current Ramen-ya. If you miss the good old instant ramen college days, this noodle will satisfy. Of course, it is a much more substantial egg noodle, with a very nice texture - not soft and soggy. Along with a piece of Pork Shoulder Char-sui, you also get some black fugus (wood ear), half of a poached egg, and cabbage (didn't care for this, but it is a good filler), pile of chopped scallion, and a dash of special flavour oil. The oil creates a kind of interesting "slick" against the paper-white broth as you dig into the bowl; interesting but not too pretty.
Overall, the Char-sui is no match for either Sansotei or Santouka, but not as dry and stuck-between-your-teeth as Kinton's. The ramen noodle is good, but definitely a grade below those at Sansotei and Santouka. The broth was, together with the "flavor oil slick", very filling. Unfortunately, it really lacked any pork bone/fish/seaweed taste, but it fills you. In fact, I cannot get myself to finish the broth - and looking around, it appears to be a very common problem. You do, however, get the illusion that it is great value - because you are definitely filled by the time you finished the noodle. All toppings, including the half poached egg, are bland tasting - and added mainly for color and texture.
Pricing is very reasonable with respect to others in the city. Bowls of ramen are all 9 dollars and change, and 5 Goyza can be had for an additional 2.50.
They are staffed to the hilt, probably for grand opening training. But there were more staff there than customers during my visit.
The location and ambience are five stars for Raijin; Food is more than acceptable. And I really hope it stays around for a long time. But in the mean time, as long as the weather is not too cold - I am more likely to be found at the lineups of Sansotei or Santouka.
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