TASTING JAPAN
I don't like rice, I don't like fish - especially raw fish - and when I think of Japanese food all that comes to my mind is Sashimi and Sushi. My husband, on the other hand, LOVES Japanese food so when he invited me to try a new restaurant he had heard about the other day I got all excited but then he said: "it's a Japanese restaurant, ok?". I got really disappointed, but that is one of the things about being married, right? He was looking forward to it so I said ok, let's go...
We then went on a Sunday afternoon for lunch, the place was small and cozy, but I was definitely NOT excited about it. We sat down, and the waitress came with the biggest smile and a menu, which made me feel a little better already.
When I opened the menu, then I gave my husband the biggest smile! It was a Ramen restaurant! Ramen is nothing more than noodles served in a rich broth with a piece of meat, and usually bamboo shoots, mushroom, it was cold outside so a nice and warm broth was all I could ask for.
I chose the Chicken Paitan Ramen, their original rich and creamy chicken broth ramen with noodles, sous vide chicken breast chashu, marinated soft-boiled egg, green onions, and sesame seeds topped with wood ear mushroom, sweet corn, and bamboo shoots.
My husband chose the Tonkotsu Black, an extra rich broth made with black garlic oil with noodles, topped with wood ear mushrooms and garlic flakes, house-made pork chashu, marinated soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, fresh green onions, and sesame seeds.
We also ordered some Yaki Gyoza (Grilled handmade pork and cabbage dumplings served with chilli gyoza sauce), I had never tried anything like this before, I had heard of those dishes but I always thought I would not like it.
The smell coming from the kitchen was already great, I was starving at that point and could not wait any longer... Finally, our orders came!
I wanted to ask for a fork because I did NOT know how to use the hashi (or chopsticks in English), but my husband said I would embarrass him if I did, so he gave me a quick lesson on how to use it and let me tell you: I am a "pro"! He even said I was lying that I didn't know how to use it. :P
Anyways, the food was delicious, I had eaten Gyoza before but I don't think I liked it at the time so I was afraid to try. But then I remembered that my dad always says "you can't say you don't like it if you don't try it, maybe it is different now." so I did, and I LOVED it!!! All I can say is that I can't wait to eat there again.
Oh, we also ordered a traditional Aloe Vera and Grapes juice, needless to say, also DELICIOUS!
When we were leaving, I noticed that they had a few Japanese decorations on a display, so cute!
I'll leave the address here in case you want to try this cozy little restaurant as well!
Shinjuku Ramen Noodle Bar
120, 639 5 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0M9
Phone: 587 356 8881