I’ve fallen in love with Fall. I zoomed across University of Toronto through multi-coloured leaf filled indigo sky. The sun was shining and there was a wee nip in the air as Canada braced for the season of cool. I was heading towards Kensington to meet James for a restorative soup lunch at the much talked about Kinton Ramen.
The addition of Kinton to the Baldwin strip marks Guu’s third addition to the Toronto Japanese loving dining scene. First opening Kinka Izakaya on Church followed by Kinka Izakaya in The Annex. I was looking forward to checking out this new Guu outpost especially since they were creating a new concept for all those crazy for ramen.
I arrived at the restaurant shortly after noon to a crowd. I hopped inside and was told seats would be available in 30 minutes. James and I chatted outside before my name “doe-boe-sahn” was whispered at the front door. We were seated at the corner of the bar and greeted by the classic Guu jovial and energized welcome. The place was totally rammed full and staff buzzed about the restaurants long corridor plopping hot bowls of soup in front of diners with chopsticks on the ready.
We both opted for the spicy garlic ramen. I ordered the pork shoulder while James went for the thick pork belly. We sipped on tea, nibbled on gyoza and devoured a small bowl of hot karaage.
Kinton Ramen is a fantastic little spot to warm up. I was happy that my ramen bowl was full of noodles. I have been recently disappointed by a few restaurants where noodles are scarce and after just a few mouthfuls I was left with bowl half full of broth. Kinton’s generous portions, fresh ingredients and electric atmosphere made me wish I was adventuring through the streets of Tokyo again.
We enjoyed:
Japanese Tea
Homemade Lemonade
Gyoza
Spicy Garlic Ramen with Pork Shoulder and Pork Belly
chili pepper, kinton pork, beansprout, scallion, fresh garlic
Hot Karaage
