Ramen Isshin is a ramen establishment
that opened in 2012 by the same people behind Cabbagetown's Kingyo. I
had the pleasure of being invited by Yuki to attend a blog tasting of
their menu a couple weeks ago.
The tasting was held to showcase the summer special 2016, which is
revamped every summer. This year, the featured ramen was the Isshin Cold
Red Miso Ramen, a vegetarian and cold ramen. We were also given the
opportunity to try a ramen dish of our choice, and
all of the appetizers and desserts on the menu.
Ramen Isshin seated about 30 people, and its decor was very Asian-inspired with wooden panels, and large wall murals. Staff were also encouraged to greet customers in Japanese, but they were not overly loud like the ones working in izakayas.
To start, we were introduced to this summer's special, the Isshin Summer Cold Ramen; a bowl of signature thin wavy noodles, wok fried ground red miso tofu mince, fresh sliced okra, kimchi, wood ear mushrooms, topped with sweet white onions, diced tofu, deep fried onions, green onions, and a slice of lime. There was also an option to add additional toppings like marinated egg (+$1.50) or make it non-vegetarian by adding cha shu (+$2.80). The ramen was super refreshing to eat, especially in this heatwave that we've been experiencing lately. It was also generously topped with loads of toppings, and the broth was pretty light. This bowl of ramen is only available until the end of August.
Red Miso Cucumber (Vegan) ($4.20) - Fresh Japanese cucumbers accompanied with a Red Miso Meat Mince Dipping Sauce. Don't let its taste fool you because it is Vegan Friendly!
Hiya Yakko (Vegan) ($4.80) - Smooth, cold tofu smothered in Isshin’s own house made chilli oil, green onions & bamboo shoots
Ramen Isshin seated about 30 people, and its decor was very Asian-inspired with wooden panels, and large wall murals. Staff were also encouraged to greet customers in Japanese, but they were not overly loud like the ones working in izakayas.
To start, we were introduced to this summer's special, the Isshin Summer Cold Ramen; a bowl of signature thin wavy noodles, wok fried ground red miso tofu mince, fresh sliced okra, kimchi, wood ear mushrooms, topped with sweet white onions, diced tofu, deep fried onions, green onions, and a slice of lime. There was also an option to add additional toppings like marinated egg (+$1.50) or make it non-vegetarian by adding cha shu (+$2.80). The ramen was super refreshing to eat, especially in this heatwave that we've been experiencing lately. It was also generously topped with loads of toppings, and the broth was pretty light. This bowl of ramen is only available until the end of August.
Red Miso Cucumber (Vegan) ($4.20) - Fresh Japanese cucumbers accompanied with a Red Miso Meat Mince Dipping Sauce. Don't let its taste fool you because it is Vegan Friendly!
Hiya Yakko (Vegan) ($4.80) - Smooth, cold tofu smothered in Isshin’s own house made chilli oil, green onions & bamboo shoots
The Deep Fried Pork Gyoza ($5.20) - Crunchy, juicy gyoza served with amazing Isshin "Umami" sauce , was pretty good. It was crispy on the outside, and the pork filling was juicy on the inside.
Age Tofu (Vegan) ($4.90) - Deep fried tofu drizzled in a home made chilli oil and sweet soy topped with green onions. Note that this appetizer is also vegan, so it would be a great alternative for those who have specific dietary restrictions.
Chicken Karaage ($5.20) - Our signature Isshin Karaage. Super crispy, crunchy, juicy bites of Japanese style deep fried chicken served with kupe mayo.
Seafood Okonomiyaki ($5.80) - Japanese savoury pancake topped with bonitio flakes, nori, kupe mayo & okonomiyaki sauce
Seafood Okonomiyaki ($5.80) - Japanese savoury pancake topped with bonitio flakes, nori, kupe mayo & okonomiyaki sauce
Cabbecha Cha Shu Salad ($3.90) - Introducing Cabbecha Cha Shu Salad. Chunks of Cha Shu and Napa Cabbage drizzled with a sweet, spicy sesame soy dressing. Great with Ramen and Sapporo!
Lately, I have been craving Tako Yaki ($4.90) - deep fried battered octopus formed into balls topped with bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce & kupe mayo, so of course I had to try the ones here. Each order came with 6 bountiful pieces of octopus balls that were generously topped with mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. The takoyaki was crispy on the outside, and the interior was filled with tender octopus pieces. The ones here from Ramen Isshin was one of the better takoyaki balls that I have tried.
Lately, I have been craving Tako Yaki ($4.90) - deep fried battered octopus formed into balls topped with bonito flakes, takoyaki sauce & kupe mayo, so of course I had to try the ones here. Each order came with 6 bountiful pieces of octopus balls that were generously topped with mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. The takoyaki was crispy on the outside, and the interior was filled with tender octopus pieces. The ones here from Ramen Isshin was one of the better takoyaki balls that I have tried.
For my main choice of ramen, I opted for the Spicy Red Miso Ramen ($13.90) - house made chilli oil, Isshin Red Miso blend, wok fried pork, onions, bean sprouts, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, chives, green onions, pork belly cha shu & thick twisty noodles. I loved the chewy texture of the noodles, and the broth was perfect, as it was flavorful without being overly rich or oily. I prefer spicy broths, and the ramen definitely delivered.
Shoyu Kotteri Tsukemen ($14.80) - Enjoy our Traditional Shoyu Kotteri “Rich” style Dipping Ramen. Double soup is a Seafood & Pork Broth flavoured with our Isshin Shoyu. Topped with Sesame Seeds & Green Onions Kaedama
Ramen Isshin also gifted
me with complimentary coupons for a second visit, which I took my
fiance. This time, I got the Asari Light Shoyu Ramen ($10.30) - A light
smooth sweet & creamy taste blended with our signature Isshin Shoyu.
Topped with bamboo shoots,
nori, marinated soft boiled egg, pork belly cha shu, green onions &
thin wavy noodles. Another great bowl of ramen from Ramen Isshin, and
it was priced fairly too.
White Sesame Shio Ramen ($10.30) - 100% natural sea salt, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, soft boiled marinated egg, pork belly cha shu, green onions, grind your own white sesame seeds & thin wavy noodles
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (3 Scoops) and Black Sesame Ice Cream (3 Scoops) ($3.40)
White Sesame Shio Ramen ($10.30) - 100% natural sea salt, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, soft boiled marinated egg, pork belly cha shu, green onions, grind your own white sesame seeds & thin wavy noodles
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (3 Scoops) and Black Sesame Ice Cream (3 Scoops) ($3.40)
Fresh Mango Pudding ($4.20) - made in house daily with fresh mangos
The Mochi Ice Cream was probably my favorite dessert out of the ones we tried. Spoonful of green tea ice-cream thinly wrapped with a layer of chewy mochi.
The Mochi Ice Cream was probably my favorite dessert out of the ones we tried. Spoonful of green tea ice-cream thinly wrapped with a layer of chewy mochi.
Don't forget to cool yourself off with their drinks selection including iced coffee with milk or a pitcher of Sapporo beer.
In my opinion, Ramen
Isshin is a solid ramen joint, and you should definitely check it out.
Don't forget to drop by to try their new summer ramen before it ends after August.
Address: 421 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramenisshin/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ramenisshin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ramenisshin
Website: http://www.ramenisshin.com/
Disclaimer: The food provided in this post was complimentary. However, all of the opinions expressed in this review are of my own.
