Victoria's best sources for real ramen

Real ramen, with freshly-made noodles, crisp veggies, high-quality pork and a rich, flavourful broth bears little nutritional resemblance to the freeze-dried, cardboard packages found in grocery stores. When you’re craving a warm and comforting serving of real ramen, here’s where you'll find it.

Kuma Noodle Japan

1
215-1551 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2P3

This small, bustling noodle shop in Victoria's Gordon Head neighbourhood consistently dishes out some of the city’s best ramen. The noodles are prepared in a homemade chicken stock and topped with your choice of vegetable and pork options. When you're really famished, go for a combo meal of soya or salt-flavoured ramen with either white or fried rice. Seating is limited, but take-out is available.

I Kyu Noodles

2
564 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R4

This unassuming spot in the heart of Victoria's Chinatown bears a sign that proudly advertises their "third-generation noodle maker." Try the miso ramen with fresh noodles, crispy bean sprouts, sweet corn and marinated minced pork, or the hot-and-sour noodle soup with ramen noodles, tiger prawns, and mixed veggies in a spicy broth. Payment is cash or debit only.

Hiro Japan Xpress Inc

3
103-2945 Jacklin Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 5E3

When you've got a craving for a comforting serving of flavourful ramen in Langford, you can satisfy it quickly at Hiro Japan Xpress. Instead of the usual fast-food offerings of burgers, fries and pizza, at Hiro you can get a fresh and healthy meal you can feel good about. In addition to ramen you can order sushi, teriyaki meals, tofu, rice bowls and other Japanese favourites.

Koto Sushi

4
510 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E6

In addition to some of Victoria's best sushi, this pleasant little restaurant features Japanese favourites like gyoza, tempura, and of course, ramen. Choose from Miso Ramen, which includes one piece of BBQ pork, homemade miso broth and noodles, or BBQ Pork Ramen, which bumps up the BBQ pork serving to three pieces. Table or tatami room reservations are available or place your take-out order online.

Shima Village Japanese Restaurant

5
1218 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T8

In a charming heritage building in the heart of downtown, locals and tourists alike come to enjoy classic Japanese cuisine at Shima Village. There are 15 noodle dishes on the menu, with your choice of udon, soba or ramen noodles. From plain noodle soup to BBQ Pork Noodle Soup to Deluxe Seafood Yaki Noodle, you can enjoy a new flavour combination every time you visit.

H2O Ramen Ltd

6
8-3960 Shelbourne St, Victoria, BC V8N 3E2

Six flavours of fresh and delicious ramen await at the Stubborn Chef. Pork lovers will go for the Cha Shiu Ramen with its extra servings of BBQ pork while veggie lovers dive into a bowl of Natto Ramen with its mixed vegetables and Japanese fermented soybeans. If you can't get your fill in the restaurant, you can always pick up some fresh ramen noodles for take-out to recreate the experience at home.

You don’t have to travel to Vietnam to try authentic pho – it’s available right here in Victoria. So put away your passport and visit one of the Vietnamese restaurants below. Soon you’ll be sipping on savoury broth, seasoned with traditional Vietnamese spices and full of tasty meat and veggies. Close your eyes and you might forget you’re in Canada!
Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive – and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or taste just to get a good deal. Luckily for us, there are a number of Victoria eateries that offer satisfying meals for less than $10. Drop in, fill up, and leave with the energy you need to make it through the rest of your afternoon.
Student life can be hectic, so you need food that’s tasty, quick and, most importantly, cheap. Here are some of Victoria’s most student-friendly off-campus restaurants. Some are just down the street; others are a short bus ride downtown. But all of them have cheap eats that’ll keep you fuelled from frosh week to finals.
Close menu