Among all the spectacular cuisines that you can enjoy in Vancouver, one of the easier things to find, and something that I have to go out and eat around once a week, is a nice bowl of ramen.

There are several ramen restaurants located in the downtown area of Vancouver. I haven’t tried all of them yet, mainly because the ones I have tried were so good, I ended up just going back to those. One of my favorite ones to go to is the one called Benkei (pronounced ben.kay) Noodle Shop.

Benkei Noodle Shop

Benkei Noodle Shop on Thurlow between Robson and Alberni.

There are several Benkei restaurants located throughout the city, including the following:

  • 747 Thurlow Street (between Robson and Alberni)
  • 1741 Robson Street
  • 3217 West Broadway
  • 43 East 5th Avenue
Benkei Noodle Shop

The interior of Benkei Noodle Shop on Thurlow Street.

Benkei Noodle Shop

Another interior shot at the Thurlow Benkei

They make 5 different kinds of ramen at Benkai Noodle Shop. You can find your traditional Japanese flavours such as Shio, Miso, Shoyu, and Akaoni, and also one with a local twist called the Shiro (recently renamed to Peko).

The ramen menu. Click to enlarge.

My favorite ramen is the one they now call Peko (was Shiro just 3 weeks ago). It has a white creamy soup base with a garlic flavour, and besides the nice portion of ramen noodles inside, also has corn, spinach, and slices of BBQ chicken inside. The flavour of the soup is a bit similar to clam or corn chowder.

Shiro or Peko ramen

This is my favourite. It used to be called Shiro, but is now called Peko on the menu.

Miso ramen

Miso ramen

My Japanese friends in Vancouver often tell me that the Peko ramen that I like the most is not real ramen. I guess they feel as though some rule has been broken in messing around with their basic ramen flavours, and it can’t technically be called ramen because of the soup base and what is inside it. Someone even said it is more like spaghetti than ramen. Well, they might call the Peko ramen “not real ramen,” but I call it “the best damn ramen I’ve ever had.” Highly recommended.

When you are paying for your ramen, you will also be given a Benkei Noodle Shop service card, which contains a list of their locations, and on the back, an area for them to stamp your card. After you get that, don’t forget to bring it in with you every time you go because after your card has been stampled 10 times, you can use it to get a free ramen.

For more information about Benkei Noodle shop, its staff, menu, and locations, visit the Benkei Noodle Shop website.