There is something about a good bowl of ramen that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the perfect chew of a wheat noodle, the saltiness of soy sauce or miso, or all the fun toppings you can add, but ramen will always be a classic dish no matter what the weather is (though it’s especially tasty during spring showers, ahem). Here are some of my favourite spots for tucking into a bowl of ramen.

Maruhachi Ra-men

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Friends know that Maruhachi Ra-men is my favourite spot for a bowl of ramen. With a relatively small menu, this multi-location restaurant always satisfies my craving. Keeping it simple, the original ramen features two slices of cha-shu pork fillet, seaweed, and green onion in a rich broth of chicken (over the traditional pork) that can be made spicy upon request.

Jinya Ramen Bar

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With a cult-like following, Japan export Jinya Ramen Bar downtown offers a variety of broths, including tonkotsu and miso, and over 20 toppings. One of the most popular options, between plant-based and meat eaters alike, is the spicy creamy vegan ramen. I don’t know what the secret is, but this broth has depth and is packed with flavourful crispy onion and garlic chips.

Ramen Danbo

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It feels almost stereotypical to include Ramen Danbo as a must-visit spot, but there’s a reason why there is always a long line and wait time to get in at all of its locations. Every part of your order can be customized, from the spice level and noodle thickness to the noodle firmness and richness of the broth.

Menya Itto

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Playing with your food isn’t taboo anymore, and dipping ramen is a testament to that. Available at Menya Itto in the West End, the tsukemen consists of a bowl of noodles served separately from a bowl of thick broth that’s meant to be used as a dip. Worry not if you can’t get through it all for dipping purposes—you can always add hot water to turn it into a more traditional soup.

Aburi Market

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There are some days when it’s treacherous enough outside that you’d rather stay home. For restaurant-quality ramen without leaving the house, I love the kits from Aburi Market. At this West Vancouver shop, you can select from frozen ramen kits that can last up to two weeks in the freezer—making it ideal to keep on hand for when a craving strikes.