aiji Matsubara makes ramen. Now I know you’re already reminiscing about that one year in university when you lived off of ramen packs of Instant Noodles at four for a dollar. Matsubara’s ramen uses the same noodle but is thousands of graduations above the uni staple. Comparing Mr. Noodle to Matsubara is akin to comparing Kraft Dinner to a homemade Italian Bolognese – it just ain’t the same.

The appetizers are true to their menu label as appetite inducers. Start off with some kimchee, gyoza, BBQ pork ribs or brown rice, but don’t stop there. It would be a sin to come to Daiji’s without having a bowl of ramen.

All Daiji’s soups are made with organic chicken broth instead of the traditional pork-based stock which gives them a gentle, light flavour. Try the Bamboo Charcoal Dark Miso Ramen with BBQ pork. The charcoal is a stomach settler as well as an additional flavour to add to the mix.

Mellow jazz will waft over you as you slurp away at the communal table that sits in the centre of the space. If you don’t like slurping at strangers though, I suggest you order your ramen to-go. –J.T.