Edmonton gets a taste of the ramen rage at Kazoku

Whether steamed in a paper cup or dry, right out a plastic bag, penny-wise university students have been living off ramen noodles for decades. Thankfully now all Edmontonians can get their fill of the noodle in a much more appetizing package at Kazoku, a new Japanese restaurant.

Kazoku, located at 16518 100th Avenue in Meadowlark, opened last month.

Edmonton's Jackson Leung and his family run the restaurant. Leung grew up on the instant variety of ramen noodles, but fell in love with the "real deal" after tasting bowls from Vancouver, the United States, and ramen's birthplace, Japan.

Leung thought the city might have an appetite for the traditional dish, and Edmonton AM Food Reviewer Twyla Campbell says he is spot on: ramen is all the rage.  

"The timing is absolutely perfect. Ramen is a real phenomenon, and Edmonton is a bit behind on that scene, so I really looked forward to trying this."

Inside the Bowl

Broth and noodles are the most important ingredients in any ramen bowl, and Campbell says Kazoku got it right on both accounts. The soft-boiled egg, char siu (slow-cooked pork belly), bamboo shoots, green onion and cured fish included in Kazoku's miso recipe created an excellent meld of flavours.

"At first bite, at first sip, I was really impressed. The flavour was solid."

The menu does go beyond ramen fare. Dumplings, barbecued duck and a variety of rice bowls also populate the menu. Campbell says if you really have a hankering for something other than noodles, try the spicy chicken karaage, a tray of fried, boneless chicken with spicy sauce.

Campbell's advice for first-time customers and novice noodlers: Stick with a ramen dish, slurp your broth and avoid the lunch-hour rush if you want a side of peace and quiet to go with your noodles.

"You're supposed to slurp; slurping is encouraged because that noodle comes out screaming hot," Campbell said.

"Just go for it. You're going to splash everywhere, but just enjoy it."