[Review] Calgary, AB - Shiki Menya

827 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C3

When the ramen craze first hit Calgary a few years ago, it didn't seem that it was possible for the popularity to gain as many ramen houses as Vancouver or Toronto. Even if it did, it didn't seem like there would be anything that would actually attract my taste buds. To me, I don't eat much pho or ramen noodles, mainly because I don't like soup based foods. Fortunately enough for me, my life was soon to be changed by Shiki Menya. Ever since this place opened, it is probably one of the only Ramen places I've been to. I love sharing this place because I am a huge fan of fusion food and I love the concept of making unique styled ramen bowls!

The other thing I enjoy is the fact that they have seasonal features for ramen! They are the ones who first introduced me to dipping ramen in the summer time. Ever since then, I have never gone anywhere else for summertime ramen. I remember biking down with one of my friends and having that refreshing bowl of cold tomato soup with my ramen noodles and veggies. I thought it was also quite amazing because I usually do not like tomato soup because I don't like tomatoes. However, their broth wasn't too strong in tomato taste, and it had more of a refreshing feel to it that helped cool you down during the hot summer days in the sun. That is a bowl that is definitely worth watching out for in the summer time because I am sure it will make a comeback! It is way too popular not to.....

GOMA MAZEMAN:

• Rating: 5/5 starfishes

• Price: $14

• Not very much soup is in this bowl, it is more of a sauce that they put in the bottom.

• Don't be fooled by the chili oil, it isn't too strong. This is coming from a person who is usually a baby and very intolerant to spicy food.

• Fresh vegetables that give you the healthy salad feel to your meal.

• The medium poached egg is served cold and that is something I don't like about the bowl, mainly because I prefer eating warm eggs.

• The char siu pork is amazing and I would order more on the side if I could finish it. It isn't too fatty like other pork belly.

• Bit of a sesame taste to it because of the sesame oil. I love it! Everything goes so well in this dish, it's so hard to try something new when I come because I just can't get enough of this one.

TONKOTSU BLACK:

• Rating: 3.5/5 starfishes

• Price: $14

• Contains black garlic oil and squid ink oil (that is why the broth is black)

• The squid ink makes this bowl a bit too fishy for my taste, mainly because I don't like the taste of the ocean.

• The garlic taste isn't too prominent, I'm sure they put it in to try and cut the flavour of the squid ink.

• Soft egg (tamago) and bamboo shoots as the sides.

• I know a couple of people who have ordered this dish because it seems very unique, but they always end up liking my dish a lot better!

The other times I've been here, I've also had the chance to try their char siu tacos with the pineapple salsa. If we had the stomach space, I would have introduced my boyfriend to those as well, but we didn't exercise enough to eat that much food... But anyone looking for an appetizer, I would definitely go for those! I haven't tried the kimchi ones, but those seem like a pretty cool dish as well. Anyone tried the kimchi taco and have some feedback? Inbox me on my main page and let me know! I am not too much of a fan of kimchi, so I am still contemplating on whether or not I want to branch out.