Kanada-Ya Soho

This one’s a bit of a mixed experience, and I think a few factors could make or break it depending on when you visit. I went on a Saturday evening without a booking. It was super busy, which is usually a good sign, but I had to wait around 15 minutes outside for a table. Once seated, the service felt rushed and impersonal – staff were clearly overwhelmed, running around like headless chickens, and it felt like they just wanted to get people in and out quickly. I asked for some guidance with the menu since there are a lot of ramen options, and while the server gave me a recommendation, it wasn’t very helpful. I was surprised that the ramen doesn’t come with an egg as standard and you had to pay to have it – though the marinated egg I ordered was very tasty. I mentioned that I enjoy spicy food and was recommended their spicy version of ramen. Unfortunately, it was way too spicy – so much so that it completely overpowered the flavour and richness of the broth. It didn’t taste like a properly balanced spicy ramen, more like a regular broth with loads of chilli sauce mixed in. At that level of heat, it would’ve made much more sense to serve the chilli oil on the side and let customers adjust it themselves. That said, the ingredients themselves were fresh and good quality, so I do believe their standard ramen bowls are probably much better. But overall, between the lack of care in service and the overpowering dish, the experience just didn’t leave a good taste in my mouth – and I wouldn’t return to try anything else.