Genuine Food & Travel Review

Santosei Ramen – Bloor & Yonge

Santosei Ramen is located on 650 Yonge Street. Santosei Ramen is a popular ramen chain in GTA and Canada with many branches. Santosei Ramen specializes in Tonkotsu Ramen which is inspired from the Kyushu and Hokkaido regions of Japan. There are currently 12 branches total in GTA. I am personally not as well versed in the intricacies of Ramen but will try my best!

Historical Context

Tonkotsu Ramen has been primarily associated as the southern part of Japan as its origin in the Kyushu region. Many believe that in 1937, Nankin Senryo was the first to invent tonkotsu ramen in Kurume City, Fukuoka (Kyushu) However, the most recent version of Tonkotsu with “cloudy” soup is believed to be invented in the restaurant “Sankyu” in Kurume in 1947.

Value & Vibe

Price: For downtown location, the price is reasonable for this area. The tonkotsu Black Ramen is $18 and the gyoza is $5.50.

Atmosphere: I came around 7:20PM on a Sunday of a long holiday. It is relatively quiet but still a decent amount of people at the restaurant. I would say in general it is not a “homey” or warm vibe type of restaurant but more of a clean and well structured restaurant which is to be expected from a successful chain. The server attitude is also not overly warm but polite. I personally think this is a decent spot catch up with your coworkers or conducting a quick discussion over lunch type of vibe where is clean , quick and organized but not as pricey.

Taste

Starting with the broth, it is lighter than I thought (for me it is a positive). I personally get the lighter broth ramen as I found some places to be too thick but I think this is just my own personal preference. The smell is great from the sesame oil and other garnish. The noodle is cooked very nicely, not too soft which is also my preference!

For the chashu (pork), I like how it is cooked a little bit more so it is slightly more charred in my opinion. I think this add a bit more flavor and texture. Gyoza is definitely average. I think it can be cooked a bit more so that it can add a bit more texture. The meat in gyoza can also use a bit more seasoning. Overall gyoza is not as impressive.

Overall the ramen taste is decent and would recommend. I would maybe reconsider the gyoza though.

Score

Atmosphere: 6/10 (Not as warm but more professional settings. Depend on your preference)
Price: 7/10 (Great)
Taste: 6.5/10 (Decent. Would stop by for Ramen from time to time)

Scale:
Would not recommend: Below 2
Need some improvement: 3-5
Average: 5
Decent: 6
Great: 7
Excellent: 8
Outstanding 9+