If you’re chasing Japanese flavours without looking to leave town, Calgary has plenty worth slurping. From savoury Asahikawa ramen to bold mazemen and lighter shirataki options, we’ve rounded up the city’s newest and most loved spots — and yes, most of these bowls cost less than $20.
New(ish) Ramen Spots
JINYA Ramen Bar (Macleod)
110, 8810 Macleod Tr. S – opened April 2025; @jinyaramenbar
This US-born ramen spot delivers deeply satisfying bowls with rich, layered flavour in its newest location. Simmered for over 20 hours, the broth is made with pork bones, chicken, vegetables, and classic Japanese ingredients. There’s a fun lineup of creative bites, like Brussels sprouts tempura, nikuman, and mini tacos. They’ve also run playful promos in the past, including Japan flight giveaways and limited-edition Demon Slayer spoons, so keep an eye on their social media.
Globefish Ramen & Izakaya (Seton)
880, 19587 Seton Cres. S.E. – opened September 2025; @globefish.sushi
This one is a Japanese spot that blends ramen, sushi, and izakaya dishes at approachable prices. Beyond shoyu and miso, the Tan Tan Men adds a spicy sesame kick. Solo dining booths with wooden panels add to the authentic Japanese vibes, and a bamboo curtain that lifts only when your ramen arrives makes it ideal for introverts.
Kinton Ramen
20 Uxborough Pl. N.W.; 1912 4 St. S.W.; and 215, 4307 130 Ave. S.E. – opened 2025; @kintonramen
If customization matters to you, Kinton is where you want to be. Choose between thin or thick noodles, swap in shirataki, or explore several vegetarian broths. The $15.99 value meal includes ramen, gyoza, and a soft drink, making it a cheapskate-friendly pick.
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Marugame Udon
127, 261055 Crossiron Blvd. – opened December 2025; @marugamecanada
Located at CrossIron Mills, this Japanese udon chain specializes in handcrafted Sanuki udon with its signature thick, chewy bite. An open kitchen lets you watch fresh noodles and tempura made to order, and seeing your bowl come together is half the fun.
Local Classics
Shiki Menya
824 1 Ave. N.E.; @shikimenya
Self-described as “11 years of being weird,” Shiki Menya is a longtime Calgary favourite that usually has a line out the door. The playful decor and loud hip-hop jams set the mood for hand-pulled noodle heaven. Before diving into their signature tonkotsu ramen, take a moment to sip the pork bone broth on its own and see what a difference 20 hours of simmering makes.
Ramen Taka
843 17 Ave. S.W.; @ramentakayyc
This joint specializes in authentic Asahikawa ramen, known for its savoury, well-balanced soy-based broth with layered umami. The signature Asahikawa Shoyu Ramen — which features chashu pork, menma, black fungus, a soft-boiled egg, and nori — is Scene-approved deliciousness. The menu also includes homemade gyoza, takoyaki, Hokkaido croquettes, and mochi.
Wakado Ramen
907 10 Ave. S.W.; @wakadoramen
Wakado makes fresh noodles daily using machines imported from Japan, and you can really taste the difference in the texture. The pork chashu, seasoned with house spices and marinated in their signature sauce, is a must-try. The spicy miso and chilli goma ramen are aromatic, punchy, and clear crowd favourites. If you’re into spice, Wakado is hard to beat.
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Ramen Ichinen
349, 3132 26 St. N.E.; @ramenichinenyyc
Japanese-owned and operated, this cozy neighbourhood ramen shop has a warm, homey feel and focuses on classic tonkotsu ramen with authentic Japanese flavours. Alongside traditional bowls, you’ll also find mazemen, a brothless noodle dish with bold flavours, and tsukemen, where noodles are dipped into a rich, concentrated broth. It’s a comforting spot that keeps things simple, honest, and quietly satisfying.
Goro+Gun
245, 225 7 Ave. S.W.; @goroandgun
Goro + Gun is a modern Japanese restaurant inside Stephen Avenue Place that offers a wide range of tasty options, including gluten-free noodles. It’s a popular hangout for Scenesters and working professionals, thanks to weekday happy hour from 2 to 7 p.m. Happy hour snacks include steamed buns and fried Brussels sprouts, which start at $5, and ramen bowls start from just $11. It’s an easy, laid-back downtown spot for mid-work hangs or a quick noodle fix in between bar stops.
Ramen Eating 101
1. Start with the broth
Take a sip first to taste the broth on its own, then mix in the noodles and toppings. You’ll notice the flavours change once everything comes together.
2. Don’t worry about slurping
A little noise isn’t rude. In Japan, slurping is considered a compliment to the chef, so enjoy your noodles however you like.
3. Save the egg for later
For the soft-boiled egg, place it in the middle or at the end of the bowl. Eating it later refreshes your palate and adds a new layer of flavour to the rest of the ramen.
