Kamamarui Ramen & Don: Japanese ramen in Burnaby
Kamamarui Ramen & Don is a Japanese ramen restaurant in Burnaby. Their Burnaby location is very close to Marutama, which is probably my favourite ramen place in Vancouver. However, the wait for Marutama is always so long so we decide to give Kamamarui a try instead. Note: Kamamarui also had a lineup when I went, but it was faster.
This review is based on an in-dining experience.
Interior
It’s a small shop and has a lot of wooden accents. Their tables and chairs are all little squares of wood so don’t expect to be too comfortable. There are no cushions anywhere.
As per covid protocol, tables are properly spaced out but there are no plexi glasses installed. All staff are wearing masks and gloves.
Food
I am usually very full with just one bowl of ramen, but Kamamarui has some ramen combos that we tried out.
Black ramen ($12)
My boyfriend orders the black ramen, which has pork broth, black garlic oil, 2 pieces of chashu (smoked bbq meat), green onion, bean sprouts, black mushroom, and a seasoned half-egg.
I find that usually guys like to order whichever ramen has the most garlic in it lol. I tasted a little bit of the black ramen and found it was not too salty like some places. It even had a slight sweet aftertaste (like coconut?).
Tonkotsu ramen ($11)
They had a chicken ramen which I was almost seduced by, but when I go to a new restaurant, I usually try to order whatever their most basic staple is, which in this case is their tonkotsu ramen.
Their tonkotsu ramen uses pork broth, 2 pieces of chashu, green onion, bean sprouts, and a seasoned half-egg. I chose fatty for my broth and original chasu.
The best part about their ramen is probably their cha su. It is very soft and tender and also smoked deliciously. I believe they smoke and cook the chasu in-house. It’s probably the best chasu I’ve had in any ramen restaurant in Vancouver.
Bomb (+$2)
I added the “bomb” to my ramen combo. The bomb is just 2 ball-shaped seasoned rice with seaweed. They are very small and don’t look that impressive, but it’s packed with yummy seaweed flavour. I found it to be a very delightful add on to my ramen even though it’s just a rice ball.
Mini chasu don (+$4)
My boyfriend adds on a mini chasu don. This is a little rice bowl with more chasu on it. You can choose from different mini dons as well for different prices.
The mini chasu don uses half-size shredded pork on rice with mayo, teriyaki, garlic powder, and green onion. The mayo isn’t too overwhelming and tastes great with the rice and chasu.
Final thoughts
Loewe’s rating: โญโญโญโญ
We loved everything we ordered from Kamamarui and I would say it’s in my top 3 ramen restaurants in Vancouver. Their prices are very reasonable for the same portion size (I couldn’t finish my ramen… darn those bombs!) and the flavours are on point.
Compared to Marutama, which only really serves one signature bowl of ramen, Kamamarui has a variety of different broths and ramens and you don’t have to pay extra for a ramen egg (hallelujah!).
Great little shop with a high quality menu. I would recommend you all to give it a try and definitely order something with their signature cha su on it!
Sincerely, Loewe