2025 Toronto's Best Ramen | CHOPSBOOK Golden Chopsticks

The Warring States period of Toronto ramen—which one is truly the "World's No.1"? Stop arguing! CHOPSBOOK's "2025 People's Choice Toronto's Strongest Series" has finally reached the fiercest Ramen Edition! This time, we didn't rely on food critics. We completely left it to the vast number of Toronto foodies to nominate on Threads, followed by a cruel daily "Choose 1 out of 4" elimination tournament. The top vote-getters entered the next round to fight with other strong contenders until the ultimate king was born. After days of fierce voting battles, this year unexpectedly resulted in a legendary Double Champions ending! This article will introduce these two ramen kings in detail and compile this 2026 Toronto Must-Eat Ramen List. Follow this list to explore and we guarantee you won't be disappointed!

2025 Double Champions: Ramen Raijin & Ramen Isshin

2025 Toronto's Best: Ramen section 2 left

2025 Toronto's Best: Ramen section 2 right

Ramen Raijin If there is a representative of both "good looks" and "strength" in Toronto's ramen scene, Raijin is definitely on the list. Upon entering the store, you will be awed by the domineering wooden lightning decorations on the ceiling, as if you have truly entered the realm of the Thunder God.

Must-eat recommendation: Their Tori Gyokai Shoyu (Chicken & Seafood Soy Sauce Ramen) is the favorite of many Foodies. Unlike the usual overwhelming saltiness, the broth here blends the sweetness of chicken soup with the ocean flavor of seafood, creating extremely rich layers!
Editor's review: Raijin's noodles have excellent chewiness, and the Frozen Ramen they launched during the pandemic saved the stomachs of countless work-from-home folks. This "grace" is undoubtedly one of the reasons for their high votes!

Ramen Isshin Speaking of "Isshin", no Toronto ramen lover doesn't know it. The name implies "One Heart, One Mind", and their dedication to every bowl of noodles is no joke. Whether it's the College Street or Queen West location, the queue at the door is their signature.

Must-eat recommendation: Wok Fried Red Miso Ramen! The chef literally uses a wok to stir-fry the savory miso and vegetables. That unique "wok hei" burnt aroma blends into the broth, warming your heart with just one sip in winter. In addition, the Black Sesame Tan Tan Noodle is a must-order for photos; the rich sesame aroma is unforgettable.
Editor's review: Isshin's broth is generally richer (Kotteri style), which heavy-flavor lovers will absolutely adore. Plus, they offer very friendly vegetarian options, no wonder their fan base is so huge.

2026 Toronto Ramen Nomination List Recap

Although there are only two champions, every nominated restaurant is a powerhouse! To make it easier for everyone to explore in 2026, the editor has organized and categorized this "Toronto Ramen Hall of Fame". You can choose according to your mood today:

🍊 Light & Michelin Vibes

Afuri:

A famous shop from Japan, featuring Yuzu Shio (Yuzu Salt) ramen. The refreshing yuzu aroma neutralizes the greasiness of the chicken fat, suitable for friends who want to eat ramen but are afraid of it being too heavy.

Konjiki Hototogisu:

Blessed with a Michelin star, Clam Broth ramen is their signature. The broth is bursting with umami and carries the aroma of truffle oil, a High Class choice.

🐔 Chicken & Rich Broth

Kaminari:

Focuses on Tori Paitan (Creamy Chicken Broth), the soup is full of collagen, rich but not greasy.

Hakata Ikkousha:

Authentic Hakata Tonkotsu flavor, even offering a "God Fire" spicy challenge. That rich pork bone aroma (the good kind) is the favorite of those who know their stuff.

🍜 Dipping Noodles / Tsukemen

Menya Itto:

Known as the "King of Tsukemen", the slow-cooked char siu paired with an extremely rich dipping sauce offers a first-class noodle texture.

Ramen x Remix:

A playful Fusion style, often full of surprises.

🇯🇵 The Classics

Kinton Ramen:

The "local boss" of Toronto's ramen scene, with many branches and stable quality, it's a great choice whenever you want ramen.

Sansotei Ramen:

Another local overlord, Tonkotsu Black (Black Garlic Oil) is the gateway favorite for many.

Ajisen Ramen:

A nostalgic childhood memory. Although it might not be the trendiest flavor right now, it wins with its overwhelming familiarity.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka:

Hokkaido style, their Shio (Salt) ramen is excellent, marked by a small pickled plum.

🔥 Hidden Gems & Unique Styles

Buta-Nibo:

Features Jiro Style or rich Seafood Tonkotsu, large portions, heavy garlic, a man's romance!

Musoshin:

From Kyoto, the broth leans towards a thick, vegetable-paste-like texture, very unique.

Kajiken:

Specializes in Mazesoba (soupless noodles), chewy texture, perfect when adding vinegar and chili oil.

Midori Ramen:

Green-themed, besides traditional flavors, their vegetarian ramen is also of a high standard.

Tondo:

Okinawa style ramen, divided into "Men's Flavor" (Tonkotsu) and "Women's Flavor" (Shio), each with its own merits.

Magic Noodle (Da Huai Shu):

Although it focuses on Lanzhou pulled noodles, the chewiness of their hand-pulled noodles is top-notch. It crashed the ramen list but is undeniably strong!

This "People's Choice Toronto's Strongest" series is not over yet! Don't want to miss the next vote? Want to canvas for your favorite restaurant?

👉 Follow IG @CHOPSBOOK immediately 👉 Remember to turn on notifications on Threads and watch out for the next "Choose 1 out of 4" vote!

Every vote you cast determines the ranking of Toronto's food scene! See you next time! 👋