2026: 4 Shops Ranked by a Local Foodie

Introduction

If you search for "best ramen Metro Vancouver 2026" right now, you will get a lot of noise. Lists that copy each other. Videos that hype the same three shops. And almost nobody tells you what the broth actually tastes like, or whether you will be thirsty two hours later.

I have been eating ramen in this city for years. I pay for my own bowls. I take notes. And I have a specific taste: I want broth that is rich but drinkable. Chicken that is tender, not dry. Noodles that hold up. And I do not want to spend $25 before tax on a bowl that leaves me reaching for water all night.

This guide covers four ramen shops across Metro Vancouver that I have actually visited in 2026. I have listed prices as of June 2026, verified from official menus. I have included my honest ranking. And I have pointed out the hidden details that most reviews miss, like which shops have vegan options and which ones run special happy hours during sports broadcasts.

For newcomers to Vancouver, this is also part of a larger series on Asian comfort food. You might want to read our Vancouver Ramen Guide: From Tonkotsu to Tantanmen for a broader overview of styles. And if you are budgeting for eating out, use our free income tax calculator to estimate your take-home pay first.

Quick Answer

The Best Ramen in Metro Vancouver 2026

For my money, the best ramen in Metro Vancouver right now is the Chicken Ramen (鶏白湯) at Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar in Richmond.

Here is why. The broth is a chicken paitan that is thick and creamy but not heavy. It does not leave that sticky film on your tongue that some tonkotsu broths do. The chicken chashu is sous-vide style, so it stays soft and moist instead of turning into dry shreds. And the whole bowl costs $17.90, which is reasonable for the quality.

But that is my top pick for a full experience. If you want something faster and cheaper, Maruhachi Ra-men on Robson Street has been doing creamy chicken ramen since 2013 and still delivers a solid bowl for around $13 to $ 16. If you want the thick, heavy, iekei-style noodles that remind you of Yokohama, go to Yah-Yah-Ya in Richmond. And if you are on a tight budget, Kojima Ramen in the City Square food court sells bowls for $12.50.

Let me break down each shop in detail.

1. Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar: My Top Pick for 2026

Address: 1460-4771 McClelland Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 0M5 Neighborhood: Richmond (Garden City / McClelland, near YVR) Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30-22:00; Fri-Sat 11:30-23:00 Price range: $$-$$$, ramen $17.90-$19.50; sets $32-$59 Google rating: 4.2 (371 reviews)

What I Ordered and Why It Won

I went to Hibiki expecting a standard izakaya with ramen on the side. Instead, I found a place where the ramen is the star, but the sides are almost as good.

I ordered the Chicken Ramen (鶏白湯, #4 on the menu) for $17. 90. The broth is a chicken paitan that is rich and creamy. But here is the key difference from other shops: it is not overly salty. I could drink the broth straight from the bowl without feeling like I needed a glass of water after every sip. The chicken chashu was cooked sous-vide. It was tender, not dry, and had a clean flavor that paired well with the broth. The noodles were chewy and held up well through the meal. The soft-boiled egg was perfectly jammy.

I also tried the curry-dip fries. The Japanese curry sauce comes on the side, thick and flavorful like the sauce you get with curry rice. You dip the crispy fries into it. The combination works better than you would expect. The saba set (mackerel) was also excellent: the fish was plump and juicy, not dry or overcooked, and the seasoning let the fish flavor come through.

The Hidden Happy Hour Trick

Here is something I have not seen in any other review. During the 2026 World Cup, Hibiki changed its happy hour policy. If a match was being broadcast, the happy hour menu was available for the entire broadcast. This is the kind of local detail that makes a difference if you are planning a visit. Call ahead to confirm whether this policy is still active.

What to Order at Hibiki

The Downsides

Some reviewers mention that the yakitori can be over-charred. I did not experience that myself, but it is worth noting. The portions can also feel small for the price on some dishes. Stick to the ramen and the sets for the best value.

Summary: For the best ramen in Metro Vancouver 2026, Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar in Richmond offers the most balanced chicken ramen at $17.

90. The broth is rich but drinkable, the chicken chashu is sous-vide tender, and the curry-dip fries are a unique side. This shop also has a vegan ramen option and a happy hour that extends during sports broadcasts. Expect to spend $17.90 to $19.50 per bowl.

2. Maruhachi Ra-men: The Tori-Paitan Pioneer

Address: 780 Bidwell St (West End); 270 Robson St (Downtown); 2858 Main St; plus Burnaby and Surrey locations Neighborhood: Multiple Vancouver locations Hours: Robson location Mon-Thu & Sun 11:00-21:30, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00 Price range: $, approximately $10-$20 per person Google rating: 4.5 (3000+ reviews)

Why Maruhachi Still Matters

Maruhachi calls itself the pioneer of creamy chicken-broth ramen in Vancouver, and that claim is credible. The shop opened in 2013 and has been serving tori-paitan (chicken paitan) ever since. With over 3000 reviews and a 4.5 rating, it is one of the most popular ramen shops in the city.

The house specialty is the Tori-Paitan creamy chicken ramen. The broth is rich and creamy, with a noticeable dairy component. This is important: if you are lactose intolerant, the creamy texture comes from dairy, not just from emulsified chicken fat. The soft-boiled eggs are consistently praised as "divine" by regulars.

What to Order at Maruhachi

The Tamago Ramen is the most popular choice. It is the creamy chicken broth with a soft egg. The Tsukemen is also worth trying: the dipping soup is chili and sesame based, concentrated chicken broth with thick noodles.

The Trade-Off

The broth is creamy and flavorful, but it is heavier than Hibiki's version. Some diners find it less "authentic" compared to ramen in Japan. I think that is a fair criticism if you are a purist. But for a quick, satisfying bowl in downtown Vancouver, Maruhachi delivers consistent quality at a reasonable price.

The downside is the wait. Peak hours can mean long lines, especially at the Robson location. Plan accordingly.

Summary: Maruhachi Ra-men is the most established tori-paitan specialist in Vancouver with a 4.5 rating from over 3000 reviews. The creamy chicken broth is rich but includes dairy, which matters for lactose-sensitive diners. Bowls range from $10 to $

20. The Tamago Ramen is the most popular choice. Expect peak-hour waits at the Robson Street location.

3. Yah-Yah-Ya Ramen: Iekei Style for Heavy Broth Lovers

Address: 8388 Capstan Way #1423, Richmond, BC V6X 4A7 Neighborhood: Richmond (Capstan Way, near Aberdeen Centre and Aberdeen SkyTrain) Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday to Sunday approximately 11:00-14:30 and 17:00-21:00/21:30 Price range: $$, bowls $16.95-$20.95; 10% off weekday lunch (except holidays) Google rating: 4.3 (approximately 940 reviews)

What Makes Yah-Yah-Ya Different

Yah-Yah-Ya (横浜家系 家家家) specializes in iekei ramen. This is a Yokohama style that combines a thick pork and chicken broth with soy sauce tare, topped with nori, spinach, and chashu. The noodles are thicker and chewier than standard ramen noodles.

This is not a subtle broth. It is heavy, salty, and intense. If you like tonkotsu but find most versions too mild, this is your shop. The customization options are extensive: you can choose noodle firmness (hard, normal, soft), taste strength (heavy, normal, light), and oil level (more, normal, less).

What to Order at Yah-Yah-Ya

The Vegan Option That Nobody Talks About

Most reviews of Yah-Yah-Ya focus on the heavy pork broths. But the shop has a Vegan Ramen for $17.45 (regular) or $19.95 (large). It uses a mushroom and kombu dashi base with spinach noodles. This is a rare find in the iekei ramen world, and it is not mentioned in most video reviews or blog posts.

The Salt Warning

The broth is salty. That is the nature of iekei ramen. If you are sensitive to salt, order the "light" taste option and "less" oil. Even then, this is not a broth you will finish drinking. But for the flavor, it is worth it.

Summary: Yah-Yah-Ya Ramen in Richmond serves iekei style ramen with thick noodles and heavy broth. Bowls cost $16.95 to $20.

95. The shop offers extensive customization for noodle firmness, taste strength, and oil level. A vegan ramen option ($17.45/$19.95) is available but rarely mentioned in reviews. This is the best choice for diners who want intense, salty, pork-forward ramen.

4. Kojima Ramen: The Budget Champion

Address: City Square Shopping Centre food court, 555 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7 Neighborhood: Vancouver (Mount Pleasant / Broadway-City Hall SkyTrain) Price range: $, bowls $12.50, combo $15.50 Google rating: Not yet established (opened November 2025)

The Newcomer Worth Watching

Kojima Ramen opened in late 2025 in the City Square food court. It is a family-owned operation that keeps prices low: $12.50 for a bowl of ramen, $15.50 for a combo that includes a side and a drink.

The menu is small. The Tonkotsu Ramen uses pork broth with chashu and a soft egg. The Vegan Tan Tan Ramen uses a sesame broth with fried tofu and mushrooms. That is another vegan option at a budget price point.

The Trade-Off

Kojima is in a food court. The atmosphere is not special. The portion sizes are reasonable for the price, but do not expect the depth of flavor you get at Hibiki or Maruhachi. This is a solid option for a quick lunch near Broadway-City Hall station, especially if you are watching your budget.

Summary: Kojima Ramen in the City Square food court offers the cheapest ramen in this guide at $12.50 per bowl. The Vegan Tan Tan Ramen is also $12.50, making it the most affordable vegan option. The shop opened in November 2025 and has too few reviews for a reliable rating. This is a budget choice, not a destination.

Comparison Table: Best Ramen Metro Vancouver 2026

What About Vegan Ramen?

Vegan ramen is getting easier to find in Metro Vancouver, but the options are still limited. Here are the three I have confirmed from the shops in this guide:

• Yah-Yah-Ya Ramen: Vegan Ramen $17.45 (regular) / $19.95 (large). Mushroom and kombu dashi base with spinach noodles. This is a proper vegan bowl, not an afterthought.
• Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar: Creamy Vegan $18.

50. Tofu-based broth. I have not tried this personally, but the shop has a reputation for quality.

• Kojima Ramen: Vegan Tan Tan Ramen $12.

50. Sesame broth with fried tofu and mushrooms. The cheapest vegan option in this guide.

If you are looking for more Asian lunch options in the downtown area, check out our guide to Best Asian Lunch Spots in Downtown Vancouver.

The Final Verdict

If you can only visit one ramen shop in Metro Vancouver in 2026, go to Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar in Richmond. Order the Chicken Ramen for $17. 90. Add the curry-dip fries if you are hungry. The broth is the most balanced I have found in the city: rich enough to satisfy, light enough to finish.

If you are downtown and need a quick bowl, Maruhachi on Robson Street is your best bet. If you want heavy, salty, iekei-style noodles, head to Yah-Yah-Ya. And if you are on a tight budget, Kojima in the City Square food court will fill you up for $12.50.

For more food guides and newcomer tips, visit our guides page. And if you are planning your monthly food budget, our rent affordability calculator can help you figure out what you can spend on eating out.

Key Takeaway

The best ramen in Metro Vancouver 2026 is the Chicken Ramen at Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar in Richmond for $17. 90. The broth is rich but drinkable, the chicken chashu is sous-vide tender, and the shop also offers a vegan option and a unique happy hour during sports broadcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ramen in Metro Vancouver 2026?

Based on my first-hand experience, the Chicken Ramen at Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar in Richmond is the best. The broth is a chicken paitan that is rich but not overly salty, and the chicken chashu is sous-vide tender. It costs $17.90.

Where can I find affordable ramen in Vancouver?

Kojima Ramen in the City Square food court sells bowls for $12.50 and combos for $15. 50. Maruhachi Ra-men on Robson Street also offers bowls in the $10 to $20 range.

Does any ramen shop in Metro Vancouver have vegan options?

Yes. Yah-Yah-Ya Ramen has a Vegan Ramen for $17.45 (regular) or $19.95 (large) with mushroom and kombu dashi. Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar has a Creamy Vegan option for $18. 50. Kojima Ramen has a Vegan Tan Tan Ramen for $12.50.

Which ramen shop has the best chicken broth?

Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar has the most balanced chicken broth in my opinion. Maruhachi Ra-men has a creamier version that includes dairy. Both are excellent, but Hibiki's broth is more drinkable and less likely to leave you thirsty.

Is Yah-Yah-Ya ramen too salty?

Yah-Yah-Ya serves iekei style ramen, which is intentionally heavy and salty. If you are sensitive to salt, order the "light" taste option and "less" oil. Even then, this is not a subtle broth. It is designed for people who want intense flavor.

What is the best ramen for newcomers to Vancouver?

I recommend Maruhachi Ra-men for newcomers. It is affordable, consistent, and has multiple locations. The Tori-Paitan creamy chicken ramen is a safe introduction to the style.

Does Hibiki Ramen Yakitori Bar have a happy hour?

Yes. During the 2026 World Cup, the happy hour menu was available for the entire duration of any broadcast match. Call ahead to confirm whether this policy is still active.

Related Reading

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• Best Sushi in Vancouver: From Omakase to Conveyor Belt

References

[1] Eater Vancouver, "Restaurant Coverage," 2026. Food media coverage of Vancouver restaurant news, guides, and rankings. https://vancouver.eater.com/

[2] Statistics Canada, "Census Profile: Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area, 2021." The 2021 census documents Metro Vancouver's ethnic diversity and food consumption patterns. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm

[3] City of Vancouver, "Vancouver Food Strategy," 2023. The city's long-term plan for a healthy, sustainable food system. https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/vancouvers-food-strategy.aspx

[4] Destination Vancouver, "Vancouver Restaurants and Dining," 2026. Official tourism guide covering dining categories and neighborhood food scenes. https://www.destinationvancouver.com/restaurants/

[5] Daily Hive Vancouver, "Food Section," 2026. Local news coverage of Vancouver restaurant openings, closures, and food trends. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/food

[6] Vancouver Sun, "Food and Dining," 2026. Coverage of Metro Vancouver's restaurant scene and food culture. https://vancouversun.com/tag/restaurants/