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OK, sushi-starved people. Globefish in Kensington has moved. Look 50 paces north. There you go. See the big orange sign on what used to be Shan Tung, the Chinese restaurant? That’s now Globefish, freshly renovated and double the size.
It seems moving across just two parking lots is causing much confusion for Globefish’s loyal throngs, as we sat slurping ramen in its former space and watching people wander in and then look bewildered.
In what used to be Globefish’s original, always-cramped, tiny building has risen Muku Japanese Ramen House, run by the same three owners.
Muku means pure in Japanese, and the space has definitely been stripped down, especially the open kitchen. There’s no need for fancy equipment to pump out steaming, hot bowls of ramen noodles, but a few colourful hangings here or there can’t hurt.
The menu is short: a few basic appetizers (edamame, salad), various ramen, and a few rice bowls.
We started with the shrimp dumplings ($6.50), which I’d advise passing on. The shrimp inside was processed to the point of mush, and the flavour was pretty blah. I’d love for Muku to add some gyoza or karaage to boost its menu.
My spicy tonkotsu ramen ($9.95) came with two slices of fatty pork, some chopped lean pork, pickled ginger, two baby corn pieces, some green onions and a big wallop of hot sauce. Strangely, there is black pepper on the table, but not that little red shaker of assorted chili pepper.
Jason’s was similar but with nice wonton pieces ($11.95) as well.
I like the ramen noodles here the best out of the places I’ve tried in Calgary. They’re al dente and chewy. But I will say I like the broths better at Shikiji. I found Muku’s thick tonkotsu broth quite oily.
Non-pork eaters are out of luck here. You can top your ramen with chasu (thinly sliced roasted pork, different from the barbecued Chinese kind), pork wonton, or both… or add extra chasu.
Jason didn’t like the fat on the pork slices, but I did because I like the flavour it adds next to the lean pork bits.
Muku is a great addition to Kensington where there really aren’t any comparable noodle houses (especially good pho), or comfortable, quick, inexpensive restaurants.
Muku Japanese Ramen House, 328-14th St. NW, Calgary. Open weekdays 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m., weekends noon-10 p.m.
The image of your dining companion’s bowl is probably the best photo I’ve seen yet as to what Muku has to offer. Thanks for posting. Though it is a strange mix, dumplings though of a much smaller/thinner variety I have seen in ramen before but never that sushi-purpose sliced pickled ginger! I hope to check this place out when I am in Calgary later this month.
Some of my favourite meals in Japan were real ramen, including one from a restaurant about as wide as a subway car with nothing but stools, a long counter and a small cooking area. Mmmmm. I am totally going to try Muku!
It’s just crap. They are the only japanese owners trying to cheat canadians. I used to work for them. the worst in calgary.
King: What do you mean? You can’t throw out allegations like that without backing them up. Unless this is just a personal grudge.
Mmm thas soup looks very good!
~Liz
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Hmm, I’ll have to check this place out. Are there any other similar ramen houses in Calgary?
Ryan: Muku is probably the first bonafide ramen house in Calgary but other places like Shikiji (link above), Wa’s and Shibuya all serve good ramen.
I think for the price I’m paying, I would rather eat a Zipang. It’s not horrible, but for the quality given the price you can do better elsewhere.
Have you been to soba ten?
23skidoo: Not yet!
The worst raman in the world …. don’w waste your money. Bad bad bad
……can we say its instant noodle?
Muku along with Globefish, Towa, Blowfish is just over rated and should be thrown in the garbage. These restaurants have been hyped up to a ridiculous extent and frankly does not live up to it at all.
If only there was a restaurant in Calgary that had perfected BOTH the broth and the noodles. We keep finding places where the broth is amazing, but the noodles are poor or vice versa. Our favourites are Muku and Shikiji. Would love to know of more places in town.
I totally agree Kathy!