There’s two approach to London’s grey-skied autumn.
The SAD one, and the noodle-based one.
If, like me, your preference goes to the later, I (and all of London’s ramen lovers) know just the place.
Kanada-Ya.
The authentic Japanese tonkotsu ramen specialist has two friendly, informal, one near Piccadilly and one just off Tottenham Court Road.
Neither take reservations and both are always incredibly busy.
Which is not all that surprising since Kanada-Ya is home to London’s most comforting dish – the ultimate bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
Originating from Fukuoka on the Kyushu island of Japan, the infamously time-consuming soup broth is based upon pork bones, boiled for several hours and served with ramen noodles and sliced pork belly.
At Kanada-Ya, the default toppings include sliced wood ear mushroom, seaweed and spring onion, with add-ons such as chashu-cured, gooey-yolked egg, spicy yuzu or porcini truffle paste coming highly commended!
And so do the small plates.
Not that you’ll really need them (the noodles themselves are plenty!). But if you’re able to resist the karaage chicken, well you’re clearly a lot more restrained than I am. And absolutely wrong at that.
I mean, if you’re going to stand in line with all of London’s noodle lovers, you might as well make the most of it.
So don’t be chicken and get it all – it’ll warm you to the bones!
Cake and Whisky 