Every Calgary trip, I try to get in a bowl of ramen. With so many options as of late, it’s easy to try a new spot. I came in on a late Thursday evening and the only place that I could think of that serves late night ramen was Shokunin. It’s usually only available Friday and Saturday’s after 10:00pm but I’m guessing it was available because of Big Taste week.
Their hours are great. Open late till 1:00am except Sunday (10:00pm).
The inside is cool, hip, moody and modern. It was just me so I grabbed a seat at the bar and got lucky; I was seated right at the yakitori grill so I got to see the chefs work their magic all night long.
The decor is chic with an anime mural of a bad ass chick giving off some intense attitude. Did I mention the beats? Old school r&b/hip hop had me in my happy place. Great vibes.
Nice touch that they give you a warm towel to wipe your hands with when you first sit down. Service was excellent and it was nice to see chef/co-owner Darren MacLean educating his staff and controlling the kitchen like a wizard.
Note: Shokunin recently received #39 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2017.
YYC ramen ($16.00)
House made fried scallop xo sauce with cha shu, miso cured egg and scallions. I recall the waiter telling me that their broth is a mix of chicken and pork. The cha shu starts on the yakitori grill and then is transferred and finished off in the oven. The miso cured egg was legit, broth was clean tasting with a nice layer of depth but the noodles could use some work.
I’ll be back to try out their specialty charred yakitori skewers.
Shokunin
http://shokuninyyc.ca/
2016 – 4 Street SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 229-3444
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 