From time to time my work brings me out to Vancouver. I'm here for a few days, and that gives me the luxury to visit some old haunts. I had an hour for lunch today, and it takes me about 15 minutes to walk to an eatery and 15 minutes to get back to work. So this means I need a place where I can get seated, order, eat, and wrap up the bill in about 30 minutes. Thanks god for ramen! Ramen joints are super fast and have a focused menu. Motomachi Shokudo is the perfect option for lunch today.

Bamboo Charcoal Dark Miso Ramen ($9.75)

The chicken broth is lighter in taste than the traditional pork soups. The charcoal doesn’t add any extra flavour for me, just gives the broth a bit of texture. The noodles are well done. Al dente with a bit of bounce. There’s only one slice of barbeque pork, but it’s a pretty sizable tender slice.

Shio Ramen with Vegetables ($9.65)

The broth again is light in flavour and body. There is a fair amount of sesame oil floating about on the surface, which coated the noodles nicely before heading into my belly. The vegetables are fresh and vibrant, there is even some lotus root hiding at the bottom too. Since this bowl is all vegetables, an order of egg is required to round out my ramen lunch.

I left satisfied and satiated. Ramen. It’s good stuff. I always think of the movie Tampopo whenever I go for ramen. But then again I think of Tampopo when I eat oysters, eggs, spaghetti...etc. Have you seen Tampopo? It's a classic. I want the elderly "Ramen Master" to be my sensei too!

Well, I ordered, ate, paid and was on my way back to work in 25 minutes. Mission accomplished!

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