Cozy Bowls
As the days get colder, I always crave a big, steaming bowl of noodle soup! There’s something so comforting about a spoonful of deeply flavourful umami ramen, the fragrant burst of fresh basil in pho, the nostalgic taste of wonton soup, the tender fall-apart goodness of Taiwanese beef noodle soup, the satisfying crunch of tempura prawn udon, or the sight of a big bubbling hot pot ready to share with friends. No matter what I’m in the mood for, Vancouver Island offers countless irresistible spots to enjoy. Here are some of my favourite places to warm up in!
Ramen
Ramen, the ultimate Japanese comfort food, features a deeply flavoured stock and chewy wheat noodles, topped with an array of mouth-watering ingredients. Ramen Arashi Victoria is well known for their creamy tonkotsu broth and delightful vegetarian options, like a soymilk or miso broth paired with kale noodles. Over at Ghost Ramen, everything is made from scratch! I love their gekikara paitan ramen, with crunchy fried chicken nestled in a silky chicken broth. And if you want to try freshly crafted noodles, you must check out Nikkei Ramen Ya in Courtenay! Slurping ramen isn’t just tradition—it also enhances the flavour, letting you take in the broth’s aroma while savouring each bite. Plus, it tells the chef you’re enjoying your meal!
Pho
Craving something more fragrant? Pho, the iconic Vietnamese soup, consists of a beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, fresh basil, bean sprouts, jalapeños and a lime wedge. I love adding a few dashes of hoisin, sriracha and chili oil. I can never resist Alysa's Pho and Banh Mi Diner’s uniquely spiced beef broth that is rich and complex. Then there’s Pho Vy’s bun bo hue, which offers a zesty lemongrass base that pairs perfectly with tender beef and delicate rice noodles. If you find yourself in Nanaimo, don’t miss Saigon Kitchen’s pho dac biet—a bowl brimming with a slightly sweet yet savoury base, loaded with rare sliced beef, tripe and bouncy beef balls.
Wonton Noodle Soup
For something a little lighter, you can’t go wrong with wonton noodle soup! This Chinese dish features shrimp or pork dumplings, all served in a clear, mild broth and often accompanied by tender greens and green onions. Pro tip: ask for some red vinegar on the side for an extra flavour boost! Wah Lai Yuen, a Chinatown staple, serves a lovely version with perfectly spiced shrimp dumplings. J & J Wonton Noodle House lives up to its name, offering a must-try shrimp and pork wonton noodle soup that l adore. And if you’re in Courtenay, Bamboo Garden Restaurant has a comforting bowl that’s sure to hit the spot with its mild stock and fresh dumplings.
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup
When I’m in the mood for something heartier, Taiwanese beef noodle soup is my go-to! This dish combines tender braised beef, chewy wheat noodles and a rich broth infused with loads of spices. Ox King Noodles has an extensive menu, but their Taiwanese beef noodle soup stands out with its juicy beef and deeply spiced base. At JiangYun Noodle House, you’ll find hand-pulled noodles swimming in a decadent broth—trust me, the beef practically melts in your mouth. Over in Oak Bay, AsUsual Cafe serves thin noodles atop a rich stock with perfectly tender beef shank. For you spice lovers, don’t hesitate to ask for chili oil!
Udon
Udon is another cozy classic that never disappoints. These thick, chewy noodles can be enjoyed with a variety of broths and toppings. At Bon Sushi, their prawn tempura and vegetable udon offers a light, warming bowl that’s perfect for rainy days. If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, head to Yuabistro in Chinatown for their yua ocean nabeyaki udon, brimming with premium seafood in a luxurious, creamy broth. And over in Langford, Kazumi—a delightful Korean and Japanese fusion spot—serves up a spicy minced pork udon that’s incredibly satisfying.
Hot Pot
Looking for a fun interactive dining experience to share with friends? Picture a bubbling pot of rich, savoury broth in the centre of your table, surrounded by your choice of fresh seafood, tender meat, vibrant vegetables and pillowy tofu—each bite cooked to perfection right before your eyes! Laila Laila Hotpot is known for its spicy Sichuan flavours, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the decadent crayfish soup base! Bistro Chi-Q serves a flavour-packed budae jjigae—a stew simmering with spicy sausage, kimchi, dumplings and gooey cheese. And if you’re in Nanaimo, don’t miss Danpung Momiji 310’s bulgogi jeongol, featuring marinated beef and vegetables that’s sure to warm you up on a cold day!
No matter what kind of noodle soup you’re craving, Vancouver Island has the perfect bowl waiting for you! So grab your friends and warm up this season with a big, steaming bowl of noodle soup!
