For a long time, we wondered: “What if Kasey Ramen had an actual restaurant?”
Kasey Ramen, for those who never ordered it, made ramen kits. These kits were so darn good, that, despite not having a storefront, Chef Allen Gao’s Kasey creations were enough to get him placed on this magazine’s Best Restaurants list back in 2023. Basically, the food was so good, we bent our own rules, and gave a Best New Restaurant nod to a place that wasn’t really a restaurant.
But that has all changed in the past week. Menya Mori is now open on 124th Street, in the space that once housed Prairie Noodle Shop. And the goal isn’t just to make great ramen, but to introduce Edmontonians to other flavours than the tried-and-true tonkotsu.
First off, if you’re not there right when the doors open at 11 a.m., prepare to line up. We know from Tokiwa, just a few blocks away, that lining up for ramen is something Edmontonians are willing to do. There are a couple of communal tables, so prepare to meet some new friends or overhear some random conversations.
Now, to the menu. My office-mate went with the Black Garlic Ramen, while I went for the Lemon Shio Ramen, which is a chicken soup with plenty of citrus.
And, going into the clear broths was the right choice; the broth pops with citrus flavour, and you still get some nice tender pork swimming in there with the noodles. The eggs, as noted by my dining companion, were done perfectly – a dark yellow inside, and the yolks didn’t run. The soup was… delicate? Dammit, yes, that’s right — it was delicate.
Meanwhile, the Black Garlic got a thumbs-up; the broth was dark, and rich — and it was worth waiting for. And, neither of us could finish our bowls, so the portions were substantial.
Two things to note: You need to bring your own containers for leftovers, and while there are hours posted, Menya Mori closes when the soup runs out. So, get there just a little before 11… just to be sure.
Menya Mori
Westmount | 10350 124 St NW, Edmonton | menyamori.square.site
