Big in Japan

Pork Ramen Bowl

I think Montreal may be becoming ramen spoiled. And it’s not necessarily a bad thing. When Big in Japan first opened in 2010 I ate there a few months later. To be honest, at the time I was simply happy to have cheap Japanese pub food in a convenient location (St Laurent and Pins) and in many ways, I still am. Big in Japan actually has quite an extensive menu but to be honest I always order the same three things. A bowl of salted edamame beans, some form of ramen noodle bowl and of course ice cream mochi.

The restauranteur behind the place seems to be somewhat well connected as it was featured in the Montreal episode of the new Anthony Bourdain show The Layover. To my surprise, I have been recently hearing strangely negative things about Big in Japan and I wasn’t sure why. I decided to revisit to investigate.

Edamame beans are, edamame beans – a great salty snack to pair with the Big in Japan house beer. I have a suspicion this beer is the st ambroise restaurant brew, explained in the nouveau palais post. Now – I CAN say that after being hooked on Yuki Ramen and Hakata Ramen for the last year or so – this ramen truly didn’t stand up to comparison. The broth particularly did not have an impactful flavor.

Reading the urbanspoon comments about this place is disorienting – comments ranging from people who absolutely love it to people who had horrible experiences. I’m not ready to throw this restaurant under the bus. Considering what’s available on lower St Laurent, you could do much worse. Also they just opened Big in Japan Bar on St Laurent and Rachel and people seem to be ranting and raving about how great it is – this is on the list to check out in the coming weeks.

NOTE: Ice cream mochi is so delicious. If ANYONE knows a grocery store where you can reliably get this downtown or plateau, please let us know! The only places we’ve found are in the south shore.

Big In Japan

Big In Japan Menu

Edamame Beans

Pork Ramen Bowl

Ice Cream Mochi

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