Machida Shoten Lands in Toronto, Adding Yokohama-Style Ramen to the City in 2025
Toronto’s ramen scene has been busy for years, but the arrival of Machida Shoten has pushed it into new territory. The Tokyo-born chain, known for shaping the iekei style of ramen, opened its first Canadian shop on College Street at the end of 2024. By the start of 2025, it has already become one of the most visited new restaurants in the downtown core.
Why This Opening Matters
Machida Shoten isn’t a newcomer in the ramen world. The brand started in 2008 and helped bring iekei ramen into the spotlight across Japan and abroad. The signature style blends a creamy pork-marrow broth with soy seasoning, creating a deeper, heavier soup compared to what most Torontonians are used to.
Toronto’s version follows the original format closely. Diners can adjust their bowl—richer broth, firmer noodles, more seasoning—something fans of iekei expect. Early visitors in 2025 have pointed out that the shop’s flavour profile is surprisingly close to what they’ve tried in Tokyo and Yokohama.
What You’ll Find on the Menu
Machida Shoten’s lineup in Toronto stays close to its core offerings. The Iekei Ramen remains the draw: thick noodles, braised pork, spinach, nori, and a broth that leans heavy and comforting. There are spicy options, extra chashu add-ons, and the familiar soft-boiled ajitama egg.
Side dishes include gyoza, bao-style buns, and karaage, which have been popular with students and people stopping in for quick lunches during the winter months.
Location and Hours Going Into 2025
Location: 326 College Street, Toronto
The restaurant started with soft-opening hours before its official launch on December 12, 2024. As of early 2025, it continues with two daily service periods:
- 11am to 2pm
- 5pm to 9pm
These time blocks help control the steady lines that form outside during peak hours. The location—right between Kensington Market, Spadina, and the University of Toronto—has made it an easy stop for students and downtown workers.
Toronto’s Early Response
Food pages on Instagram and TikTok have kept Machida Shoten in the spotlight since opening week. Many posts highlight the broth’s richness, the portion sizes, and the fact that Toronto now has a true representation of iekei ramen, something the city didn’t have before.
The restaurant has quickly joined the list of places people compare when discussing Toronto’s top ramen spots, and early 2025 chatter suggests it’s likely to stay that way through the year.
A Strong First Step for Machida Shoten in Canada
With one location already thriving, Machida Shoten’s entry into Canada has started on solid ground. Toronto’s appetite for regional Japanese cuisine continues to grow, and this opening signals that more specialized ramen styles may follow. For now, the College Street shop remains the go-to place for anyone wanting to try Yokohama’s take on ramen—without leaving the city.
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