Muh Ruri
Google
If you’re wandering down Robson Street craving ramen, Horin should be high on your list. On my recent visit, I tried their cold ramen, regular ajitama ramen, and a side of gyoza—and I walked away impressed.
The cold ramen was a standout. Instead of the heavier sesame-based dressing you might expect, Horin serves a soy sauce and vinegar-based broth—light, tangy, and incredibly refreshing on a hot day. The thinly sliced cucumber and soft egg complemented the broth perfectly, and the small dab of chili sauce on top added just enough heat and complexity to keep things interesting. It's a beautifully balanced dish, and honestly, I’d return for this cold ramen alone.
The ajitama ramen, in contrast, brought the richness you'd want from a hot bowl. The broth was deep and flavorful, with a thick sheen of oil that surprisingly didn’t taste oily at all. It was rich yet clean, hearty but not heavy—something that’s hard to pull off. Personally, I preferred the thicker noodles used in the cold ramen over the thin ones in this bowl, but that's more a matter of preference than a flaw. Either way, the bowl was delicious from start to finish.
The gyoza were also excellent—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a dipping sauce that struck a great balance between sweetness, vinegar, and saltiness. It paired especially well with the ramen. One tip though: skip the combo and just get the gyoza as a standalone side. You get more pieces, and the salad that comes with the combo isn’t really worth the trade-off.
All in all, Horin delivers a thoughtful, well-executed menu that covers both rich and refreshing flavors. Whether you're sweating through a summer afternoon or settling in for a warm, comforting meal, Horin hits the spot.