Stubborn Chef - Victoria

Nice local ramen shop. Pleasant staff, prompt service, fair prices. We thought the broth was tasty, not salty, with good flavour. The noodles had a good texture too. I had the homemade kimchi and it was delicious. I found it at Root Cellar and bought some to have at home; it's so good.

Stubborn Chef tries to mix a variety of ingredients and flavors but fails to deliver a successful dish. The food is quite flavorless and not well done. The ramen is perhaps their best dish, but still doesn't compare to other restaurants. Ultimately, they fail to foster the Japanese flavors in their cooking.

A small neighbourhood, Asian eatery (attached to University Heights Shopping Center) with simple decor and small menu. Feeling under the weather, I ordered the Wor Wanton with 8 pcs of wonton with mixed veggies, chicken and shrimp. The soup was clear and rich in taste and so delectable and drinkable that I was drinking spoonful after spoonful. My mum offered me some of her noodles, which blended well with my soup but before long, I noticed a horrendous looking flour bug/weevil that looked like a mini roach clinging on to the noodles. Where there is one, there will be more...Before leaving, I alerted the waitress about the insect and the establishment had apologetically given me a small discount-about the size of the flour bug. But not before explaining that there were insects in the bag because the food was 'organic'. Really??? Show me where it says in print, that the Stubborn Chef restaurant serves up organic noodles or vegetables? The reality is, the proprietor probably thought he could justify himself against being called out for unhygienic or unsanitary conditions of his ingredients and food. But by implying that his food is organic and therefore making it sound ok for insects to be served up with your meal, he is suggesting that we, as his customers simply swallow up whatever we are told, and worse, whatever is being served.

Discovered this restaurant through a relative who is really good friends with Carlos, the owner. When I first entered this restaurant, I knew the food would be good! Our waitress was very friendly, and helped me with my decision on what to order. I had ordered the Shoyu Ramen with the 8 pcs pork juicy buns, and they were DELICIOUS!! I now come here once a week to savor their delicious ramen. Would highly recommend them including their pork and chive dumplings! One of the nicest part of this restaurant is that you can also buy fresh ramen, Kimuchi, or frozen dumplings, if you want to make some delicious food at home!

I've been following 'Stubborn Chef' Carlos for years in Victoria. His newest University Heights Centre location is handy to my house, and I am a regular! His menu is varied and interesting. Everything is prepared carefully using fresh ingredients and the flavors are gentle and lovely. The staff is kind, Carlos' grandfathers noodle recipes are still the best, as is his hot sauce. Highly recommended.