i was really hungry.

matsuchan is as close to an authentic japanese noodle place as you’re going to get around here. they serve up delicious, hot, real, ramen. yes, REAL ramen, not instant ramen. i know you are likely shocked and mystified by this, but there really is such a thing and they eat it all the time in japan!

matsuchan is a well-hidden hole-in-the-wall type of place. it’s teeeny and tiny and crammed into the back corner of a dead strip mall on sheldon road, just north of ford in canton. it has approximately eight tables and is constantly full of japanese people. i’m assuming this says something about its authenticity. despite it’s tiny size the portions are SERIOUSLY HUGE, like, as big as a child’s swimming pool. okay not really, but, realistically the bowls are the size of a large mixing bowl and that’s a fact. i can never even manage to eat half. rumor has it that you can order smaller portions, but i’ve always been too scared to ask for fear of rejection. last time i was here i got the seafood ramen and ate fishcakes and squid til i could not physically eat fishcakes and squid anymore. they also have other dishes, “rice dishes”, which include things like japanese curry and… i forgot, but i assure you that they’re there! they also have a limited amount of sushi, which is also supposed to be gooooooood, and i am SO getting some next time. OH AND I ALMOST FORGOT, there is complimentary hot tea. drink it. drink a lot of it!

this photo is deceiving. this bowl is three times as big as it looks. and yes,there are noodles hidden under there!

chris’ bowl shows proof of noodles

according to matsuchan’s website, all food is prepared by EXPERT JAPANESE CHEF MATSUDA AKIRA who was trained in japanese cooking in japan, and has many, many years of experience under his belt. i have never seen this man in the flesh, as he is always hiding in the kitchen, but if i did i would thank him for preparing amazing, affordable noodles!

located in the harvard square plaza, 5990 sheldon road, canton, michigan