City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

New Cuisine Comes to Canton

Momohana Ramen & Boba Tea Delivers Delicious Authentic Japanese Dishes

Article by Jacquie Mazziotta

Photography by Provided

Originally published in Canton Lifestyle

As soup season approaches, it’s the perfect time to unveil a new dining destination. Momohana Ramen & Boba Tea, located on Belden Village Street Northwest in North Canton, opens in October offering locals a menu filled with Japanese treats, including bubble tea — the Taiwanese-inspired refresher that’s taking the specialty drink world by storm.

“I think people are slowly recognizing Asian cultures in Canton,” says Jane Yu, co-owner and founder. “In many other cities, it's common to find more than 10 ramen shops, but when I looked around the Canton area, there weren't any. So, I decided I would be the first to open an authentic location in the area.”

Bubble tea has been around since the 1980s, but its increasing popularity is giving traditional coffee drinks and smoothies a challenge. It’s a combination of tea, milk, fruit and tapioca. Upon combining the first three ingredients, followed by a cocktail-style shake, chewy tapioca pearls are added to the drink, which is then enjoyed with a big straw. 

Millennials and Gen Z are typically comfortable ordering the popular drink, but don’t let the options overwhelm you. First, consider the choice of tea. Most bubble teas are made with black, green or oolong tea. Then choose the type of milk — whole, almond or oat. Then choose the tapioca, which is typically filled with fruit. 

Jane and co-owner, Zoe Chen, are millennials who are eager to bring the female-owned business and new food options to Stark County. Zoe’s husband, Yi Lin, is the restaurant’s chef, and together they pledge delicious offerings. Upon first glance of the menu, you’ll discover a colorful assortment of flavorful dishes that are sure to warm your body and brighten your mood.

Here, ramen noodle dishes are elevated to new experiences. The beef ramen, for example, starts with a soy sauce base and combines layers of flavors with sliced beef, a fish cake, half-cooked egg, green onion, bamboo shoot, spicy sauce and a black garlic oil. Or, opt for the delicious, refreshing vegetable ramen, which includes mushrooms, bean sprouts, corn, sliced cabbage, red ginger and more in a miso base. Regardless of which option you choose, you're sure to discover a richly flavored dish that'll please your palate.

“We have good food, a modern design, and we are the first to specialize in ramen noodles, boba tea and mochi donuts in this area,” says Jane. 

At Momohana, it’s all about introducing locals to true Japanese cuisine by creating visually striking and mouthwatering dishes made from authentic, fresh ingredients. For more information, visit MomoHanaOH.com or call 929-235-4552.

"We have good food, a modern design, and we are the first to specialize in ramen noodle, Boba tea and mochi donuts in this area."