NYC: Abura Soba at Kajiken

Disclaimer: I was invited to try Kajiken in New York City, but as always, all opinions in this post are my own.

If you love ramen but haven’t tried abura soba (soupless ramen) yet, let me introduce you to Kajiken, a Japanese restaurant chain specializing in this soupless take on ramen. Kajiken is originally from Nagoya, but has several branches abroad, including the restaurant in New York City which opened last year.

We ordered The Original (Abura Soba) and the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen. While both were delicious, the abura soba really stood out as a unique experience. Unlike traditional ramen, where the noodles swim in a broth, abura soba is served dry, and you toss the noodles in a rich umami-packed blend of oil and sauces. At Kajiken, you can tweak the flavors to your liking with the condiments available at the table. I added a little splash of vinegar, some chili oil, and a sprinkle of garlic to my bowl.

As side dishes we had the takoyaki (octopus balls) and the agedashi tofu. The takoyaki at Kajiken were really good, with just the right balance of texture and flavor; golden and crispy on the outside while soft and gooey inside. The agedashi tofu, on the other hand, was just okay. I would have wanted more sauce to soak into the tofu. Not bad, just nothing special.

For drinks, Steve went with a Sprite with umeboshi (pickled plum), while I, as always, had a Ramune. Call me childish, but I love the little ritual of popping the marble. It never gets old! The Sprite/pickled plum was a positive surprise, offering a refreshing, tart and salty twist on the classic sweet soda.

What I really liked about Kajiken

Fully loaded ramen bowls – Unlike many other ramen chains in New York City where you have to pay extra for basic toppings, Kajiken’s bowls come with everything you need. Add-ons are available, but not necessary.

Affordable pricing – Ramen and abura soba bowls are priced around $16-18, which is much more reasonable than some of the competitors.

Fast and friendly service – The staff was super helpful in explaining how abura soba works, which is great if you’re new to it. The bowls arrived to our tables minutes after we placed our order.

Perfectly cooked noodles – The bouncy, chewy texture of the noodles was spot on, making each bite super satisfying.

Clean and cozy atmosphere – Feels like dining at a ramen restaurant in Japan.

If you’re in New York City and looking to switch up your ramen routine, Kajiken is absolutely worth a visit. Whether you go for the abura soba or stick with a comforting bowl of classic ramen, you’re in for a treat.