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Kajiken
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kajiken
8.1
Kajiken introduces abura soba—soupless ramen—to Chinatown, with chewy noodles tossed in garlicky house sauce and topped with chashu, egg, or keema curry. Part of a small Japanese chain, the Chicago outpost leans casual and affordable, making it a distinctive alternative to broth-heavy ramen shops nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Abura Soba, Keema Curry Abura Soba, Takoyaki
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Soupless abura soba noodles bring a lesser-seen Japanese style to Chinatown.
Who should go: Noodle nerds wanting something different from typical ramen bowls.
When to visit: Weekday lunches for fastest seating and turnover.
What to order: Original Abura Soba, Keema Curry Abura Soba, takoyaki.
Insider tip: Follow their mix-it instructions; extra vinegar and chili oil unlock the sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Chinatown Square plaza lot and nearby metered street parking; usually easier on weekdays, can be limited and competitive on weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual — streetwear and jeans are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle with music and conversations, but you can generally hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak hours; lines move fairly quickly due to fast turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few noodle variations can be made without meat, but toppings are mostly animal-based.
Vegan options: Very limited — sauces and noodles generally include animal products; not ideal for strict vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: No — noodles contain wheat and there is no dedicated gluten-free preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-key dates or ramen-lover meetups than a romantic setting — counter-service style and quick pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Expect short waits at peak times; turnover is fast and solo diners are seated quickest.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly for older kids who like noodles; space is compact and seating is limited, with no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Trying abura soba — a soupless ramen style with mix-in sauces and customizable toppings — at a lower price point than nearby sit-down ramen shops.
Skip if: You’re looking for rich broth-style ramen, large group seating, gluten-free choices, or a slower, sit-down restaurant experience.
Kajiken
8.5
Part of a Japanese abura soba brand, Kajiken specializes in soupless ramen-style noodles alongside a focused lineup of tonkotsu bowls. Chinatown Square guests come here for richly sauced bowls like Sukiyaki or Homura, where toppings and texture are the draw rather than a big broth.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Original Aburasoba, Sukiyaki Aburasoba, Homura Aburasoba
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Abura soba–focused shop where sauce-driven, soupless noodles rival the ramen.
Who should go: Noodle obsessives wanting textural, customizable bowls.
When to visit: Afternoons between 2–5 p.m. for smoother pacing.
What to order: The Original Aburasoba, Sukiyaki, Homura with extra egg.
Insider tip: Follow the table-side instructions for vinegar and chili oil to dial in the ideal balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Chinatown Square plaza parking lot with limited spaces; additional metered street parking nearby — fills quickly on weekends and evenings.
Dress code: Casual — streetwear and everyday attire are typical; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are doable at most tables, but peak times can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours depending on party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few bowls can be customized by omitting meat toppings.
Vegan options: Very limited — sauces and noodles may include animal products; confirm with staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal — most noodles and sauces contain wheat; no dedicated gluten-free substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date appreciates casual noodle shops — it’s focused, cozy, and food-centric rather than atmospheric or slow-paced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; add your name and expect a short queue during peak weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids and teens who enjoy noodles; space is compact with limited stroller room and no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Sauce-driven abura soba and customizable textures — ideal for diners who care more about toppings, mix-ins, and noodle chew than big brothy bowls.
Skip if: You’re specifically seeking rich, broth-heavy ramen, large group seating, or extensive dietary-flexible options.