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Kajiken
ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Ramen in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Master Critic Review
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.