‘Soup-Less’ Ramen Chain Kajiken Is Opening a Restaurant in Seattle | Eater Seattle

"A new chain called Kajiken will open a Capitol Hill location later this year that specializes in abura soba — ramen without the soup — a style not often seen in Seattle. Founded in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, Kajiken has expanded into the U.S. with locations in Maryland, California, Chicago, and New York, and the owners say they often have to introduce abura soba to new markets. “Think of it like Italian pasta, but with traditional Japanese ingredients,” Timothy Lu explains, adding that the flavors come from a secret homemade blend of sauce and oils imported from Japan. There are 15 to 20 topping choices (some seasonal), and at other U.S. Kajiken locations common toppings include meat, scallions, egg yolk, menma (bamboo shoots), and nori; the menu will also include Japanese appetizers like gyoza and karaage. The Seattle Kajiken will occupy the restaurant space next to Hugo House and across the street from Cal Anderson Park (the former home of Oma Bap); the team is remodeling the space, isn’t sure how many seats there will be, and hopes to open before Thanksgiving though construction, permits, and inspections make the timeline uncertain. Owner Lu says he’s excited to be in Capitol Hill — “there is no other neighborhood like Capitol Hill” for ramen — and that Kajiken plans to focus on establishing a solid Capitol Hill store while pursuing additional Seattle-area locations in the coming years." - Harry Cheadle