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"I visited Kajiken's Rockville outpost to try its abura soba — chewy noodles tossed with all the traditional toppings (chashu, soft boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, and more) that are lightly coated in soy sauce, chili oil, and vinegar, resulting in a much lighter bowl without broth. The shop argues that soup-less ramen allows more versatile toppings and is healthier and lighter without fatty broth (so you can even order extra noodles). The Rockville location joined only five U.S. spots in July as the nearly 15-year-old Japanese company reaches 50 stores worldwide (including a two-year-old spot in Baltimore) and opens its own noodle manufacturing facility. The new Maryland shop offers different abura soba combinations — including vegan, Old Bay shrimp, and roasted beef versions — plus traditional rice bowls, classic soupy ramen, and appetizers like fried chicken and gyoza." - Emily Venezky