Kinboshi Ramen
Ramen restaurant · Buckman
609 SE Ankeny St A, Portland, OR 97214
Highlights
Rich tonkotsu broth, chewy noodles, tender chashu pork, vegan options
Rich tonkotsu broth, chewy noodles, tender chashu pork, vegan options
"Formerly under the Tokyo-based Marukin Ramen chain, Kinboshi is part of the earliest wave of Japanese-owned ramen spots that landed in Portland in the early 2010s. Now independently owned, the restaurant has expanded beyond its beginnings of tonkotsu ramen. And while the pork-rich broths are still a major focus of the menu, patrons will find other broths that are now common staples of ramen restaurants in Portland like paitan (chicken), miso, and even a soymilk-based vegan shio — customizable with additional toppings like chashu pork crumbles and house shichimi chile oil. Options beyond ramen include fast-casual Japanese comfort bowls of donburi, curry rice, and chicken karaage. However, if you want to expand your horizons on Asian fried chicken, try the Tebasaki wings–covered with a savory-sweet glaze reminiscent of teriyaki sauce." - Katrina Yentch
"Kinboshi Ramen — formerly of Japan-based chain Marukin — is a popular counter-service restaurant in the same building as Nong’s Khao Man Gai on Southeast Ankeny that specializes in velvety Hakata-style tonkotsu broth. The tonkotsu red is a popular move, with rich, red pork broth clinging to slender noodles. It has also expanded its offerings to include vegan options made with soy milk that are equally rich and flavorful. But what sets Kinboshi apart are its sides, particularly the sticky tebasaki chicken wings, with aromatic ginger and garlic." - Zoe Baillargeon
"Sharing an entryway with the better-known Nong’s Khao Man Gai, Kinboshi has a cult following of ramen devotees, who flock to the restaurant for its brick-red, spicy velvety tonkotsu, chilly hazelnut milk hiyashi, and and hearty miso, depending on the season. The red ramen is not too spicy and decadently silken, even better with the addition of bamboo shoots." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden
"Formerly known as Marukin, Kinboshi has been a ramen standby in Portland for several years. Even though it specializes in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, this Southeast Ankeny ramen-ya also offers two meatless broths — the creamy umami-rich miso and the lighter soy-milk-based shio tonyu — with the option of a spicy version of each one. Vegan toppings include tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and shichimi chile. The shop also carries pan-fried gyoza with spinach wrappers and Japanese curry, as well as a stunning cold hazelnut hiyashi ramen during the warmer months." - Waz Wu
"Mayumi Hijikata’s Kinboshi Ramen —formerly Marukin— is a popular counter-service restaurant in the same building as Nong’s Khao Man Gai on Southeast Ankeny that specializes in velvety Hakata-style tonkotsu broth. It has also expanded its offerings to include vegan options made with soy milk that are equally rich and flavorful. But what sets Kinboshi apart are its sides, particularly the sticky tebasaki chicken wings, with aromas of ginger and garlic." - Ron Scott, Eater Staff
