Jason V.
Yelp
I've had Wa Kitchen Kuu on my hit list for a while now, but I rarely ever find myself in the area around downtown anymore; it's a bit of a shitshow these days. But this incredible little slice of Tengoku (Heaven) is likely to change that, after our experience this weekend!
My wife, some friends and I had just left the Van Gogh exhibit at the Convention Center, and everyone was in the mood for lunch. My friends, who tend to stay away from Portland at all costs, deferred to me for suggestions. Pulling up my map, I saw the tag for Wa Kitchen Kuu, and suggested Japanese. They were onboard, so we walked the handful of blocks and arrived in minutes. It was mid-afternoon, so well after the lunch rush, and we were seated immediately, despite signage indicating that, due to COVID and short-staffing, things may take longer than usual (spoiler alert: they didn't!).
Hot tea was ordered all around, as well as a healthy variety of entrées: tempura udon, curry udon, chicken katsu curry, edamame, a spider roll, some miso soup, and my new favorite dish in town, (dun Dun DUN!) the spicy beef noodle soup! Wowza! Conversation ground to a screeching halt as the food began to arrive and people began to dig in, our friendship silenced in awe and wonder. Everything around the table was excellent; even simple things like the miso soup, of which I am particularly picky, was among the best I've found anywhere in Portland. The spicy beef noodle soup lives up to its name, bringing a comforting heat in a rich broth, complete with green onions, a soft boiled egg, and a side of kimchi tacked on as well, for a little extra razzle dazzle!
In the end, nothing was leftover or taken to-go; every noodle slurped, every spoonful emptied; every roll consumed; every bean removed from its pod. Heads were bowed in reverence and contemplation. Gastrointestinal enlightenment was achieved, even as all of us departed, a pound or two heavier. Good thing we had a bit of a walk back to the car!
I haven't enjoyed a Japanese restaurant in Portland this much in a long time, ever since my former favorite fell from grace. This is real, authentic, traditional, quality Japanese cuisine, reasonable priced, and despite what the sign may say, hot and fresh out the kitchen faster than expected. And the service is just as exemplary. The concept of kaizen is alive and well here at Wa Kitchen Kuu!
Gochisousamadeshita!