Bay Meadows

A new noodle restaurant is joining the dynamic local foodie scene; Kajiken is coming to San Mateo – the first city selected in the United States. Kajiken offers experiential brothless ramen dishes that can be different upon every visit. More than 15 different toppings plus limited edition offerings on the menu will allow customers to build their own aburasoba bowls. A glass wall invites customers to peer into the kitchen to watch the noodles get prepared fresh on a machine imported straight from Japan. The SF Chronicle showcased the announcement recently.

The Bay Area is getting what appears to be its first Japanese restaurant dedicated to abura soba, the brothless ramen dish.

Kajiken, a popular chain in Japan, is opening its first U.S. location at 112 B St., at 1st Avenue, in downtown San Mateo later this year. It will serve the restaurant’s signature dish: fresh ramen noodles coated in housemade soy sauce, chili oil and vinegar with toppings like chashu, egg yolk and bamboo shoots. While ramen is usually all about the broth, abura soba’s appeal lies in part in its customization potential — every bowl can be unique and, without liquid, there’s no risk of soggy toppings.

Customers will order from kiosks, where they can choose pre-set noodle bowls or make their own creations from more than 15 toppings.

Kajiken will offer a variety of special combinations unique to San Mateo.  There will also be a vegan option, which has become quite popular on Bay Area ramen shop menus.

Be sure to read the entire article for the full story.

Create your own Ramen Crawl. Gather a few ramen aficionados and slurp your way through San Mateo to discover the differences and best combos among each. Kajiken is set to join a vast ramen presence in San Mateo, some of our favorites are listed below:

Taishoken at 47 E 4th Avenue
A bustling Japanese locale that offers Tsukemen dipping noodles & ramen combos, plus beer & sake. Try the Tokusei ramen and the Niku spicy ramen.

Ramen Parlor at 901 S B Street
Unfussy restaurant offering heaping bowls of ramen noodles with meats, fried crab, veggies & more. Try the Lobster Garlic Pork Ramen, Classic Pork Ramen, and Vegetable Curry Ramen.

Himawari-Tei at 202 2nd Avenue
Modern spot serving classic Japanese ramen bowls with several broth options & multiple toppings. Try the extra-spicy Tan Tan Men Deluxe – ample, rich, and flavorful; boasting pig cooked in three ways and the Chicken Karage – crispiest fried chicken ever.

HiroNori at 211 E 3rd Avenue
HiroNori San Mateo is their 3rd restaurant in the Bay Area and the quality is beyond expectations. Try the Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyo Ramen, crispy chicken and pork bun.

Conveniently located between San Francisco and Palo Alto in San Mateo, Bay Meadows offers housing within walking distance of Caltrain. Ease of transportation is only one reason you’ll fall in love with Bay Meadows. Smartly-designed, high-quality new homes and apartments sit among 18 acres of open space, which includes parks, a community garden, public art, ball fields, bocce and basketball courts and a new playground. All this just a walk from Whole Foods, Blue Bottle Coffee, Slices San Mateo, ROAM Artisan Burgers, Fieldwork Brewing Co., Tin Pot Creamery, Hillsdale Shopping Center and more. Learn more about what Midurban life offers by following our Facebook page.