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Great chewy noodle texture and very flavourful!! Would definitely come again. There was a line but short wait for the outdoor seating. Chill ambience, the space between tables was reasonable but you could clearly hear your neighbor's conversations at very loud volume.. we overheard a very spicy and shocking conversation from the table adjacent to us. At first it seemed like a lot of onions and chives but after mixing it was a good ratio of sauce noodles and toppings. Friend ordered the mozzarella cheese add-on topping and it was literally just a little bowl of the shredded mozzarella cheese you can get at the grocery store... so we joked that next time we can just bring our own cheese (BYOC) I ordered the homura aburasoba (spicy minced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, seaweed, fish powder, chives with ajitama (soft-boiled eggs marinated in soy sauce, ramen egg)). Highly recommend this place to anyone who likes noodles !!
Located in San Mateo I would rate this place a 3/5 Interior design is nice an beautiful. Service was okay most likely due to the large amount of customers coming in and out. A lot of the workers are busy so you have to flag them down and they rarely come check in on you Homura ABURASOBA 7/10 Chicken Marage 7/10 The food here definitely is packed with flavor but the portion sizing is significantly smaller than Elk Grove location. JD Big Back tip: if you get seated near the door you may be interested in bringing a jacket because it does get very windy and cold. Also if you want a spoon you will have to go to the front to request for one.
Forgot to take a photo before mixing, but it did look very aesthetic. Ordered the wagyu roast beef abura soba with raw egg yolk off delivery. I've seen the line in person and it's normally very long. With the yogurt, and other mix ins, it was very flavorful and creamy. The noodles are great texture and they give a big portion. I recommend this and want to try it in person
Came for dinner with my girlfriends on a Thursday at 7pm-- there will be a line outside but it moves fairly quickly. They ask for your order while you're waiting in line so that when you are seated, the food comes out very quick. The inside of the restaurant was packed but it didn't seem too loud! I got the waygu roast beef aburasoba! This is the first time I tried the brothless ramen & it definitely was super delicious! The egg mixed in makes it super creamy. My bowl was seasoned great! I would definitely come back again to try some appetizers. My friend who ordered the unagi loved her bowl except there were large bones that were hard to pick out.
We arrived on a Sunday at 6:20pm and waited 10 minutes for a table. Meanwhile our order was taken so after sitting down our bowls were served within 5 minutes. Besides inside seating they also have counter seating and outdoor seating. They offer 9 different dry ramen variations plus a monthly special. You can add additional toppings for an extra charge. They also serve appetizers and rice bowls. It's a very casual dining experience with Japanese pop music playing in the background. The dry ramen is a very hearty meal with various condiments on the table including garlic, sesame seeds, chili, sesame oil and vinegar to adjust to your taste. The noodles were cooked al dente. I tried both the original and the Homura aburasoba and liked them both. The spicy pork wasn't spicy at all and the char siu was very tender. Had a bit of leftover and took it home.
One of my favorite noods places in the bay area! I've never tried dry ramen before Kajiken, but now it's one of my go-tos when I'm craving something saucy and carb-y and delicious! Sometimes the line can get long, especially during weekend rush hour, so I recommend going a little before they open and snagging a table early. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, casual nice. Ive tried their top 3 most popular ones, and they're all delicious! Highly recommend dining in as they have vinegar and spicy sauces and garlic chips you can add to your bowl. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you stop by on a day there's no wait!
Kajiken hits the spot between comfort and pure gluttony! I typically do not love noodle places, but this is on another level. I have been to Kajiken twice now, and it has been absolutely delicious each time. It is located in downtown San Mateo, so it does not have its own dedicated parking lot. If you come on the weekend, it can be harder to find parking, and the likelihood of a wait is high. When it gets busy, there is a section outside for you to line up. The servers typically come out to the folks closest to the front of the line and hand them menus so they can decide what they want before being seated. When it is not as busy, you can walk in directly and request a table. The shop itself actually has a lot of seating, but there is always an influx of people, so it fills up quickly. The interior gives off a nice modern Japanese chic vibe. :) They also offer outdoor patio seating, which is great if you are trying to enjoy a nice day outside. I have tried both their Wagyu Roast Beef Aburasoba and their Soboro Aburasoba. The roast beef is tender and adds a nice chew against the silky noodles, while the soboro chicken is juicy and coats your mouth with a savory soy flavor. Additionally, I've had their karaage on both occasions I visited, and it was succulent! I love how the juice from the chicken balances with the generous amount of grated ginger and green onion. This place is definitely worth a try! If you can go on a weekday before the dinner rush from people getting off their 9-5 jobs, that would probably be the optimal time frame. I came here on a Wednesday around 6:15 PM, and it was not too bad until around 7 PM when it started getting busy.
I was in San Mateo, and I was hungry. I checked Yelp and Google, and there were so many places to choose from, I didn't know what to pick. I checked Michelin, and it help me narrow it down to Kajiken. As I walked to Kajiken, I knew I was getting close because it was the only place that had a line-up outside. There were probably 12-14 people waiting, and I wondering if I should find another place because I didn't want to wait. Fortunately, as a single diner, they sat me right away. I ended up ordering the Original Aburasoba and it came in about 5 minutes. It was good. Great texture, good flavours, and a reasonable serving size. Service was fine but minimal. Dining area is typical of modern ramen places. Overall, a nice quick meal. Maybe closer to a 3.5 or 3.75 as it was good, but I was also very hungry. I would consider returning.
I've come 4 times now and it still hits every single time. Almost always a line, but it moves extremely quickly. Service is good, interior is well-lit and clean, and the food is just amazing. Make sure you get the hot tea as well! Noodles are so fresh and perfectly cooked. FOOD: Wagyu Roast Beef Aburasoba (9/10) - My personal favorite! The roast beef is extremely tender, and the yogurt sauce pairs perfectly with her. Pro-tip, add a little bit of vinegar - tastes even better Nikumori Aburasoba (9/10) - Slightly spicy with a ton of pork inside. The sauce coats the noodles perfectly - amazing!
This place is solid, but can get really busy at nights so it took us a while to try it! We came on a late Saturday afternoon and sat outside. The outdoor seating is pretty nice and inside is even nicer. Good vibes all around. Service was fantastic and very attentive too. Prices are very fair for the portion sizes and quality!! The aburasoba was good and had a lot of components. I always appreciate an array of condiments on the table too for making the bowl taste exactly how you like! I added a lot of vinegar and it was really yummy! The ponzu karaage was really good! Super tender and the grated daikon mixture on top added great freshness! I'll be back to try some other dishes (as long as the wait isn't long haha)!
Came here on Sunday around 3:45PM and there was no line. There were plenty of outside and indoor seating. We opted for inside since it was so cold. On the menu, there were so many great options to choose from along with appetizers and toppings to add into the noodles as well. I got the keene curry aburasoba with a seasoned egg and my friend got the homura aburasoba. I added chili oil and garlic to my curry noodles for more flavor. The noodles here are so soft and chewy. I can't wait for them to open a location in south bay :)
I love this place so much! It's easily one of my favorite spots for ramen. The aburasoba (soupless ramen) is amazing, the noodles are always fresh and have the perfect chew The San Mateo location is great because they have outdoor seating, and they even have heaters to keep you warm if it gets too cold. Definitely a must-visit!
Super dope!!!!!! My ultimate favorite aburasoba of all time! Brought my mom here to try Wagyu roast beef aburasoba and she approved this place! Some personal thoughts: If you want something light, or try to order for the elders, wagyu aburasoba is a better choice, since the meat is more lean and yogurt sauce help balance the richness. Homura aburasoba is also great, but minced pork is a bit fatty, and traditional sauce is also rich, so I normally find it hard to finish a bowl because I'm too full. Nevertheless, I don't say it's not great, do not order. What I meant is that if you have a preference for light food (like me), hate something too oily/ greasy or afraid of fat, wagyu aburasoba is always a better choice! read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Anh, thanks for the amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that…
Second visit: I returned to Kajiken for lunch today. A Wednesday - No line! I walked in and got to sit at a street side tall seat. My order was Soboro Aburasoba noodles with green onions and ground chicken. I substituted the raw for a poached egg. First off, these noodles have no soup. You mix up the egg with the melange of ingredients resulting in a pasta sauce of sorts. My dish was sweet since the ground chicken seems to have been cooked in a teriyaki-type sauce. After a few bites, I added in some sesame seeds and garlic seasoning. After a little more time, I added in some vinegar - this helped balance the flavor more. For me, this dish was disappointing. The noodles were okay. But after half a bowl, the dish was really boring. It's like eating a big bowl of pasta Bolognese. A few bites if the same flavor and I wanted to have something else. The service was so-so. I was not offered the free tea (unlike my neighbors who were both males). I had to ask for it. At the end, I had to flag a server for my bill. The food here at Kajiken is not inexpensive. The line must be due to the dishes being different from traditional ramen with soup. But for me, I will likely stay on the savory ramen-with-soup-fan side rather be a sweet-dry-noodle fan side. read more
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Timothy L.
Hi, Joanna! Thank you so much for sharing your experience at Kajiken.…
6 days ago
4.5/5! The karaage was nice and tender. The tofu tasted good but wish it was the agedashi type, which I think would elevate the dish! Homura aburasoba was the highlight of the meal. The noodles were nice and bouncy, and the sauce, ground pork, and garnishes were a perfect harmony. read more
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Natasha P.
Rovingaile, your note made our whole team smile. Karaage that’s…
Great chewy noodle texture and very flavourful!! Would definitely come again. There was a line but short wait for the outdoor seating. Chill ambience, the space between tables was reasonable but you could clearly hear your neighbor's conversations at very loud volume.. we overheard a very spicy and shocking conversation from the table adjacent to us. At first it seemed like a lot of onions and chives but after mixing it was a good ratio of sauce noodles and toppings. Friend ordered the mozzarella cheese add-on topping and it was literally just a little bowl of the shredded mozzarella cheese you can get at the grocery store... so we joked that next time we can just bring our own cheese (BYOC) I ordered the homura aburasoba (spicy minced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, seaweed, fish powder, chives with ajitama (soft-boiled eggs marinated in soy sauce, ramen egg)). Highly recommend this place to anyone who likes noodles !! read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Memi, we're thrilled to hear you loved the chewy noodle texture…
Located in San Mateo I would rate this place a 3/5 Interior design is nice an beautiful. Service was okay most likely due to the large amount of customers coming in and out. A lot of the workers are busy so you have to flag them down and they rarely come check in on you Homura ABURASOBA 7/10 Chicken Marage 7/10 The food here definitely is packed with flavor but the portion sizing is significantly smaller than Elk Grove location. JD Big Back tip: if you get seated near the door you may be interested in bringing a jacket because it does get very windy and cold. Also if you want a spoon you will have to go to the front to request for one. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Justin, thank you for your feedback and for dining with us. We're…
Forgot to take a photo before mixing, but it did look very aesthetic. Ordered the wagyu roast beef abura soba with raw egg yolk off delivery. I've seen the line in person and it's normally very long. With the yogurt, and other mix ins, it was very flavorful and creamy. The noodles are great texture and they give a big portion. I recommend this and want to try it in person read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hey Jacob, thanks for the awesome review! We're thrilled to hear you…
Came for dinner with my girlfriends on a Thursday at 7pm-- there will be a line outside but it moves fairly quickly. They ask for your order while you're waiting in line so that when you are seated, the food comes out very quick. The inside of the restaurant was packed but it didn't seem too loud! I got the waygu roast beef aburasoba! This is the first time I tried the brothless ramen & it definitely was super delicious! The egg mixed in makes it super creamy. My bowl was seasoned great! I would definitely come back again to try some appetizers. My friend who ordered the unagi loved her bowl except there were large bones that were hard to pick out. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hey Sheila, thanks for sharing your experience! We're thrilled you…
2 months ago
We arrived on a Sunday at 6:20pm and waited 10 minutes for a table. Meanwhile our order was taken so after sitting down our bowls were served within 5 minutes. Besides inside seating they also have counter seating and outdoor seating. They offer 9 different dry ramen variations plus a monthly special. You can add additional toppings for an extra charge. They also serve appetizers and rice bowls. It's a very casual dining experience with Japanese pop music playing in the background. The dry ramen is a very hearty meal with various condiments on the table including garlic, sesame seeds, chili, sesame oil and vinegar to adjust to your taste. The noodles were cooked al dente. I tried both the original and the Homura aburasoba and liked them both. The spicy pork wasn't spicy at all and the char siu was very tender. Had a bit of leftover and took it home. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Vinkin, thanks for the feedback! We're glad you enjoyed your ramen…
One of my favorite noods places in the bay area! I've never tried dry ramen before Kajiken, but now it's one of my go-tos when I'm craving something saucy and carb-y and delicious! Sometimes the line can get long, especially during weekend rush hour, so I recommend going a little before they open and snagging a table early. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, casual nice. Ive tried their top 3 most popular ones, and they're all delicious! Highly recommend dining in as they have vinegar and spicy sauces and garlic chips you can add to your bowl. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you stop by on a day there's no wait! read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hey Ruby, we're so thrilled to be one of your favorite noodle spots!…
Kajiken hits the spot between comfort and pure gluttony! I typically do not love noodle places, but this is on another level. I have been to Kajiken twice now, and it has been absolutely delicious each time. It is located in downtown San Mateo, so it does not have its own dedicated parking lot. If you come on the weekend, it can be harder to find parking, and the likelihood of a wait is high. When it gets busy, there is a section outside for you to line up. The servers typically come out to the folks closest to the front of the line and hand them menus so they can decide what they want before being seated. When it is not as busy, you can walk in directly and request a table. The shop itself actually has a lot of seating, but there is always an influx of people, so it fills up quickly. The interior gives off a nice modern Japanese chic vibe. :) They also offer outdoor patio seating, which is great if you are trying to enjoy a nice day outside. I have tried both their Wagyu Roast Beef Aburasoba and their Soboro Aburasoba. The roast beef is tender and adds a nice chew against the silky noodles, while the soboro chicken is juicy and coats your mouth with a savory soy flavor. Additionally, I've had their karaage on both occasions I visited, and it was succulent! I love how the juice from the chicken balances with the generous amount of grated ginger and green onion. This place is definitely worth a try! If you can go on a weekday before the dinner rush from people getting off their 9-5 jobs, that would probably be the optimal time frame. I came here on a Wednesday around 6:15 PM, and it was not too bad until around 7 PM when it started getting busy. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Diane, thanks for the amazing review! We're so glad to hear you…
I was in San Mateo, and I was hungry. I checked Yelp and Google, and there were so many places to choose from, I didn't know what to pick. I checked Michelin, and it help me narrow it down to Kajiken. As I walked to Kajiken, I knew I was getting close because it was the only place that had a line-up outside. There were probably 12-14 people waiting, and I wondering if I should find another place because I didn't want to wait. Fortunately, as a single diner, they sat me right away. I ended up ordering the Original Aburasoba and it came in about 5 minutes. It was good. Great texture, good flavours, and a reasonable serving size. Service was fine but minimal. Dining area is typical of modern ramen places. Overall, a nice quick meal. Maybe closer to a 3.5 or 3.75 as it was good, but I was also very hungry. I would consider returning. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi John, thanks for sharing your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed…
I've come 4 times now and it still hits every single time. Almost always a line, but it moves extremely quickly. Service is good, interior is well-lit and clean, and the food is just amazing. Make sure you get the hot tea as well! Noodles are so fresh and perfectly cooked. FOOD: Wagyu Roast Beef Aburasoba (9/10) - My personal favorite! The roast beef is extremely tender, and the yogurt sauce pairs perfectly with her. Pro-tip, add a little bit of vinegar - tastes even better Nikumori Aburasoba (9/10) - Slightly spicy with a ton of pork inside. The sauce coats the noodles perfectly - amazing! read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Justin, thank you so much for your amazing feedback! We're…
2 months ago
This place is solid, but can get really busy at nights so it took us a while to try it! We came on a late Saturday afternoon and sat outside. The outdoor seating is pretty nice and inside is even nicer. Good vibes all around. Service was fantastic and very attentive too. Prices are very fair for the portion sizes and quality!! The aburasoba was good and had a lot of components. I always appreciate an array of condiments on the table too for making the bowl taste exactly how you like! I added a lot of vinegar and it was really yummy! The ponzu karaage was really good! Super tender and the grated daikon mixture on top added great freshness! I'll be back to try some other dishes (as long as the wait isn't long haha)! read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Bethany, thanks for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear you…
Came here on Sunday around 3:45PM and there was no line. There were plenty of outside and indoor seating. We opted for inside since it was so cold. On the menu, there were so many great options to choose from along with appetizers and toppings to add into the noodles as well. I got the keene curry aburasoba with a seasoned egg and my friend got the homura aburasoba. I added chili oil and garlic to my curry noodles for more flavor. The noodles here are so soft and chewy. I can't wait for them to open a location in south bay :) read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Gina, thanks a ton for the fantastic review! We're so glad you…
2 months ago
I love this place so much! It's easily one of my favorite spots for ramen. The aburasoba (soupless ramen) is amazing, the noodles are always fresh and have the perfect chew The San Mateo location is great because they have outdoor seating, and they even have heaters to keep you warm if it gets too cold. Definitely a must-visit! read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Katrina, thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled…
Soupless ramen? First time having aburasoba and I'm a fan. The noodles are served dried with sauce and oil. Then you add additional toppings like vinegar, chili oil, chili sauce, sesame seeds. Most of their aburasoba comes with an egg yolk. It makes the noodles thick and creamy like carbonara. read more
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Natasha P.
HI Marti, thanks for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear…
Was exploring downtown San Mateo on a Saturday a few minutes before this restaurant opened and noticed a line forming already. We are total suckers for noodles so had to get in line with the rest of them. Able to get a table outside right away. The noodles were good and chewy. Flavor was very rich. Would try it again but may order something other than the wagyu roast beef--maybe the one with ground pork or beef. read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Steph, we’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the noodles! They…
Finally got to try Kajiken, an aburasoba spot in the Bay Area that I've been wanting to visit. Overall I liked it! Just something to keep in mind, the noodles are pretty thick and chewy, so it feels quite heavy and filling. I was definitely full pretty quickly. The flavor was really enjoyable for me, but my husband is a bit sensitive to fishy tastes and he didn't love it as much. So I think it depends on your preference. We also got the karaage on the side, which was okay but nothing super memorable. I'd come back again when I'm specifically craving aburasoba, but just be ready for something on the heavier side. read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear you…
Nood Awakening Japan-based chain of restaurants that features brothless ramen, known as "Abura soba," which translates to "oil noodles." Basically, instead of a broth, the noodles are coated in a flavorful oil-based sauce and then topped with an almost limitless variety of toppings. Kajiken is probably the foremost purveyor of this type of cuisine, as they now have over 100 restaurants worldwide, with this San Mateo location being one of their best performers--as it's been Michelin recommended three years in a row ('23-'25), as well as being ranked #14 on the Yelp Top-100 Places to Eat in the Bay Area** 2024 & #10 on the 2025 list*** The Good: * Great location in Downtown San Mateo surrounded by tons of other restaurants and shops. * Service was fast, efficient, and friendly. * Excellent pricing, as we both had our own Abura Soba and shared an app for less than $50! This is unheard of in these trying times of exorbitant housing, gas prices, and tariffs. *Housemade soba noodles were just fantastic. They were packed with flavor, great texture, and are my favorite thicccness. *The sauces on the noodles were both really terrific, and I just couldn't get enough. I definitely could've downed another whole bowl of this stuff just because. The Meh: *No outdoor dining *We enjoyed the crispiness and flavor of the Karaage, but didn't really get much of any of the Ponzu flavor. The Ugly: *Downtown equals street parking only, so be prepared to fight for it and have to shell out a few bucks, as well. Even on a random Wed afternoon, we found ourselves having to circle the block a few times before landing a spot. Conclusion: I realize we're a few years behind on discovering this place, but it's always better late than never! Run--don't walk here the next time you get a craving for noodles. Highly, highly recommended. **https://www.yelp.com/collection/VYiUdPIDvoQ9FOLPfGgJMw/Top-100-Places-to-Eat-in-the-Bay-Area ***https://yelp.to/lANpqKw4Ah read more
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Natasha P.
Hi John, thanks so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to…
16 days ago
Michelin rated.. I super loved their noodle , so authentic /homemade Japanese's style. Staff here are friendly and attentive. Fast service and they offer vegan ramen too. Must visit if you're around in San Mateo. read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Queen, we love these photos! We’re so happy you had a great time,…
What a hoppin' place! It's packed on a Wednesday evening and the food is delish! They give you directions on how to enjoy the soba with all the condiments, and it was so yummy to taste before and then after with chilli oil, garlic, red peppers, sesame seeds, and vinegar. Wagyu beef was really good. The mix of small bites and a few slices was cooked just right. Service is solid and just expect a little waiting due to how busy they are. I'll be recommending this place to my friends! read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Julia, thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled…
29 days ago
Amazing food! The spice level of my meal was perfect. Will definitely be coming back! Staff was very quick, attentive, and nice! Busy environment full of happy people enjoying their food. read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Carissa, we love the photo! We’re so happy you had a great time…
Kajiken has been on my to-try list for awhile. Two of us ordered: oroshi ponzu karaage $10 homura aburasoba $17.50 half ajitama + cheese $1.50 homura aburasoba $17.50 raw egg yolk Chicken needed some mayo/sauce of some sort, but fried well. Had high hopes for flavor profile, but a bit mushy. Bonito flake fishiness overpowers the bowl quite a bit. No need to add the cheese as it didn't melt. Came in around 1PM and no wait. Street parking and garage parking available. read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Arthur, thanks so much for finally giving Kajiken a try and for…
3 months ago
It was a great day to be in downtown San Mateo for the boutique fair in B st. and come lunch time was craving for noodles and came across this spot. Decided to try. The place is packed so I waitied Lined up. but truly the wait wasn't long. I was seated only a few mins from waiting in line. so they are pretty proficient. The staff are friendly and accommodating. I elected to Oder an appetizer and a bowl of my choice and I also didnt wait long to be served my meal. Presentation was good and the aroma and look of it were mouth watering, seriously! I must have been starving. lol. Anyhow overall, it tasted so delicious and I was content. enjoyed my meal to the fullest. read more
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Natasha P.
Hi RamonaEliza, thanks for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to…
1 month ago
I've always seen a line out of the door so definitely had to try. This is the yummiest aburasoba I've ever had!! I add some chili oil to help add a little fragrance but other than that it's 10/10 for me. Their noodles are the right thickness in my opinion and they also have good chew. The flavor is amazing, and there's a lot you can do to supplement. I love their ajitama as well and recommend to those who love ramen! Perfect for a spring/summer day read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Cynthia, we’re thrilled to hear you loved our aburasoba! It’s…
28 days ago
One of my favorite restaurants in DTSM! Kaijken specializes in aburasoba, which I had no idea about before I found this place. Aburasoba is brothless ramen that instead uses a mix of oils and sauces to create a savory sauce. I've tried almost everything on the menu and my favorite is the Homura Aburasoba (their #1 seller), which comes with minced pork and a raw egg yolk. The pork and egg yolk create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs with the chewy ramen noodles. If I'm feeling something lighter/less saucy, I get the original aburasoba, which comes with chashu instead of the minced pork. I've also tried all the various karaage, takoyaki, and gyoza. Nothing insanely special, but great to pair with the ramen. It's a small spot and there's usually a wait, but they do also have an outdoor seating area that's open when the weather allows. Plan to wait in line if you're going on a weekend! The servers are very friendly and attentive, I always appreciate never having to ask for a water refill here. read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Christy, we're thrilled to hear that Kajiken is one of your…
3 months ago
Being a woman who considered ramen to be "glorified noodle soup" (as stated in my ramen nagi review), my better half suggested that I try dry ramen. I, of course, wasn't aware of such a thing. Abura soba it's called. Huh. Sounded brilliant to me, but for hardcore ramen enthusiasts though, where the broth plays a significant role in the execution, the omission of it seems counterintuitive. Am I right? Sigh. My better half then told me about Kajiken. They specialize in abura soba. He then went on to inform me that Kajiken is even recognized in the Michelin Guide. Intrigued as all get out, we made our way over to San Mateo. No reservations, so yes there will be a line. But it moves quickly. Both visits we only waited about 15-20 minutes tops. It's a bustling small space, very high ceiling, very minimalist. A clean aesthetic. Nikumori (ground & sliced pork) for me, wagyu roast beef for him. I don't know ramen, but I do know pasta. With the latter, it's important that it's cooked al dente. This transfers over to ramen noodles for me; I need them to be al dente. And they were. Both visits. Hubby's too. You're supposed to mix the noodles w/ the raw egg & everything all together, then add your seasonings. I'm a purist, so I didn't add anything other than some chili oil. Delicious! Next time I'll try adding some vinegar. After we were served, we had to flag a server down for napkins, & then again when we were finished for a takeout box. Not meant to be a complaint; it's a packed house. We loved our meals here, & I love the concept. Service: 4 stars Food: 5 stars 4 & 1/2 stars read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Veronica,…
Came here for a quick dinner and I was not disappointed. I was told the line can get quite long at this place but we were able to walk right in. Timing! A very casual dining experience. The noodles were delicious. They had chili oil, vinegar, freeze dried garlic, and sesame seeds at the table for you to "fix up" your noodles. I did add a little bit of chili oil for the extra kick but the flavoring was on point and didn't really need anything additional. read more
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Natasha P.
Hey Helen,…
4 months ago
Overall: 4.5/5 Was exploring downtown and saw their Michelin sticker on the window. Luckily there was no line when we came but it was BUSY (came during lunch time). Service could be better overall. We got seated quickly by the door. They didn't give us water or extra plates when requested. Luckily, we sat near the table with the plates so we got it ourselves. Food: . Original Aburasoba (5/5) - very flavorful and not overly saucy, noodles are soft and well cooked. Would definitely get this again~! read more
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Natasha P.
Hi Emmeline, thanks for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear…
We're so back! Came back to try more of the menu. The wagyu roast beef aburasoba is to die for!! The yogurt sauce seemed like an unusual pairing at first, but actually worked extremely well with the wagyu slices. So much umami flavor. The nikumori aburasoba was pretty good too, but not quite as spectacular as the wagyu roast beef ;) I'll be thinking about this meal for weeks to come. read more
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Natasha P.
Hi there, Phoebe! Nice photo! We’re so glad to hear that you had an…
1 month ago
No wait, got in immediately on a Saturday 1PM. Waited about 10 min until our food came. We sat outside which was nice on a hot day. Good portion, good level of spice, added some vinegar. Tasted deliciousssss and hit the spot. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hey Saya, we're thrilled to hear you had a fantastic experience at…
Pretty delicious! I got the Mushroom Aburasoba after asking if I should get the Mushroom or the other veggie option with eggplants. I was recommended the Mushroom Aburasoba with the crunchy onions and I added an egg yolk on top because I gotta get my protein goals. It was my first time having aburasoba and I was surprised at how savory and creamy it was! I added a bit of chili flakes to make it spicier because I thought it was otherwise a little bland. I should've added some more garlic flakes and crunchy stuff though (crunchy onions were great on top but got soggy pretty quickly) This place got SUPER busy by the time we left. As a vegetarian, I thought it was good. I would come here if my meat eating friends wanted to come here and probably would order the other veggie dish just to try it out but probably wouldn't come here on my own. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Ruchi, thanks for sharing your experience! We're glad you enjoyed…
Have visited multiple times since the restaurant opened. Lots of indoor seating at tables and bar stools as well as outdoor seating with heat lamps. Place still often has a wait even on weekday nights, but fast and kind service. I personally always order the homura aburasoba, and I like that they let you sub the egg yolk for an ajitama or poached egg. Noodles always perfectly al dente and great flavor. If the flavor ever gets heavy, can add vinegar/sesame/etc. on the table to change up the flavor in a new and delicious way! read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Nicole, thanks for the awesome review! We're thrilled to hear that…
This place is among my favorites for aburasoba/dry ramen in the area. It's located on a street that doesn't allow parking but there's several parking lots and garages nearby. There's usually not much of a wait on weekdays for lunch but it can be busy on weekends. I usually order their original aburasoba which comes with char siu, noodles, green onions, and bamboo shoots topped with seaweed flakes. The noodles are always chewy and it's enough for two meals. There's chili flakes, fried garlic, sesame seed, soy sauce and vinegar at the table. Water is provided in a small pitcher and quickly swapped out if running low. This time, I ordered their Amakuchi bowl (new item, $20.50). It had minced beef and pork, bamboo shoots, fish powder, chili garlic oil, noodles, green onions, bean sprouts, and seaweed flakes. Raw yolk is included but can be removed upon request. I felt it had more flavor than the Original Bowl though it did have a bit of a kick from the oil despite it not being labeled as a spicy item. I would probably get this again. Ponzu karage ($10 for 4 pieces) is pretty good, but wouldn't say it's a must get. Service is fast, servers are friendly. Ramen is reasonably priced. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hey Janice,…
4 months ago
The line builds up quickly so get there early or towards the end of the night! The ramen is a soulless ramen with is soooo good! Our first time here and the Wagyu option was creamy and full of flavor. So filling too! The Ponzu Karrage was so delicious as well! The pickled daikon on top is the cherry on top and a great addition. The line does move quickly because people come and leave quickly. There seating outside and seating indoors. Very calm ambiance and great place to socialize. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Alexandra, thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to…
So glad I finally got to try Kajiken! We visited on a Monday evening and got seated outside right away. The interior looked small and cozy, but they did have propane heaters in the outdoor area. For drinks, we all got hot tea, which was nice on a chilly night. For food, I chose the Wagyu Roast Beef Aburasoba. It rocked my world! I'd never tried dry ramen before, and instantly became a massive fan. The wagyu beef was so tender and tasty, and the buttery sauce was incredible. My friends loved their food as well, especially the Homura Aburasoba. Can't wait to return and eat this again! read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Alliie, thank you for the fantastic review! We're so happy that you…
I tried dry ramen here for the first time and it was absolutely delicious. The seasoning and healthy ingredients made the aburasoba incredibly tasty. There were also seasonings provided on the side of the table which added to the taste. The fried calamari was deliciius with the dip and it had a nice texture. The service was straightforward and the ambiance was casual and clean. I would definitely come here again the next time I visit California. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Sarah, thanks for your amazing feedback! We’re thrilled to hear…
Came back a second time, and it was just as good as the first. While there's always a decently long line, it moves quickly, and the servers are constantly turning over tables to keep things moving. I ordered the Homura Aburasoba, and it was delicious - 8.5/10. Once mixed, it almost tasted like a ramen-carbonara fusion: super creamy from the egg yolk, with a rich, meaty umami from the ground pork. I added a bit more vinegar and chili oil on top to make it perfect. An amazing bowl that I would happily order again. I also got the Ika Geso Karaage (calamari), and it was okay - 6/10. The squid was cooked nicely and tender. However, the pieces were really large, and the sauce was a basic sriracha mayo. It wasn't the light bite I expect from typical calamari, but it was still good. I probably wouldn't order it again, as there are likely better appetizers on the menu. When at Kajiken, get the aburasoba. You really can't go wrong with the Top 1 choice, and I'm sure the other variations are just as good. I'll definitely be back to try more of them, but I'd probably skip the appetizers next time. Stick to what they're known for. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hey Nihar,…
This is meant to be an express meal in Japanese culture. So don't ask why the place is so small . I was pleasantly surprised at how legit and authentic this kajiken was. It's exactly like the locations in Japan. Perfectly cooked dry ramen to be tossed in egg sauce and chili oil. For the record - I LOVEDD the chili oil. The rice dishes - not as much. They feel like fillers. Although you just order everything on the QR code/website, but the staff is still very helpful. I would definitely return One star is taken away because it IS a bit crowded and not very comfortable to sit Even for a bowl of ramen. read more
Business owner information
Natasha P.
Hi Wing, thanks for sharing your thoughts! We're thrilled to hear you…
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More info about Kajiken
112 S B St
San Mateo, CA 94401
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https://www.kajikenusa.com
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Ask the Community - Kajiken
Is this restaurant dog friendly if outdoor seating is available?
We have a dog-friendly patio at our Kajiken Elk Grove location. Feel free to bring your pup!
Wait time on sunday?
Depends on how many in your part, approx. 15-20 mins for 2-3 ppl. longer wait for bigger party.
We are planning to arrive Friday 1:30pm. Will that be ok? Do they stop taking order at certain time? (it shows lunch time until 2pm. )
That should be fine as the line moves quite fast as they hand over the tap to the customers once they finished for the next table. They probably stop the line once the clock strikes.
Can we get the yolk on the ramen again or are they still just putting boiled egg?
You can get raw! I went last week, my husband had his w/ raw egg yolk and I had mine w/ poached egg.
Do they take reservations? If not, what has the wait time been for Friday (non-holiday) early lunchtime (11am)?
No reservations. Turnovers are fast. If you come early as they are just opened, it's usually not bad.
Will it be possible to visit with 6 people if we wait in line?
Yes. We had a party of 8 are we were able to get a table. Let the host know you have 6 and he will arrange your table.
Do the noodles have buckwheat?
While Soba does refer to buckwheat noodles, most Aburasoba uses ramen noodles actually. Chuuka Soba (Chinese Soba) was the old name for Ramen in Japan which is where the name comes from.… Read more
Can the mushroom aburasoba be made without garlic and onions?
Hi Liza, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, it can not be made without garlic. Onions can be removed.
Does Kajiken offer take out options?
No they don't. We asked the server and she said the only way would be to order an extra bowl with your dine in order. Then, you could get a takeout container to take it to go.
Do you have food delivery?
Is it open today during President's day holiday?
Yes! We are open on President's Day from 11-2pm then 5-9pm!
Does this place offer takeout? I see it as a feature on Google/Yelp but there's no phone number.
No takeout yet.
When is the best day/time to go to avoid line as much as possible?
Weekday lunch.
Is there a digital waitlist or do you just have to wait in line?
It seems like you just have to wait in line.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
45 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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Kajiken - japanese - Updated July 2026
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