I was hungry for a ramen bowl and remembered that I tried Karai Ramen some years back. I had a 5 star experience then and it was a 5 star experience again. I ordered the Tonkatsu fried pork cutlet thinking it was like traditional ramen with a meat in broth with noodles. This was not that . When it came, it was a tray with steamed rice, miso soup and a beautifully presented Japanese version of a German schnitzel!! I was surprised and after the first bite of the tender, crispy pork, I was sold. It was delicious. It's a nice little restaurant with outstanding service and pleasant atmosphere. This continues to be a repeater for me. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Tonkatsu fried pork cutlet with rice and miso soup. I asked for spicy sauce too. - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

While in Springfield, MO for work, I was in the mood for ramen and found this gem of a place. There are high picnic tables in the center of the restaurant and booths along the walls. The lighting is dim and intimate and there was music playing at just the right volume. The restaurant was full however I received kind, prompt, and attentive service. I was dining alone, so I decided to sit at the bar which had plenty of available stools. The bartender was friendly and was able to answer my questions about the menu selections. Now for the food.... It was outstanding! I had the Chashu Bun as an appetizer and the Cheeky Ramen as my main. They were both off the chart tasty. Since I was sitting at the bar which is adjacent to the sushi chef station and right outside the kitchen, I saw many delicious looking plates go out. If I lived in Springfield, MO, I would be a regular. Visit this restaurant. You won't regret it! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Chashu Bun - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Plenty of parking. Solid meal. I had the ramen and I enjoyed it. The flavor in the broth was there, the noodles were good but we did had to add the egg. The cucumbers and gyoza were good. The Tamago was also good and generous size. Solid meal. I'd return for the ramen and apps. read more

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This place is amazing, I got 3 rolls, the Jurassic Park, Oh My God and the rainbow. All were good, but my favorite was the JP wit the OMG coming in right behind it. Service was great as well and I liked that they had a nice variety of beer, not just oriental beers. Will be back for sure on my next visit to town. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

I've been to Karai about 3 times and the food has always been delicious. I tried a tuna rice bowl this time around and the warm rice with nice cool tuna sashimi was perfect. The soft boiled egg that came with it was a bit too cold for my liking but was still very good. I got an old favorite the Jurassic Park roll and it did not disappoint. My partner has never been and he got Chashu Buns, and Koroke. He was very pleased with both. I tasted the Koroke and it was very crispy, and warm. The sauce with it seemed like a type of balsamic sauce, it had a very distinct taste but went great with the Koroke and lemon. The service was a little slower this time but they were busy-ish and still very polite. read more

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Gyoza was great. Large ramen portion! Eel sauce was delicious, used it on the gyoza too. read more

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Very impressive spot. Very good and quick service. This is a great spot to visit for lunch. Given how quick the service is. read more

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The vibes of the place are nice and cozy. Food is always delicious and just absolute comfort food. I especially love the chashu buns and bowl. The servers are always nice and friendly every time I go. I feel like I've gone here so often they probably recognize me when I walk through the doors but what can I say the food just absolutely hits the soul every time. read more

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great, great meal! I had the spicy miso ramen with mushrooms. wonderful! enough for two meals. great kimchi. happy it's so close to our house. read more

Wow. In Springfield, MO of all places. In town for a few weeks due to work and I 100% found my new spot to go to. Server was polite, helpful, and respective of your space as a solo diner. Lively yet calm ambience. Welcoming to all. Loved it. read more

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So yummy I went for the first time with my friend and was very happy with the chicken ramen bowl and I tried Takoyaki app . I liked that you can customize your spice level too. Very clean and friendly service. read more

The service is excellent, the food is amazing, atmosphere is fun and casual. You can't go wrong!

Friendly service and really tasty and flavorful ramen , The desserts were also realllly good . Quite and very calm place read more

Went here for lunch and was blown away with the food and most of all the service. Gabriel was our server and honestly it's been the best service I've had in Springfield since I moved here 3yrs ago ( eat out all the time.) Ate the Jurassic Roll (fire!) seaweed salad and fried gyoza and it was great! Def be back again!! read more

What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, the food is beyond comparison in how delicious it is and the atmosphere is relaxed and clean. We now frequent every Saturday and recommend everyone else turn this into your regular hot spot. read more

Oh man, this place for the Ramen is REALLY good! However I would not recommend going here for the Sushi. The ramen was full of flavor and comes in huge bowls and is very filling. We also got a sushi roll that came out on fire that was very lackluster and tasted very bland! The inside is super cool and the service is great so be sure and check it out. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Karai Ramen (Signature) - Very Good! - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

Typical Japanese Ramen. A little more expensive (e.g. the appetizer), as usual, no surprise. read more

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Delicious and great service! Our waiter was attentive and prompt with everything. The cost of our lunch was on target. We ordered the express lunch and we were out in a flash. read more

Overall, it was a nice, unassuming little place at the far right end of an outlet plaza. I started off by ordering the yuzu lemonade. This drink was kind of odd, with lots of ginger, and I probably won't get it again. But next was my favorite dish here, the chicken karaage. It was hot, flavorful, and had this excellent creamy garlic dipping sauce to go with it. I don't know how authentic it is, but it might be the best karaage I've ever had a Japanese restaurant. I was also pleasantly surprised by the ramen. I've had authentic Japanese ramen before, which I found too salty and kind of heavy. The Karai Ramen (their signature ramen) had the perfect balance, and even the noodles were tasty. I'm not even a noodle person, but I ate/drank/slurped through the entire bowl. For dessert, I tried the chocolate marshmallow mousse cake. The marshmallow was toasted and the presentation was good. It took a while for the dish to come out. It definitely was not as decadent as European/American cakes. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't call it a must-have. On the disappointing side, there was a cute little seating area where a ton of seats were facing a window, looking out into the woods. I really wanted to eat there, but was told no one was allowed to be seated there (makes sense, it was right next to the door). I think it's a shame that little space is not being utilized. Otherwise, this is a great place for a date, and I saw a ton of young people out with partners. read more

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One of the best Japanese restaurants I've ever been to. Not only was the atmosphere so beautifully done, the service incredible, but the menu had a wide variety of things that all sounded so good! I got the Tonkatsu and my boyfriend got the Karai Ramen. The tonkatsu was cooked so perfectly and the barbecue mustard sauce for it was easily one of the BEST condiments I've ever had. My boyfriend said the ramen was flavorful, the perfect level of spice (he got medium spicy), and tasted fresh. Not to mention, the portions (his and mine) were perfect. Will definitely be coming back!! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - katsu and ramen! - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

It's clean here! Great service! Great food and great portions. Can't really say enough good things. Everything was too temperature and seasoned well. And again like I said it was clean. Nothing better than when your water cup just tastes like water lol read more

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If you're just now finding out about this place....your too late!!!! I love going here after spending time in Branson Mo. The quality ingredients keep me coming back. Once when my fiancé was not feeling well, their broth soup, specifically the Cheeky Ramen, settled her stomach and warmed my soul! Always delicious. Always welcoming. Delicious to the last drop! And you lit try the Chicken Karaage! Let me know what you think! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Dinning room - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Food and service was awesome! Will be going back! My daughter and I both had the House Pork Tonkotsu Broth and she had the vegetable fried rice as the side. I got a Miami roll. All was very good. read more

Wowzers!! What a find. I ordered the Old Skool Ramen, spice level one with a soft boiled egg and the Lychee Fruit Mule. Hands done the best ramen I have had stateside. Service was incredible and the food was top tier! Lychee fruit mule was a burst of flavor on the palette in contrast to the spice and flavors of the ramen. Great job, Karai!! If I was from here, I would be back. But I will seek you out again if I come back to Springfield. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Old Skool Ramen with pork belly and soft boiled egg! - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

The food here has been very good every time that we have gone. I would definitely recommend Karai and I will continue to frequent them.

Passing through Springfield recently I was on the hunt for a delicious quick service sit down lunch. We settled on Karai because of it's proximity to the highway + gas station and all the great reviews. We just made it in at the tail end of Saturday lunch service [11-2:30pm]. I ordered from the "Express Lunch" menu.I absolutely would reorder my Ramen and Sushi Combo: House Pork Tonkotsu Broth ramen + Miami Roll (salmon, tamago, avocado and cream cheese) [$12.50] w/ an added side of Karai cucumber [$4.50]. My lunch far exceeded my expectations. It was fantastic and I left happy and very full. My dining partner also ordered from the "Express Lunch" menu, but got the Ramen Combo: House Pork Tonkotsu Broth ramen + Chashu Bowl. We both got the same delicious house ramen. The Chashu Bowl tasted like BBQ pork over rice. It was flavorful, served at a good temp, and was very filling. I can't say enough good things about the Karai cucumber appetizer that we got as a side dish to share. Whatever vinegar with flavor bomb seasonings they put on those cucumbers had me talking about them the rest of the afternoon. Next time I head to Springfield, I'll be heading back to Karai. The kitchen knows their stuff. The staff was quick. The bill was reasonable. August 2021 read more

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This place was fabulous. Went on a Friday night and it was jumping in there. I can see why. Some of the best ramen I have ever had, and the spicy tuna roll was right on the money too. The sushi was very fresh and the presentation made it a sight for sore eyes. Atmosphere was nice and all the staff were friendly. Would absolutely recommend giving this place a try if you like ramen and/or sushi! read more

Excellent service! The spicy miso ramen was excellent! It was the perfect consistency and flavor, reminding me of my go-to spot back at home! The signature 'Oh my God' roll came out hot and fresh how it looks in the picture! This place is for sure go to spot for me when I'm back in town! Definitely Gave me the sushi date night vibes we were looking for. Good eating!!! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - The Oh My God Roll Shrimp tempura and crab layered w avocado, shrimp, mayo, eel sauce, and SIRACHA! - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Of all places to find a really good Japanese restaurant... I wouldn't have figured Springfield, MO, for this and I'm glad I was wrong. Karai looks and feels like it might be situated somewhere on the West Side of Los Angeles: sleek, great vibe, and most important, good food. The menu is a bit limited (I'd prefer more sashimi and combination options) but fresh and good. Service is attentive and prices are reasonable. The "Ho My God" roll comes to the table looking like a corn dog flambe, but it and our other choices were just fine. Pleasant surprise! read more

Possibly the best Ramen in town - savory and light with all the right flavor! No joke, the ramen reminds me of the Korean places I've visited in San Francisco and Hong Kong. If you get the Karai Ramen, make sure to order with an egg! Side note: They made sure to keep things family-friendly, offering high chairs and games to the little ones. Just thought was cute. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Karai Ramen + soft boiled egg - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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I love love love the handrolls here! Every time I'm in Springfield, this place is a must. I've also tried their ramen and karaage (Japanese fried chicken bites). Everything is delicious, flavor on point, and not too salty when it comes to ramen broth. For handrolls, I love ordering the combo of 3 and my go-to is the snow crab, salmon skin (perfectly crunchy), and the toro (the belly, best part of the tuna)! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

The best ramen in Springfield, excellent service and atmosphere. Many different options for ramen and add ins available. The sushi is fantastic and fresh as it should be read more

I love the atmosphere it's cute and very instagramable. The food was decent and the staff very pleasant. I will go again! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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The service and atmosphere here is always great and what I look forward to. The dishes are AMAZING! We shared the tomkatsu, old skool ramen, and the oh my god roll. Everything was delicious!! Thanks James for top notch service! read more

The food here was FANTASTIC! I got the Old Skool Ramen and it was perfect, and the fact that I got to add the spice in increments as I wanted made it even better. I came here with a friend on Friday night, and they got us seated in 15 minutes (they said 15-20). The wait staff was friendly and eager to help, and they seemed comfortable in the environment. The restaurant itself had comfortably dim lighting, not so dark as to impede my vision, and the decorations were all very pleasant and didn't distract from the food. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - After dinner - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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This place is delish! I had Tonkotsu Raman and California roll lunch special! What a deal! The broth was so amazing and the flavors inside made me so happy! Highly recommend. I added kimchi on the side to enjoy with my noodles! Highly recommend! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Great food, but a little expensive. There is more affordable ramen in town. I was not impressed with the sushi. read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - Ramen with pork broth. Yum!! - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

This is my second time here and omg it never disappoints. I'm not a local but, when Im in town I make it a priority to eat here. Authentic Japanese food. The service is always A-1 here. Will continue to come for the ramen and sushi. I love the set-up, it's so modern and the prices are so cheap. read more

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Nice place, nice people. Food seemed good... However, be careful if you don't like spicy food. I ordered Express Lunch Tonkotsu Ramen. The server said, "What spice level do you want?" A surprising question, since I lived in Japan for years, and in my experience Tonkotsu Ramen was never spicy. Trying to make sense of it, I said, "What levels are there?" She said, "One to three." I chose one, because I don't like spicy food. The ramen came and it was *spicy.* Waaay too spicy for me; my nose was dripping and running, etc. I was disappointed because I had wanted to taste the broth, but you couldn't find the taste behind the screaming spice. I asked the server why it was spicy when I had chosen "one." She said she had also said "No spice." But she hadn't. It was sadly not a good experience for me. Notably, the noodles were thicker and a slightly different color and texture from ramen noodles in my experience. It was a little odd but I thought it might be just their spin on it. My husband enjoyed his. Hence the rating. read more

Most versatile Japanese restaurant + best ramen restaurant in town, hands down! This is a great spot to go if you're craving Japanese variety. They have fantastic appetizers, sushi, ramen, and entrées. They also have vegetarian friendly options. I have been several times and will continue to come back. Fav appetizers: Gyoza (best dipping sauce ever) and Chashu Buns Fav sushi rolls: Omg Roll, Jurassic Park Roll Fav ramen: Old Skool Ramen (add a lil spice and an egg and you're good to go) Fav house specialty: Tonkatsu I still have yet to try the poke, rice bowls, teriyaki, and dessert (mochi). So good! Give it a try! read more

Karai Ramen + Handroll - White House Roll - Ramen Near Me - Springfield, Missouri