Michelin-Acclaimed Japanese Noodle Chain Heads to Toronto with New Location Opening Soon

Toronto Noodle scene Heats Up with Arrival of Global Aburasoba Chain, Kajiken

Toronto’s culinary landscape is about to get a delicious shake-up. Kajiken, an internationally acclaimed japanese noodle chain celebrated for its handmade noodles, is preparing to launch its inaugural Canadian outpost in Toronto this fall. The city’s known for its love of noodles, and kajiken is set to deliver a unique and flavourful experience.

What is Aburasoba? A Dive into Brothless noodles

Kajiken specializes in aburasoba, a distinctive noodle dish closely related to ramen, but served without the customary broth. Instead, freshly made noodles are generously coated in the restaurant’s closely-guarded secret sauce, providing a deeply savoury and satisfying experience without the need for sipping. This unique approach has garnered a devoted following worldwide.

A History of noodle Excellence: From Nagoya to North America

The story of Kajiken began in 2010, when founder Kenichi Kaji developed a passion for aburasoba. He soon after opened the first Kajiken location in Nagoya, Japan. Within just two years, the chain expanded rapidly, boasting 25 locations across Japan by 2012.

The chain’s global expansion continued over the next decade. By 2022, Kajiken had established a presence in Japan, Singapore, China, and the united States, operating a total of 100 locations. The San Mateo,California,location has received accolades from the Michelin Guide,praised for its open kitchen and diverse range of flavours.

year	Milestone
2010	First Kajiken location opens in Nagoya, Japan.
2012	Expansion to 25 locations across Japan.
2022	Reaches 100 locations globally (Japan, Singapore, china, USA).
2024	First Canadian location set to open in Toronto.

Menu Highlights: What to Expect at Kajiken Toronto

the Toronto menu will feature nine distinct aburasoba dishes.Signature options include the popular Homura, featuring spicy minced pork, bamboo shoots, seaweed, fish powder, and a raw egg yolk, and the wagyu Roast Beef, topped with crispy onions, butter onion sauce, yogurt sauce, and a raw egg yolk. Customers can substitute the raw egg yolk with a soy or poached egg, if preferred.

In addition to aburasoba, the menu will also showcase a selection of Japanese street food favourites, such as karaage (Japanese fried chicken), takoyaki (octopus balls), and gyoza (potstickers).

Did You Know? Aburasoba translates to “oil noodles,” reflecting the dish’s reliance on a rich, oil-based sauce to coat and flavor the noodles.

Grand Opening Details and Special Offer

Kajiken will hold a soft opening on October 4th and 5th. To celebrate its arrival in Canada, the restaurant will give away 100 free bowls of aburasoba to the first 100 customers each day. The location is set at 4850 Yonge St., North York.

The Growing Popularity of Japanese Noodles

Japanese noodle dishes, like ramen and udon, have experienced a surge in popularity globally in recent years. According to a report by Euromonitor International,the global instant noodle market was valued at $48.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $63.2 billion by 2028. This demonstrates a growing consumer appetite for convenient and flavorful noodle-based meals.

The appeal lies in their versatility, affordability, and the depth of flavour achieved through complex broths and toppings. The rise of social media and food blogging has also played a significant role in showcasing these dishes to a wider audience.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to customize your aburasoba experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kajiken

1. What is aburasoba? aburasoba is a Japanese noodle dish similar to ramen, but served without broth.Noodles are coated in a flavourful sauce.
2. Is Kajiken a franchise? Kajiken began as a single location and expanded organically, now operating corporately owned locations globally.
3. Where is the first Kajiken in Canada located? The first Canadian Kajiken is located at 4850 Yonge St. in North York,Toronto.
4. Does Kajiken offer vegetarian options? Yes, Kajiken offers two vegetarian aburasoba options.
5. Are ther any special offers for the grand opening? Kajiken will give away 100 free bowls of aburasoba to the first 100 customers each day of the soft opening (Oct 4th & 5th).
6. What other dishes does Kajiken serve? In addition to aburasoba, Kajiken offers Japanese street food like karaage, takoyaki, and gyoza.
7. Is Kajiken recognized for its quality? Yes, Kajiken’s San Mateo location has been praised by the michelin Guide.

Will Kajiken’s arrival spark a new wave of noodle obsession in Toronto? What are your thoughts on brothless noodles?

What makes Tsuta ramen unique compared to othre ramen options in Toronto?

Michelin-Acclaimed Japanese Noodle Chain, Tsuta, heads to Toronto with New Location Opening Soon

What is Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles?

Tsuta, the world’s first ramen restaurant to receive a Michelin star (in 2016), is bringing its celebrated soba noodles to Toronto. Founded by Chef Yuki Onishi in Tokyo, Japan, Tsuta is renowned for its innovative approach to ramen, especially its signature Shoyu Ramen featuring black truffle oil. This expansion marks a significant moment for Toronto’s vibrant culinary scene, adding another globally recognized dining destination. Expect authentic Japanese ramen, meticulously crafted broths, and high-quality ingredients.

Location and Opening Details

The new Tsuta Toronto location will be situated in the heart of downtown, specifically at 123 Edward St, Toronto, ON M5G 1E2. while an exact opening date is still to be confirmed, sources indicate a launch is anticipated in late October 2025.Keep an eye on Tsuta’s official social media channels and the Archyde website for the most up-to-date information. This location will be the first in canada, following successful expansions into other international markets like Singapore and taiwan.

The Tsuta Menu: What to Expect

Tsuta’s menu centers around its signature soba noodles, but offers a diverse range of ramen experiences. Here’s a glimpse of what Toronto diners can anticipate:

* Shoyu Ramen: The iconic dish featuring a shoyu (soy sauce) based broth infused with black truffle oil. This is a must-try for first-time visitors.

* Shio Ramen: A lighter, salt-based ramen known for its clean and delicate flavors.

* Miso Ramen: A rich and savory ramen with a miso paste base, offering a bolder flavor profile.

* Seasonal Ramen: Tsuta frequently introduces limited-edition ramen variations based on seasonal ingredients, ensuring a constantly evolving menu.

* Side Dishes: Expect classic Japanese sides like gyoza (dumplings), karaage (fried chicken), and chashu (braised pork belly).

* Beverages: A selection of Japanese beers, sake, and soft drinks will complement the meal.

The Michelin Star Difference: What Makes Tsuta Special?

Tsuta’s Michelin star isn’t just a badge of honor; it reflects a commitment to culinary excellence. Several factors contribute to its prestigious recognition:

* Broth Complexity: Chef Onishi utilizes multiple broth preparations, blending different ingredients and techniques to achieve unparalleled depth of flavor.

* Noodle Quality: The soba noodles are made in-house,ensuring optimal texture and freshness.

* Ingredient Sourcing: Tsuta prioritizes high-quality, seasonal ingredients, often sourced directly from Japan.

* Innovation: The incorporation of unique elements like black truffle oil elevates the ramen experience beyond traditional offerings.

* Presentation: each bowl is meticulously crafted and presented, showcasing the artistry of Japanese cuisine.

Toronto’s Ramen Scene & Tsuta’s Impact

toronto already boasts a thriving ramen scene, with popular establishments like Sansotei Ramen, Kinton Ramen, and Momofuku Noodle Bar. Tsuta’s arrival will undoubtedly raise the bar, introducing a new level of sophistication and innovation to the city’s ramen landscape. This increased competition will benefit diners, encouraging other restaurants to refine their offerings and explore new culinary boundaries. The addition of a Michelin-starred restaurant will also further solidify Toronto’s reputation as a global food destination.

Benefits of Experiencing Tsuta Ramen

Beyond the accolades, enjoying a bowl of Tsuta ramen offers several benefits:

* Unique Flavor Profile: The complex and nuanced flavors are unlike anything else available in Toronto.

* High-Quality Ingredients: You’re consuming fresh,carefully selected ingredients.

* Cultural Experience: It’s an opportunity to experience authentic Japanese cuisine at its finest.

* Culinary Adventure: Trying Tsuta is a chance to expand your palate and discover new flavors.

Practical Tips for Visiting Tsuta Toronto

* Expect a Queue: Given Tsuta’s popularity, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.

* Check Social Media: Follow Tsuta Toronto on social media for updates on opening hours, menu specials, and queue information.

* Consider Off-Peak Times: Visiting during lunch or weekdays may result in shorter wait times.

* Explore the Menu: Don’t be afraid to try different ramen variations and side dishes.

* Cash or card: Confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.