Kajiken Introduce
In the vibrant culinary landscape of California, where ramen shops are plentiful, one restaurant in Elk Grove stands out for its unique approach to a Japanese staple. Kajiken is not your typical ramen establishment; it is a specialist in a dish known as aburasoba, or "brothless ramen." This innovative take on noodles offers a different kind of experience, focusing on the rich, savory flavors of a special sauce and a curated blend of oils that coat perfectly chewy noodles. For California diners seeking a new and exciting twist on comfort food, Kajiken presents a compelling and delicious alternative. It's a place that challenges the traditional concept of ramen and, in doing so, provides a deeply satisfying and memorable meal. The focus on flavor and texture over a soupy base is what makes this spot a true original, drawing in curious foodies and seasoned noodle lovers alike.
Kajiken's reputation is built on its mastery of aburasoba. While traditional ramen relies heavily on its broth for flavor, aburasoba's magic lies in the bottom of the bowl, where a concentrated mix of sauces and oils awaits. Before eating, diners are instructed to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every strand of noodle is coated in the flavorful base. This process creates a harmony of tastes and textures, with the noodles remaining firm and bouncy, a perfect canvas for the various toppings. The menu at Kajiken is a testament to the versatility of this dish, featuring a wide range of aburasoba creations, from the classic Original Aburasoba to more adventurous combinations like the Unagi Aburasoba. For those who are used to the conventional ramen experience, Kajiken offers a fresh perspective and an opportunity to explore a different facet of Japanese cuisine, proving that a great noodle bowl doesn't always need a broth to be truly exceptional. Its appeal lies in this very difference, providing a new go-to for locals who want to expand their culinary horizons.
Kajiken is conveniently located at 7470 Elk Grove Blvd #120, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA. This prime spot makes it easily accessible for residents of Elk Grove and the surrounding areas. The restaurant is situated in a retail complex, which provides a free parking lot, making it easy for customers to find a spot without the stress of city parking. For those who prefer street parking, free options are also available nearby. The location's accessibility is a key part of its appeal, ensuring a smooth and easy experience from the moment you arrive. The establishment is also designed to be inclusive, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. This commitment to accessibility ensures that all guests, regardless of mobility, can enjoy a comfortable and convenient dining experience. Its placement in a bustling part of Elk Grove also makes it an excellent destination for a meal before or after other activities in the area, from shopping to entertainment.
Kajiken offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. This flexibility ensures that you can enjoy their unique aburasoba in a way that best suits your lifestyle, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. Their service options reflect a modern approach to dining, combining traditional table service with convenient, on-the-go choices.
Services offered include:
Outdoor Seating: On a beautiful California day, there’s nothing better than enjoying your meal al fresco. Kajiken provides outdoor seating, perfect for a breezy lunch or a casual dinner with friends.
Delivery: For the ultimate convenience, you can have Kajiken’s delicious aburasoba delivered directly to your doorstep. This service is ideal for busy weeknights or for when you simply want to stay in and relax.
Takeout: If you're on a tight schedule, the takeout service allows you to quickly pick up your order and enjoy it at your own pace. The food is carefully packaged to maintain its quality and flavor, ensuring it tastes just as good at home as it does in the restaurant.
Dine-in: The dine-in experience offers the full Kajiken atmosphere. With comfortable seating and attentive table service, you can sit back and savor every bite of your aburasoba, hot and fresh from the kitchen. The cozy and casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a variety of occasions, from a solo lunch to a meal with a group.
These services demonstrate Kajiken's commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all of its customers, no matter their preference. This adaptability is a key reason why it has become such a popular spot for locals in Elk Grove.
Kajiken's distinctiveness comes from its focus on aburasoba, but its features and highlights go beyond just the food itself. The restaurant provides an experience that is both unique and highly accommodating, making it a standout choice in the local dining scene. These elements, from the menu variety to the general atmosphere, create a dining destination worth visiting.
Features and highlights:
Specialty in Aburasoba: The primary highlight is their exclusive focus on brothless ramen. This specialization means they have perfected the art of aburasoba, offering a dish with perfectly chewy noodles and a concentrated, savory flavor base. For those unfamiliar with the concept, it's a fantastic introduction to a different side of Japanese noodles.
Diverse Topping and Menu Options: Kajiken's menu is highly customizable. The "Additional Toppings" section allows diners to personalize their bowl with a wide array of ingredients, including everything from a Raw Egg Yolk for added creaminess to unique additions like Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe) and Kimchi. This freedom to build your own bowl ensures a unique experience every time. Beyond aburasoba, they also offer delicious appetizers like Takoyaki and Gyoza, as well as a selection of rice bowls like the flavorful Chashu Rice and Roast Beef Rice.
Atmosphere and Crowd: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable and inviting place to eat. It attracts a varied crowd, including college students and groups, highlighting its appeal to a younger, more dynamic demographic. The relaxed setting is perfect for both a quick meal and a leisurely hang-out with friends.
Family-Friendly Environment: Kajiken is "good for kids" and provides high chairs, making it a great option for families. This feature ensures that even the youngest diners are comfortable and can enjoy a meal with their parents, solidifying its place as a community-oriented establishment.
Convenient Payment and Parking: The restaurant accepts major payment methods, including credit cards and debit cards. The availability of both a free parking lot and free street parking removes the hassle of finding a spot, contributing to an overall stress-free dining experience.
These features, taken together, create a compelling reason to visit. Kajiken is not just a place to eat; it's a place to discover a new type of cuisine in a welcoming and convenient environment.
For those looking to contact Kajiken, the following information is available for their Elk Grove location:
Address: 7470 Elk Grove Blvd #120, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
Phone: (916) 829-3446
Deciding where to eat can often be a challenge with so many options available in California, but Kajiken presents a strong case for why it is worth choosing. The primary reason is its specialization in aburasoba, a dish that many in the U.S. may not have experienced before. This unique offering provides a refreshing change from traditional soup-based ramen and allows the flavors of the noodles, sauce, and toppings to truly shine. For anyone who has ever found a bowl of ramen broth to be too heavy or overwhelming, aburasoba offers a perfect alternative, delivering all the savory goodness without the soup. The noodles are expertly prepared to have a perfect chewiness, and the various sauces and oils create a rich, umami-packed coating that is deeply satisfying.
Beyond the novelty of aburasoba, the quality and variety of the food are outstanding. The customer reviews often highlight the perfect texture of the noodles and the deliciousness of the chicken, particularly the Original Karaage, which is noted for being juicy and flavorful. The menu's focus on customizable bowls through its extensive list of additional toppings is a huge benefit. This allows diners to tailor their meal exactly to their liking, adding everything from extra chashu to more adventurous options like spicy minced pork or mozzarella cheese. This level of customization ensures a unique and personalized experience every time you visit, which is a significant draw for local food enthusiasts.
Finally, the overall dining experience at Kajiken makes it a place worth returning to. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a comfortable space to enjoy your meal. The staff are noted for being respectful and friendly, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming environment. The combination of great food, a friendly vibe, and convenient services like outdoor seating and a free parking lot makes the entire visit a smooth and enjoyable one. For anyone in the Elk Grove area seeking a high-quality Japanese meal that is both authentic and a little different from the norm, Kajiken provides an innovative and truly delicious option that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Kajiken Menu
Rice Bowls
- Chashu Rice $8.05
Diced chashu, green onions, and seaweed
- Mentaiko Rice $8.05
Mentaiko spicy cod roe, green onions, and seaweed
- Roast Beef Rice $11.50
Diced roast beef, chaliapin sauce, yogurt sauce, green onions, black pepper, sesame seeds, and 'raw egg yolk (can sub ajitama or poached egg)
- White Rice $4.60
Signature Aburasoba
- Homura Aburasoba $19.49
Top 1. Spicy minced pork, green onions, bamboo shoots, seaweed, fish powder, chives, and 'raw egg yolk (can sub ajitama or poached egg)
- Nikumori Aburasoba $20.64
Top 2. Spicy minced pork, pork slices, green onions, and *raw egg yolk (can sub ajitama or poached egg)
- Roast Beef Aburasoba $20.64
Top 3. Roast beef, crispy onions, green onions, chaliapin sauce, yogurt sauce, and 'raw egg yolk (can sub ajitama or poached egg)
- Original Aburasoba $17.19
Soy sauce base, 2 chashu, bamboo shoots, green onions, and seaweed
- Karamen Aburasoba $18.34
Diced chashu, chili powder, crunchy garlic with chili oil, cabbage, chives, bean sprouts, and *raw egg yolk (can sub ajitama or poached egg)(spicy!)
- Mushroom Aburasoba $18.34
Shimeji & king trumpet mushrooms, spinach, tofu, and red onions
- KEEMA Aburasoba $17.19
Curry minced pork, parsley, and raw egg yolk (can sub ajitama or poached egg)
- Tantan Aburasoba $17.19
Sesame base tantan sesame sauce, spicy minced pork, bean sprouts, bok choy, and green onions
- Soboro Aburasoba $18.34
Soy Marinated Ground Chicken, Green Onion Sesame Seeds and Raw Egg Yolk.
- Unagi Aburasoba $26.45
Drinks
- Coca-Cola $2.88
- Diet Coca-Cola $2.88
- Sprite $2.88
- Calpico $2.88
- Mango Calpico $2.88
- Strawberry Calpico $2.88
- Peach Calpico $2.88
- Original Ramune $3.45
- Strawberry Ramune $3.45
- Sparkling Water $2.88
- Iced Green Tea $3.45
- Hot Water $0.00
Additional Toppings
- 1 Pc Chashu $2.01
- Raw Egg Yolk $2.88
- Poached Egg $2.88
- Ajitama (Seasoned Egg) $2.88
- Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe) $2.30
- Kimchi $2.01
- Menma (Bamboo Shoots) $1.73
- Negi (Green Onions) $1.73
- Moyashi (Bean Sprouts) $1.44
- Tofu $1.44
- Corn $1.44
- Nira (Chives) $1.44
- Mozzarella Cheese $1.44
- Cabbage $1.44
- Nori (Seaweed) $1.44
- Crispy Onion $1.44
- Curry Powder $1.44
- Fish Powder $1.44
- Spicy Minced Pork $4.54
- Shimeji & King Mushrooms $3.39
- Bok Choy $1.44
- Spinach $1.44
- Umeboshi $1.44
- Yogurt Sauce $1.44
- Chill Oil& Vinegar $1.15
- Sesame& Garlic&Chill Paste $1.15
- Pickled $1.73
- 2pc Roast Beef $2.88
- Soboro (Ground Chicken) $4.54
- Tonkotsu $17.25
- Spicy Tonkotsu $19.55
- Tonkotsu Shoyu $17.25
- Unagi $8.05
Appetizers
- Oroshi Ponzu Karaage $11.50
Grated daikon radish with ponzu & green onions. Note: our karaage is tender and juicy, not crispy
- Original Karaage $10.93
Karaage with side of mayo and wasabi-mayo note: our karaage is tender and juicy, not crispy
- GESO Karaage $14.95
Deep-fried calamari with spicy mayo & lemon
- Takoyaki $9.77
Fried pancake ball with octopus, takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed, bonito flakes
- Pan-Fried Gyoza $8.63
Pork & vegetable pan-fried gyoza
- Edamame $5.18
Lightly salted edamame
- Hiyayakko Cold Tofu $6.33
Sweet & spicy sauce, green onions, bonito flakes, ginger, and sesame seeds
Kajiken Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Kajiken Photos










Kajiken Location
Kajiken
7470 Elk Grove Blvd #120, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
Kajiken Reviews
This place was absolutely delicious and tasted authentic and perfect. I will be very honest however, I wasn’t really “feeling” this type of food but a friend of mine misunderstood and there we went. However, the noodles tasted perfectly chewy and cooked, the chicken was interesting but delicious, the egg yolk was perfect and the bowl was just right.The outdoor seating was also nice because of the breeze and the staff were respectful, it isn’t super expensive and for the quality I’d say it’s worth it. Would come again, would recommend. Only good things to say (thus far 👀)
July 20 · Abdulhadi AltahanThe food was really tasty! This restaurant has been on our list of places to try for awhile and I’m glad we did. We came around 8pm on a Friday and we were seated right away. The karaage portion was a little small but had great flavor. The chicken was juicy and slightly crispy on the outside. The noodles were bouncy and had a large portion and delicious flavor
July 12 · Janine WongWhile in Elk Grove, we looked for a lunch spot to hit. We stumbled upon Kajiken, sure glad we were able to eat here. My wife ordered the Roast Beef Arubasoba and i got the the Original. We also ordered the Pozu Karaage. Very unique way to have Ramen and i have to say it was so good. Next time we will definitely try the other options.
August 22 · Sione ManuI went to Kajiken on a Sunday afternoon a little before their mid-day close at 1PM and it was a packed house. It was initially unclear whether you're supposed to go up and order first or if you're supposed to wait to be seated, but I walked up to the cashier to ask and she kindly placed us at a seat in front of the window.Once my boyfriend and I decided on our order, it was again unclear if she's going to come back or if we need to walk up and order considering we waited for some time to place our order. So I walk up to the register and ask if I should place my order with her up there which we end up doing.I order the Oroshi Ponzu Karaage & Nikumori Aburasoba (with a poached egg, which was recommended by the cashier).The Oroshi Ponzu Karaage was good, but not exciting. The chicken was good, but the dish definitely could have used more flavor or crunch (to be fair though, the menu does say this karaage is not crunchy so I was prepared at least).The Nikumori Aburasoba (aka Top 2) was good, but not super exciting either. The pork slices were tough, I probably would have enjoyed the dish if it was tender. By this point, I (respectfully) concluded that this is as a Japanese chow mein.I personally feel like the ingredients could have been fresher, it was as if the meal lacked texture.With all that said, the experience & ambiance felt like a fast food restaurant by the way it operates - to the point where it feels like a chain restaurant. I'd say it's a good place to go to if you're looking to fix that noodle craving.I acknowledge that I came here right after trying a couple pastries from the local Japanese bakery so maybe that may have impacted my appetite.I'm not sure I'd return to try more but if you're looking to try this place out, I would say these bowls can be split as I shared this meal with my boyfriend and we are still leaving with left overs.If I could give one feedback to the restaurant around operations, it would be to put a yelp waitlist tablet outside or a sign up sheet as it can get confusing - especially when people are waiting out front to be seated outside which can be perceived as a line.
August 24 · Chassidy TI arrived right when it opened and tables filled up fast. The food is decent and came out quick after ordering. Price point feels like it’s on the higher side but maybe that is average price of ramen now. Service was good and the meal went by without any issues.
July 11 · Kevin Huang
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