Kajiken, a noodle chain from Nagoya, is renowned for its abura soba (literally “oil noodles”), a type of brothless ramen seasoned with chilli oil, rice vinegar, and various condiments.

At Kajiken, the noodles are made in-house daily using a blend of potassium and sodium carbonate, which gives them a firm yet springy texture. The noodles are then refrigerated for 1-2 days before serving.

To enjoy abura soba, it is recommended to mix the noodles for 20 seconds, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce, and to add condiments like vinegar, chilli oil, garlic flakes, and sesame seeds for enhanced flavour.

Homura Aburasoba ($18.80), with minced pork, nori, bamboo shoots, green onion, chives, niboshi (fish powder), and egg yolk.

As the most popular dish at Kajiken, it had a rich, moreish sauce that perfectly complemented the ingredients. The noodles, thicker and with an al dente bounce, were well-suited to carrying the sauces and toppings. When mixed thoroughly, the niboshi provided an intense savoury umami, adding depth to the umami-rich soy and sesame oil-seasoned minced pork. The bamboo shoots offered a satisfying crunch, while the egg yolk contributed a creamy richness, balanced by the freshness of the chives and green onion.

Roast Beef Aburasoba ($19.80), with roast beef, onion sauce, yogurt, fried onion and egg yolk.

The combination of onion sauce, yoghurt, and egg yolk created a rich, savoury mixture, with the yoghurt adding a subtle tanginess and creaminess that kept the thick sauce from being overwhelming.. The roast beef was tender and flavourful, while the fried onions provided additional crunch. The overall sauce was well-balanced but best paired with a drink, such as a carbonated beverage or tea, to counter the richness of the savoury onion flavour, which became somewhat overpowering by the end.

Deep Fried Mochi Taiyaki ($6.00, 2 pcs), filled with mochi and red bean paste.

These taiyaki had a beautiful white and crisp exterior, concealing a very tender and chewy mochi dough wrapped around smooth, sweetened red bean paste. The crisp, chewy sweetness of these taiyaki was the perfect complement to the savoury noodles.

Kajiken is located Shop 1 and 2/605-609 George St, Sydney NSW 2000.