New Opening Date for Kukai Ramen

You're going to have to wait a little longer to get a close-to-home taste of Japan-based Kukai Ramen & Izakaya.

Ron Yan, owner of the Beaverton franchise, says red tape delayed construction, so the build-out of the location in the new Timberland Town Center in Beaverton is only just now starting. "We are now shooting for a spring opening, targeting the first part of April," says Yan.

This will be the first Oregon outpost of the popular chain, which has only two other U.S. locations, both in Washington. The menu will be the same as the Bellevue and Seattle spots, featuring a variety of ramen bowls brimming with noodles by cult-favorite Sun Noodle. In addition to ramen, expect rice bowls and small plates like octopus dumplings, potato croquettes, and onigiri.