Bringing a Taste of Japan to Baltimore: Why Kajiken Is My Favorite Spot

 Bringing a Taste of Japan: Why Kajiken Is My Favorite Spot in Baltimore

By: Leo Arcelay-Christiano

Discovering Mazesoba

If you've never visited the Johns Hopkins area, put it on your bucket list before you graduate. Tucked into the hub of the Johns Hopkins area, near other popular food spots such as Honeygrow and &Pizza, lies Kajiken. Kajiken during dinnertime often has somewhat of a wait (5-15 minutes), yet I still consider it one of Baltimores underrated Gems. I stumbled across it during a very stressful time in my college career, and since then it has become my go-to comfort spot. It is small and relaxed on the inside, and the  employees greet you with a "irasshaimase!(いらっしゃいませ), meaning "welcome" or "please come in!" 

What makes Kajiken stand out is its focus on mazesoba, a style of ramen served without broth. The noodles are covered in a flavorful sauce and topped with pork, scallions, seaweed, garlic and egg. The servers encourage you to MIX WELL before eating, and it is both a comforting and flavorful experience. Personally, I always get the roast beef bowl(and a gyoza appetizer...pan seared and crispy!). Another thing I enjoy about Kajiken is their single style "bar" seating, that allows for parties of 1 to enjoy their meal with stool seating and a phone stand!

The atmosphere is very casual, but the food is so good that it cant help but feel more than that. The staff are always very friendly and seem proud of what they are serving. 

Comparing Baltimore and New York City

 I've even tried Kajiken again while visiting NYC, and it just did not hit the same. The noodles were still good, but the flavors felt heavier and the overall vibe felt rushed. The Baltimore Kajiken feels homegrown- and I later discovered it was the very first of the franchise to hit the US! 


For those looking to explore beyond college dining halls, Kajiken is a simple trip away!(take the 51 bus by Seton court). It is a rare place that feels local and global at the same time and brings a little slice of Japan to Baltimore. 

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