It’s been a few years since I last visited, possibly even pre-pandemic. Afuri has since grown into an international restaurant, and while I think it originated in Japan, I can’t be certain. Regardless, it has made a strong mark in the competitive ramen scene, especially in Portland. We visited for a friend’s birthday in Beaverton, which has also undergone significant revitalization with the addition of many popular restaurants from Portland. I suspect this is partly due to the saturation of dining options in Portland itself, prompting a push to liven up the suburbs. It seems the city of Beaverton is actively courting restaurants to make the area more appealing.
The restaurant has a modern vibe, similar to the original location in Old Town. Despite its size, I recommend making reservations, although the wait for walk-ins is likely manageable. We sat at a long table, and I ordered the Karaage and the Tonkotsu Shio Ramen. Although Afuri is known for incorporating yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, into its ramen broth, I prefer a more traditional approach. In this case, the Tonkotsu was exactly what I wanted. The open kitchen was busy, and our food arrived promptly.
I was disappointed with the Karaage; the pieces were dry, and while the coating was light, it lacked flavor. I might have overlooked this if the serving size were larger, but it felt overpriced for the portion. However, when I tasted the ramen broth, my spirits lifted. It was flavorful and salty, though as a fan of Tonkotsu, I would have preferred a bit more punch. At least it wasn’t overpowering. The noodles were decent, but the soft-boiled egg, while visually appealing, was a bit bland. The standout element was the chashu, which was tender and flavorful without any noticeable fat—an impressive feature in ramen.
Overall, we had a great time at Afuri. The atmosphere was pleasant, and we didn’t feel rushed. They offer an excellent selection of drinks, and I noticed many patrons were there just for that. For me, the ramen was delicious, and given the limited options in the Portland suburbs, it could easily top the list. My advice? Skip the appetizers and request extra noodles and chashu. While the Tonkotsu was satisfying, I’m curious if the yuzu ramen might be a better choice—I might find myself back here soon!
Ranked: ****
Issue 93. Volume 14. Chapter 5.
Visited: Oct 26th 2024. Friday at 18:30.
Address: 12555 SW 1st St, Beaverton
Website: https://www.afuriramen.com/