EDITOR’S NOTE: Here is a series of quick reviews from our Ardent Gourmet, out and about the Portland Metro area.
By David & Susan Greenberg
Afuri Ramen & Dumpling is a Japanese chain that has transplanted shoots to the United States, three of which have taken root in the Portland area. Their Tonkatsu ramen is outstanding. Noodles were notably excellent, to-the-tooth. Broth was umami rich.
Their gyoza are cooked in a pan with a cornstarch slurry which results in a crisp, thin underlayment that binds all the dumplings into a disk.
Kakuni Pork Buns – based on steamed bao dough folded around crisped pork belly with sweet chili soy sauce, green onion, pickled ginger – were fabulous.
They also had Crispy Chicken Gyoza Tostadas, a fusion creation that was mighty tasty.
Their Yuzu Limeade was thirst-quenching.
Afuri Ramen & Dumpling Slabtown – 1620 NW 21st Ave, Portland
Afuri Ramen & Dumpling Beaverton – 12555 SW 1st st., Beaverton