The Best Noodles in Oregon You Can’t Miss This National Noodle Month

Some people think food holidays are silly, but I love them. An excuse to eat ice cream on the third Sunday in July, or blissfully ignore the guidelines for caffeine consumption on September 29 (National Coffee Day)? I’m all for it. In case you didn’t know, March is National Noodle Month, an annual celebration of everything from ramen and udon to Italian pasta dishes.

Koku Ramen & Bites in Beaverton is a relative newcomer to the noodle scene, but it quickly made waves in the community. This unassuming restaurant offers authentic Japanese ramen in a warm, casual atmosphere, making it a must-add to your dining bucket list if you want to try the best noodles in Oregon.

The interior is modern, with subtle nods to Japanese-style design, including natural wood elements, warm lighting, earthy tones, and orchids on many tables. Overall, the calm ambiance makes for a peaceful dining experience that allows you to focus purely on the delicious food.

The Best Noodles in Oregon

First, choose your base. Koku offers five options: Tonkotsu, Mala tonkotsu (the spicy version), Shoyu, Miso, and vegan. Tonkotsu is a pork broth, Shoyu is soy sauce, Miso is Japanese soybean paste, and the vegan bowl uses vegetable broth with miso paste. 

Ramen enthusiasts know the broth is the most important part, and Koku knows that, too. It’s smooth and silky, and you can just tell it was slow-cooked for hours. Some restaurants will try to mask a bland broth with fancy toppings, but you won’t find any of that corner-cutting here. It's truly some of the best ramen in Oregon.

That isn’t to say the toppings aren’t delicious. All bowls come with bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, fresh garlic, seaweed, green onions, sesame seeds, and a soft-boiled egg (except the vegan option, which obviously does not feature an egg). Proteins include Chashu pork, Karaage chicken, and fried tofu. Chashu pork is braised pork belly that’s been marinated in soy sauce, sake, and mirin, while Karaage chicken is fried chicken marinated in a similar mixture. You can customize your bowl however you like, adding or removing ingredients until it’s perfect. I know I would load up on the pickled onions and ginger.

Other Must-Try Dishes at This Oregon Restaurant

I know we're talking about ramen in Oregon here, but Koku's other dishes deserve an honorable mention. From gyoza and edamame to rice bowls and Japanese curry, everything is incredible. Don't leave without trying one of their famous cocktails or a matcha made with ceremonial-grade powder from Kyoto. And I didn't forget about dessert. Mochi ice cream is always a hit, and the matcha Basque cheesecake is one of the best things you'll ever eat.

Even if you don’t care about National Noodle Month, you’ll be happy you decided to celebrate (intentionally or not) as you slurp away. 

Have you tried the best noodles in Oregon at Koku Ramen & Bites? If so, what did you order?

If you’re feeling inspired to discover more bucket-list-worthy Oregon restaurants, use Only In Your State’s AI Itinerary Planner to plan your adventure.