Portland Ramen Hall of Fame 🍜 Afuri Izakaya

Heard so much about Afuri, and I wondered “could a viral spot live up to the hype”—until that cold yuzu tsukemen arrived. Instantly, I got why people say “whoever invented this is a genius.” On a sweltering day, that tart, spicy, refreshing bite felt like turning on an AC for my taste buds❄️ 🍗 Appetizers: Salty but Juicy “Warm-Up Acts” Tried their signature starters first: Fried chicken: Crust thin as paper, juice “sizzling” out when bitten, tender with a pink center—definitely juicy! But seasoning’s on the salty side, pairs well with iced water; Wagyu tartare: Minced wagyu mixed with raw egg and onion, creamy with a slight crunch, rich beefy (milkiness). Also a touch salty, maybe to cut through the ramen’s richness? Not mind-blowing, but like “little previews” that made the main act even more anticipated～ 🥢 The Star: Cold Yuzu Tsukemen, a Lifesaver in 30-Degree Heat! Promise me: at Afuri, order the cold yuzu dipping noodles!! Served “noodle-soup separate” for drama: a bowl of iced yuzu broth (bright yellow, with lime zest and chili flakes), and a plate of springy alkaline noodles piled with chashu, nori, and onsen egg. Twirl a chopstickful of noodles, dip in cold broth—and your taste buds do a happy dance: yuzu tartness with a hint of bitterness, chili heat lingering softly, dashi umami sneaking in. Tart, spicy, salty, fresh—all in one bite, but never overwhelming, crisp like biting into iced yuzu. The noodles! Perfect alkaline kick, springy enough to “bounce” between teeth, clinging to broth. Pop the onsen egg, mix with noodles, dip—egg cream + yuzu aroma. In 30-degree heat, even sweat feels “good sweat.” I almost drank the last drop of broth～ 🌡️ Hot vs. Cold: Cold Wins by a Mile Tried the hot yuzu salt ramen—it’s good, refreshing with yuzu (fragrance), tender chashu, perfect onsen egg. But next to the cold tsukemen? It lacks that “wow factor.” Hot ramen is “gentle comfort,” great for cool days; cold tsukemen is “summer)”—tart enough to wake you up, spicy enough to thrill. On a scorching day, it’s like a tiny fan in your stomach, so good you’ll want to cheer. 🍶 Vibe: Izakaya Chill, Noodles with a Side of Relax Izakaya-style with warm lights and wooden counters. Watch chefs toss noodles and ladle broth in the open kitchen—sizzles and Japanese greetings fill the air. Sitting at the bar, even waiting feels fun. On that hot day, every table was slurp-slinging cold tsukemen. Someone said “this noodle saved my life”—relatable. Leaving, stomach full, I thought “tomorrow, I’m coming back.” Afuri’s magic isn’t in flash—it’s packing “summer flavor” into a bowl: just enough tart, just enough spice, perfectly cool. Next time in Portland, no matter the temp, this yuzu tsukemen is non-negotiable! 📍 Afuri Izakaya（Multiple locations in Portland—search for the nearest!） #PortlandEats #RamenLovers #YuzuTsukemen #SummerEats