According to a recent permit filing, Toya Ramen and Bar is set to open in the Buckman area, located at 803 SE Stark Street.
A representative of Toya Ramen and Bar was not immediately available for commentary upon What Now Portland’s request.
According to an article from Oregon Live, Toya plans to open their doors sometime early next spring. Behind Toya is Colin Yoshimoto, who is a co-owner and chef at Eem.
“Plans call for around four different dry and soup ramen options, otsumami (Japanese snacks), summertime poke bowls, “izakaya vibes” and a full bar. Toya will welcome solo diners who want to come in, slurp a bowl with some dumplings, and leave. But the restaurant will also welcome those looking for some small bites, cocktails, or sake for date night.”
“In a region where milky tonkotsu broth rules, Yoshimoto hopes Toya — named for his maternal grandfather — will “push the agenda” for chintan soups, aka clear broths, here made from old stewing hen bones, gelatin-rich chicken feet, and dashi.”
“Once dinner service is up and running, Yoshimoto hopes to roll out a more traditional ramen experience at lunch. Or, in his words, “bowl, karaage, beer, crush it.” A chicken-based paitan (literally “white soup”) ramen will also be available.”
“Yoshimoto’s partner on the project is Kevin Trinh, a Bamboo Sushi vet who until recently served as an on-demand chef for former Trail Blazers star (and noted sushi fan) Damian Lillard. Luke Brown (Langbaan, Phuket Cafe) is putting together a beverage program “inspired by the flavors and culinary traditions of Japan and the Pacific Northwest.” There will be highballs,” the article from Oregon Live states.
