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either way, Uwajimaya’s was excellent and I convinced several family members to eat Spam, which is more exciting than it sounds. Next on my list was Beard Papa cream puffs. These Japanese treats have a storefront inside the grocery store. Finally, I have it on good authority that Ramen Ryoma, also tucked inside the massive grocery store, is one of the best ramen spots anywhere in Oregon. Start with a base—miso (fermented bean paste), shio (salt) or shiyu (soy sauce)—and go from there. If Uwajimaya doesn’t leave you sated, head to the newest Asian grocery in town, 99 Ranch Market. It’s ten minutes away and feels a lot different. What it lacks in polish it makes up for in extensive offerings. There’s a huge spice section, dozens of types of noodles, and a huge frozen foods section. My parents, who lived in Japan before I was born, were thrilled by several finds, including fresh ox tail, which my mom made plans to use in soup. You can keep hitting up epic Asian restaurants in Beaverton for days—Din Tai Fung is expected to open its first Oregon location in the Washington Square Mall. The restaurant, 104 1859 OREGON’S MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2018
which started in Taiwan, has a cultlike following and a dozen U.S. locations. It’s slated to open sometime in late 2018, bringing steamed buns, noodles and renewed life to the mall of my youth. Or swing to Du Kuh Bee in downtown Beaverton for pulled noodles, Yuzu for legit ramen and great sushi in yet another unassuming strip mall near Beaverton Town Square, or DJK nearby for Korean barbecue. Full yet? You’re going to need to get out for a little exercise to work off the never-ending noodle parade. There are plenty of trails to hit around the area, including at Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Hyland Forest Park.
Day LUNCH BUFFETS • “WILD SIDE” • PUPUSAS If Day One was an exploration of all foods Asian, Day Two can be more of the same or a dip into other territories. For
