Beyond the Ramen: Kirin Noodle Bar's Story

Amongst the store fronts and businesses on N High Street in Columbus, Kirin Noodle Bar got it's start serving Ramen in 2021. With bowls deep enough to pile Ramen noodles high enough for other customers to see the steam rising from the dish, it's no wonder that come 2023, they started serving sushi. The business grew in popularity that come today in 2026, serving up yakisoba and donburi in addition to the Ramen and sushi.

When visiting Kirin Noodle Bar, along with being greeted with the kindness of the owner who is there every day, you are also met with the warm aroma of Ramen as soon as you walk through the door. Once you're sitting, there is no rush to look over the menu. From the Ramen to the sushi and everything in between, you're looking at options and realizing that you may want a little bit of everything. Newcomers are always welcome and given recommendations based off of their preferences. While there are only two items listed on the menu for kids, Kirin has become a popular restaurant for families to enjoy a meal. Out eating alone? That's OK too. The high tops are built for people looking to enjoy time for themselves with a delicious meal. Groups come in for time together, which is really the only time it gets louder, since the music is loud enough to hear, but not so loud that you have to scream over it to talk.

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While dining there today, I decided to order one of my regularly ordered items as an appetizer and two sushi rolls. If you're looking for a creamy and crunchy appetizer bite, I would go for the Crispy Tuna Rice. Before even taking a bite, you are met with the aroma of the spicy mayo drizzled on top of the creamy tuna. For those who are the brave of heart (which I will admit, I am not) there is one sliced Serrano pepper on top of each of the bites. You are served four pieces, which honestly, is best eaten by picking it up and taking a bite. You'll get the warm, crispy rice, getting that crunch, the creamy, saltiness of the tuna, and the sweet heat of the mayo drizzle. The heat level is not overpowering if eaten without the pepper, but there is a beautiful level of heat that you can feel in the back of your throat. This is, and always will be, my go-to appetizer.

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Coming to Kirin, being a sushi lover, I can't walk out of their with my head held high without ordering some. It is always fresh and delicious with so many options to choose from, from sashimi to specialty rolls. While I'm guilty of always ordering the same thing, today, I opted for two new items to me. Starting with the Amazing Bite, it lives up to it's name. The bright pink of the soy paper used to wrap the sushi does not take away from the sweetness of the mango that stays with every bite, the spicy mayo at the end that brings a back heat, or the crispiness of the tempura shrimp, tail included that stands up at the end of the roll. If you're looking for light and fresh, this is the way to go.

If you're more of someone who enjoys assorted textures, not just flavors, the Crazy Salmon Roll is the way to go. With the creaminess of the avocado from the 1st bite to the crunchy panko bread crumbs on top of creamy salmon, your taste buds will already be doing a happy dance. Then take in the pieces of salmon on the inside that brings the salt factor, you can't go wrong. While this sounds like a lot, it is actually not heavy. It is fresh and light and will leave you feeling like you can have everything you want in one dish.

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The reason I started this blog is because of places like Kirin. It offers variety, flavor, and taste that will keep you not only coming back for more, but bringing your friends and family with you.

https://kirinnoodle.com/