Hello dear
Welcome to KUKAI
Located at 267 South Avenida del Convento in Tucson, AZ, KUKAI is a vibrant culinary destination celebrated for its authentic Japanese cuisine. Renowned for its flavorful ramen, each bowl features rich pork broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and tender chashu pork. The menu also boasts delightful appetizers like takoyaki, deep-fried pancake balls with octopus, and crispy ikageso served with spicy mayo. Hand rolls, including spicy tuna and salmon, provide a fresh burst of flavor. Patrons love the inviting outdoor seating and lively atmosphere, making KUKAI a must-visit spot for an unforgettable dining experience in the Tucson area.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Takoyaki
Ikageso
Grilled Salmon Onigiri
Tuna Mayo Onigiri
About
KUKAI
Welcome to KUKAI, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Tucson at 267 South Avenida del Convento. With a modern atmosphere and an inviting outdoor seating area, KUKAI is an ideal spot for anyone in search of authentic Japanese flavors. The restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals, celebrated for its fusion of classic dishes and vibrant ambiance.
KUKAI shines brightest with its hand rolls and ramen, each dish crafted with precision and care. The Spicy Tuna Hand Roll and the Salmon Hand Roll, both priced at just $5.00, are a testament to KUKAI’s commitment to freshness and taste. The reviews from patrons like Juan M Romero highlight KUKAI as the go-to destination for "delicious ramen and hand rolls," capturing the essence of what makes this eatery special.
The Ramen Noodles here are a standout, served Hakata style with a rich pork broth and accompanied by chashu pork, ginger, and green onions. Diners rave about the depth of flavor in the broth and the perfect texture of the noodles. Barb P's review encapsulates this sentiment, stating, "Ramen broth was super flavorful," while also praising the well-cooked egg and the chewiness of the noodles, ensuring they’ll "be dreaming of this dish." Such enthusiasm speaks volumes about the quality and flavor profile of KUKAI's offerings.
Beyond the beloved ramen, KUKAI also serves up delightful dishes like fried chicken karaage and takoyaki, which Kristy AKI Oshiro praises for their standout flavors. Particularly, the curry—rich with Indian spices—is a unique touch that sets KUKAI apart from other traditional eateries. The drink menu features refreshing options like Green Tea for just $4.00, perfect for complementing your meal.
As you explore the vibrant outdoor plaza housing KUKAI, you'll find an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants that make this spot even more appealing. For those looking to enjoy a delightful meal in a lively atmosphere, KUKAI checks every box. Its combination of delicious cuisine, friendly staff, and an inviting ambiance guarantees a memorable dining experience.
In summary, KUKAI isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a culinary destination where flavorful dishes and a warm atmosphere create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a ramen enthusiast, a hand roll aficionado, or simply looking to enjoy a meal in a charming setting, KUKAI will not disappoint.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Our go-to spot for delicious ramen and hand rolls! Located at MSA Annex, it offers a full bar and inviting outdoor seating. ”
“ The fried chicken karaage and the takoyaki are really great here! The curry is noticeably forward on the Indian curry spices so if you like Indian curry you'll love the curry here. This place is definitely popular and has odd hours. If you don't want to wait long come at opening times. The location is great too with lots of outdoor seating and the outdoor bar right next door. ”
“ Highly recommend!! Staff were super friendly. Ambiance was nice. Ramen broth was super flavorful. Pork was not too fatty and had good texture. Egg was perfectly cooked. Noodles were nice and chewy. Will be dreaming of this dish! Can’t wait to go back. ”
“ some of the best ramen in tucson, amazing onigiri as well! sushi wasn’t my favorite in town but wasn’t bad. can get very busy in evenings, esp friday/saturday night but worth it. outdoor plaza with tons of other shops/cafes/restaurants! very cool vibe ”
“ Pretty cute area, loved our tuna sushi bowls! Perfect ratio of ingredients and lots of tuna. We found seating pretty easily. Would definitely try the ramen sometime. ”
“ Kukai was absolutely delicious!! I had the sushi with salmon and eel sauce on top with ramen and my friend had the katsu chicken curry. The sushi was soooo good and the salmon was fresh, the broth for the ramen was top notch! Seriously, on of the best I have had. Both of us really enjoyed our meals! ”
“ Came here for lunch a while ago and I enjoyed all the food that I ordered. I highly recommend this place if you’re ever at the Annex. Ordered: chicken karaage, pork belly onigiri, and gyu don! ”
“ My favorite place in Tuscon! Coming from NY, I was thrilled to find a sushi spot that I come to every week. The food is incredible every time I go- I get Mt Fugi Don, the dumplings and the pork ramen which is by far the best I have ever had hands down (especially the ramen). My boyfriend gets the spicy crunch roll which he loves as well. We met the owner a couple of times and he is very welcoming. I couldn’t recommend this place enough, truly a gem. ”