A gluten-free bakery and café from California is expanding out of state, and it’s landing here in Portland.
Kirari West is coming to 1668 NW 23rd Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Boxer Ramen, Eater Portland reports. According to the news outlet, owner Hiro Saito decided to expand to Portland after seeing an uptick of online sales from the area.
Kirari West opened in Redondo Beach in 2014, followed by a gluten-free cookie shop called Confections by Kirari West in 2022. The family-owned concept originated in Japan, using rice flour instead of wheat to create baked goods and sweet treats.
Saito has more than 25 years of experience working in restaurants and making pastries. He is partnering with Ramen Ryoma owner Yoshinari Ichise and manager Soichiro Kato on the new Portland location of Kirari West.
“Chef Hiro believes that everyone should have access to great food, regardless of dietary restrictions, and his bake shops offer delectable treats for people with and without gluten sensitivities,” according to the Kirari West website. “Chef Hiro’s mission is to bring joy through food to as many people as possible and make everyone feel included in the process.”
In addition to a lineup of pastries (like muffins and scones) and loaves of bread, the new eatery will serve breakfast dishes like brioche toast and savory lunch items like paninis, quinoa bowls and salads. The menu will also include smoothies packed with fruits and vegetables.
Kirari West is expected to open in Portland by the end of October.
