When the temperatures drop, the demand for steaming hot ramen bowls increases. Be it the traditional tonkotsu ramen or something new, there is bound to be a place in Houston to your liking. Some restaurants stand out thanks to their extensive menu, while others are valued for their simplicity; these 10 restaurants serve the finest ramen in town.
Ninja Ramen
Bar, Restaurant, Ramen, $$$
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The menu at Ninja Ramen features one type of ramen, a style from Asahikawa that’s rather different from the usual Hakata-syle tonkotsu or Sapporo-style miso. The only option is to either add spice or miso (or both). They also serve mazemen, which is a kind of ramen without the broth. However, this spot isn’t purely about the ramen; people love to come here for the relaxed vibe, friendly staff, and impressive bar. You can choose from a variety of whiskies or opt for one of the ninja cocktails like the Raphael or the Amy Jo Johnson (named after the Pink Power Ranger).
Though Fat Bao is mainly known for its steamed buns stuffed with everything from pork belly to soft shell crab, they also know how to serve ramen. At their Sugar Land location you can order a bowl every day of the week. On the menu you will find six ramen options, including the spicy green curry, the popular tonkotsu and a vegetarian alternative. Head over to Fat Bao for a casual dining experience and try one of their tasty ramen bowls.
JINYA Ramen Bar serves 11 different ramen bowls, and you can choose from more than 20 toppings to customize your bowl. Some classics include the spicy chicken ramen and the Cha Cha Cha for garlic lovers, but don’t forget to try the delicious crispy shrimp balls as an appetizer.
Though the name might suggest otherwise, this restaurant serves not only sushi but also offers a variety of Japanese dishes. On the menu you will find five ramen bowls, each with a different tasty broth. Soma Sushi takes pride in the fact that the ingredients in their pork broth are locally sourced from heritage breed farms.
Kata Robata is mainly known for its divine sushi, but where would Japanese dining be without ramen? In the battle for the best bowl, chef Manabu Horiuchi brings the oxtail ramen and spicy soy ramen. Both dishes are praised for their rich flavor and smooth broth. Do make sure to leave some space for dessert, as the green tea soufflé cheesecake and chocolate mousse with marshmallow ice cream are simply irresistible.
Samurai Noodle wins you over with their house-crafted noodles, which come in five different textures ranging from extra soft to extra firm. Choose from thin, wavy, or gluten-free noodles, and watch them being prepared in their kitchen. After trying many different kinds of ramen in Japan, the chef of Samurai Noodle recreated the best bowls here in Houston. With their extended ramen menu (including two vegan options) and different varieties of tsukemen, this place provides multiple opportunities for your perfect dish.
Ka Sushi has friendly service, warm decor and delicious Japanese food. Ka Sushi is one of the least traditional restaurants on the list when it comes to ramen. On the menu, you will find two ramen options, both with a unique twist on the original version. The oxtail ramen is served in a smooth curry coconut duck broth, while the lobster ramen comes with Brussels sprouts and a lobster tong to make sure no meat is left behind. This is the perfect place for ramen lovers that want something different.
Tiger Den specializes in house-crafted noodles and lets its broth simmer for 20 hours to get that deep, rich flavor. Some of their classics include the spicy miso, the garlic black bean and the original tonkotsu ramen. With the black-and-white wall murals and the long community table in the middle, they strive to provide a lively and contemporary atmosphere.
Although perhaps not as trendy as some other ramen joints, Mochi Sushi has become a popular spot thanks to its top-notch food. Some signature dishes include the miso lobster mac & cheese, kobe beef tacos, and their beloved ramen. Do some of these sound familiar? That’s very well possible, since the chef at Mochi Sushi is formerly of Kata Robata. When ordering ramen at this cozy restaurant, you can choose from the shoyu and spicy soy.
Ramen Jin is one of Houston’s most beloved ramen spots. This place has been praised for its hearty broth that is made from scratch every day. But what people are truly raving about is the flavorful five-minute egg that comes with the bowl and can be ordered as an extra topping. With their wooden interior designed by owner Brian Chen, Ramen Jin aims to provide a warm and rustic-chic atmosphere. The communal table in the middle is perfect for socializing, while the tables at the side offer a bit more privacy.
