Local · Trusted · Free
The Morning Impact — your neighborhood's most important stories, delivered every morning.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya, a popular Japanese ramen concept with roots in Austin, is expanding its presence across the Houston area.
A grand opening celebration for its new Bellaire location will take place Oct. 31 along Beechnut Street, Tatsu-Ya Restaurants officials confirmed in a news release.
Must-try menu items
The Tokyo-inspired shop is known for serving a plethora of traditional bowls, many of which spotlight a broth that takes 60 hours to create.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s menu notably features a chicken shoyu broth-based ramen, as well as two vegetarian almond milk tonkotsu ramen options, officials said. Toppings such as beni shoga, goma pork, tofu, nori and Brussels sprouts are also available.
A lineup of ‘munchies’ rounds out the menu, which includes katsu sliders, edamame, gyoza, chicken karaage, rice bowls and more, according to the release.
The history
Before he became Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s chef and owner, Tatsu Aikawa was a nightlife DJ who yearned to refine his discipline and precision skills in the kitchen, per the shop’s official website.
He worked in the restaurant industry by day, until he eventually landed the opportunity to receive culinary training at the Michelin-starred kaiseki and sushi bar Urasawa in Los Angeles.
When he finally returned to his home in Austin, Aikawa decided to channel his newly obtained skills into creating something that he felt the city was missing: an authentic ramen spot based on the techniques and recipes found in Japan, which is where he grew up, per the website.
Aikawa established the first Ramen Tatsu-Ya location in Austin with friends and family in fall 2012. The restaurant became a local favorite that was praised for its scratch-made broths and flavor bombs, officials said.
The restaurant founder has since gone on to open six more locations in Austin, with the latest marking his third in Houston. To this day, Ramen Tatsu-Ya remains committed to delivering a satisfying guest experience through the preservation and execution of Japanese soul food.
Can’t wait?
The grand opening festivities will kick off at 11 a.m. when lunch service begins. At that time, attendees can expect door prizes for the first 25 guests, a free-ramen-for-a-year raffle and Halloween treats for those who arrive in costume. A live DJ is scheduled between 6-8 p.m. for dinner guests.
“We’re excited to bring a new location to the Bellaire area,” said Ramen Tatsu-Ya CEO Todd Coerver. “And having our grand opening on Halloween gives us a chance to really ratchet up the fun.”
Opening Oct. 31
4672 Beechnut St., Houston
