Founded by two couples, the owners of Ruah Cafe said it reflects their shared belief that travel nourishes both creativity and the soul. Co-owner Daniel Vengoechea said the cafe brings the spirit of travel to the table with gourmet toast and crepes influenced by flavors from around the world.

“We think that the best way to get to know a specific country, city or culture is through its flavors,” Daniel Vengoechea said.

Although Ruah Cafe opened in March, Daniel Vengoechea said the cafe has earned a strong customer base and grown more quickly than he expected.

A family affair

The name of the cafe, Ruah, means “spiritual breath” and reflects the owners’ Christian faith, Vengoechea said.


Operated by two families, the Chávezes and Vengoecheas—who are originally from Venezuela and Colombia, respectively—Ruah Cafe was inspired by the families’ travels. Daniel Vengoechea said he and his wife, María García, have always chosen to invest in traveling rather than in physical assets, due to the knowledge and experiences gained.
The Capri ($12.75) isa crepe with Nutella, strawberries, banana and pistachios. (Courtesy Daniel Vengoechea/Ruah Cafe)
The Capri ($12.75) is a crepe with Nutella, strawberries, banana and pistachios. (Courtesy Daniel Vengoechea/Ruah Cafe)
The two couples, both residents of The Woodlands, connected through their similar beliefs in traveling and their church, and they often cooked together and enjoyed dinners with recipes they crafted based on their traveling experiences.

After three years, they decided to share their experiences with a restaurant and recipes they created together with the help of chef Angela Vengoechea, Daniel Vengoechea’s sister.

Daniel Vengoechea said their confidence in their restaurant concept led them to be ambitious enough to open a location in The Woodlands in March and in Conroe in April.
Customers can order a flight of toast ($15.50) and select a trio of toasted artisan bread topped bold flavors. From Caribbean to Mediterranean, from cheeses to ham to gourmet bites. (Courtesy Daniel Vengoechea/Ruah Cafe)
Customers can order a flight of toast ($15.50) and select a trio of toasted artisan bread topped bold flavors. Varieties include Caribbean and Mediterranean, with choices from cheeses to ham to gourmet bites. (Courtesy Daniel Vengoechea/Ruah Cafe)
On the menu

Bringing flavors from Amsterdam, Puerto Rico and Buenos Aires to the table, Ruah Cafe specializes in gourmet toast made with artisan bread and fresh ingredients.


With a menu designed to transport customers to different regions around the world through its flavors, Daniel Vengoechea said the menu was crafted to keep customers coming back to explore a variety of cuisines.

Daniel Vengoechea said the Amsterdam sourdough toast is the best seller and includes eggs Benedict, bacon, hollandaise sauce, Gouda cheese and microgreens.

The cafe also offers a mix of savory and sweet crepes such as the Buenos Aires crepe made with dulce de leche, banana, walnuts and whipped cream.
Ruah Cafe is known for its coffee internationally imported such as its Cappuccino ($4.35). (Courtesy Daniel Vengoechea/Ruah Cafe)
Ruah Cafe is known for its coffee internationally imported such as its Cappuccino ($4.35). (Courtesy Daniel Vengoechea/Ruah Cafe)
In addition, Ruah Cafe is known for its coffee imported from countries including Ethiopia, Guatemala and Colombia, which is roasted locally. In addition to coffee beverages from cappuccinos to lattes, the cafe also offers protein smoothies.

To support the community's healthy lifestyle, Ruah Cafe partners with local gyms such as F45 and plans to partner with FS8, a pilates studio in the same shopping center.
  • 30420 FM 2978, Ste. 430, The Woodlands
  • 1219 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 100, Conroe
  • www.ruahcafe.com