Exclusive Barbecue Ramen Available For One Night Only In Houston

The chefs at Ramen Tatsu-Ya in Houston are again teaming up with Leonard Botello IV, owner and pitmaster of Truth BBQ in Brenham, for an exclusive dish only available for one night. The event takes place on Wednesday, September 26 beginning at 5 p.m. at Ramen Tatsu-Ya in Montrose. The chefs have brought back their Smoked Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich bowl of signature Tonkotsu broth made with pit-smoked shoyu (Japanese-style soy sauce), ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg), menma (fermented bamboo shoots) and adorned with a slab of rich Truth BBQ brisket made with44 Farms beef. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The previous time it was offered, the special ramen sold out in one-and-a-half hours. There’s a good incentive for lining up, too: guests waiting for their taste of this special ramen get complimentary 8th Wonder Brewing beer while supplies last.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s executive chef and owner Tatsu Aikawa and his brother, director of operations Shion Aikawa, are Japanese natives but grew up in Austin. “We’ve been making some form of brisket ramen since 2012,” says Shion. “We’re stoked to once again collaborate with Leonard, one of Texas’ young barbecue kings, to create something really special for our guests.”

Botello has been busy working on Truth BBQ’s Houston location that is slated to open this fall in the former J.Black’s space at the corner of South Heights and Washington. “I am excited to be able to cook with the Ramen Tatsu-Ya team again to bring Houston a unique taste of Texas and Japanese flavors,” says Botello. “We both focus on techniques that use time and tradition to create the best food and the brisket ramen with the smoked shoyu really showcases that.”

Slurpin’ Hour at Rameny Tatsu-Ya is Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and includes $3 sake cocktails. Photo by Carla Gomez

Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s full menu is also available throughout the evening for guests who miss out on the brisket ramen. In addition, the ongoing Slurpin’ Hour from 2 to 6 p.m. featuring sake cocktails for $3 per drink. The happy hour is available Mondays through Fridays with specials like $1 off all beer and $2 house sake. Cocktails include unique flavor combinations such as Thai Basil Limeade, Hibiscus Lemongrass Tea and Kimchi Micheladas.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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