New Michelin Guide Ramen Shop from Tokyo: Mensho Ramen

Mensho, the renowned ramen shop from Tokyo has just touched down in Houston! The shop was founded in 2005 and has since rapidly expanded across Japan and the United States. Their unique take on authentic ramen has caught the attention of many prestigious organizations including the Michelin Guide (since 2017). Houston is home to their first Texas shop and the excitement is explosive! 

Lines have been wrapping around the building since their soft opening on October 9. Everyone is dying for a taste of the new acclaimed shop, and for good reason! We visited early and chose from a limited menu that has since expanded, so trust, we will be back. We started with the A5 Wagyu Nigiri with wagyu that was buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth quality. It was paired with real wasabi and topped with Ikura, pickled ginger, and nori which made for a well-balanced dish! This was a promising start and on our list of Mensho’s must-tries.

As for the ramen, we had the Signature Toripaitan Ramen, a creamy and super savory chicken-based broth topped with a variety of chashu: A5 Wagyu, smoked pork, duck, and chicken. We also had the Duck Matcha Ramen, a bold, experimental dish combining fatty duck and earthy matcha—a surprisingly perfect blend of traditional and modern! They have some of the most flavorful broth in the city paired with beautifully textured and bouncy crafted noodles. 

Part of the wait is due to their intimate and cozy setup; the restaurant seats 32 at a time and features a bar reminiscent of ramen shop booths in Japan– perfect for those who prefer to dine alone! The interior is sophisticated, moody, and perfect for a date or small group. The staff is also super friendly and accommodating, and you’re greeted as soon as you walk in! Mensho is a great spot for Ramen lovers, experimental eaters, and a great place to try a contender of the Michelin guide without breaking the bank!

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