A Totally Vegetarian Ramen Shop From Japan Will Make Its Houston Debut Next Month


A white bowl of ramen garnished with tofu, green onions, corn, and sliced mushrooms. The bowl is on a wood table.
Expect hearty bowls and veggie-based broths | Rakkan Ramen/Facebook

Rakkan Ramen, known for its vegetable-based broths, will open its doors at the MKT development on Shepherd Road in April

Rakkan Ramen, a Japanese chain known for its vegetable-based broths, is set to make its Houston debut next month.

The shop, which hails from Japan, will open at 600 North Shepherd Drive, inside the up-and-coming M-K-T development. Christopher Lav, the mind behind popular Houston poke shop Pokeworks is the franchisee for this first Houston location, and there are potentially more outposts of Rakkan Ramen in the works. As previously reported by Eater, the chain announced that it would expand to Houston in 2020, with plans for as many as five outposts of Rakkan set to open in the coming months.

The Houston location of Rakkan Ramen is the chain’s first in Texas, joining restaurants in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and Georgia.

The restaurant is known for its menu of vegetarian broths, ranging in flavors from classic miso and soy sauce to tomato. There’s also a dish called pearl ramen, which is made with white soy sauce and “specialized Japanese rock salt,” and a totally vegan option. Gluten-free noodles will also be on offer, along with rice bowls, sushi, and other dishes that will round out the menu.

Houston’s newest ramen shop is expected to open its doors in April. Stay tuned for an official opening date.