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Dining Out

Ramen in Austin (Michi Ramen and Ramen Tatsuya)


by Michael Chu
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Both Ramen Tatsu-ya and Michi Ramen are wonderful examples of ramen and definitely worth a visit from those interested in tasting real ramen for the first time as well as those, like me, who are addicted to ramen and need to satisfy their cravings. They each have their strengths and execute those strengths at a world class level (Ramen Tatsu-ya's chashu and Michi Ramen's tonkotsu broth) and both worthy of patronage.
Rumor is that this spring the team over at Komé is opening their own ramen-ya called Daruma Ramen in downtown on East 6th Street. Hopefully, with a dedicated kitchen focused on making ramen, they'll be able to elevate their dish to a similar level as Michi Ramen and Ramen Tatsu-ya. Then, in less than twelve months, Austin would have gone from none to three noteworthy ramen houses - enough to rival any city in the United States.
Ramen Tatsu-ya
8557 Research Blvd #126
Austin, TX 78758
Michi Ramen
6519 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
512-386-1908
6 comments on Ramen in Austin (Michi Ramen and Ramen Tatsuya):(Post a comment)
On February 05, 2013 at 01:42 AM, Optimista said...
Fantastic write-up! I've yet to get to Michi, and the discontinuation of their lunch service is going to make it even more difficult. I've GOT to get there soon, though. Also, I can't believe Tatsu-ya's broth is between regular and light at Michi! Michi's stout must be REALLY rich.
On February 05, 2013 at 10:07 AM, Greg (guest) said...
Subject: East Side Kings at Hole in the Wall
You have to try the new East Side Kings brick and mortar at the Hole in the Wall on the drag. Their ramen has delighted me thus far, including their beer bacon and a special kimchi version (not quite as delish). I'm no ramen conosiour (I prefer me some pho), but I've found that a lunchtime stop at this locale is worth it every time.
On February 05, 2013 at 02:09 PM, Madbetty (guest) said...
Subject: Great write-up
I, too, am a ramen lover and have done many write-ups on our options in Austin. Michi broke my heart when they closed last summer. I was forced to try my hand at making my own ramen to get my fix. It gave me an increased appreciation for the complexities and endless variables to getting it right. I did not get it right, by the way. I didn't expect perfection on my first attempt, but I suspect it may just take a lifetime to truly master. I'm glad for Michi and Tatsu-ya. Now I don't have to try.

Here are my ramen posts:

http://madbetty.com/?s=ramen
On February 06, 2013 at 03:49 PM, Michael Chu said...
Subject: Re: East Side Kings at Hole in the Wall
Greg wrote:
You have to try the new East Side Kings brick and mortar at the Hole in the Wall on the drag. Their ramen has delighted me thus far, including their beer bacon and a special kimchi version (not quite as delish). I'm no ramen conosiour (I prefer me some pho), but I've found that a lunchtime stop at this locale is worth it every time.

I love Paul Qui, so it pains me greatly to say that the only time I've been to East Side King Hole in the Wall it was extremely underwhelming for me. My noodles were overcooked and super soft and mushy (no springiness whatsoever) and the broths just didn't work for me with too many dominating flavors (super salty, tasted like powdered spices, and in the tortilla soup overly strong lemongrass and keffir lime leaves) that weren't melding / blending. The eggs were phenomenal and the soft tofu served with the kimchee ramen was great. However, I honestly preferred the texture and flavor of the instant noodles they served at The Grackle and also preferred the broth there.

In either case, it's not really a fair comparison with the other ramen-ya in town since it's mostly just ramen in name. I'll visit again some time as it is possible that I hit them on a bad night.
On February 17, 2013 at 05:46 PM, guest (guest) said...
Subject: Tatsuya!
Honestly, Ramen Tatsuya is far superior to any other ramen on the list. I know it's nice to group together all of Austin's ramen places and say they're good (and they are), but Tatsuya's ramen is on a different level. It's not something you can replicate at home, unless you have no life. The rest are just tugging on the coattails of Austin's ramen craze.
On February 17, 2013 at 11:41 PM, Michael Chu said...
guest wrote:
Honestly, Ramen Tatsuya is far superior to any other ramen on the list.
List? There's only two ramen places covered here - Tatsuya and Michi. Michi's stout is the best broth in town without question (I would say that Tatsuya's tonkotsu is better than Michi's regular and light broths, but you don't shouldn't go to Michi and order anything except the stout) and Tatsuya's toppings are stellar.

guest wrote:
I know it's nice to group together all of Austin's ramen places and say they're good (and they are), but Tatsuya's ramen is on a different level.

I'm not sure you read the article... guessing you just read the title and then commented? I'm pretty sure I never say all the ramen in Austin is "good" and they aren't. There's only two worth eating at.
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