U'kay E.
Yelp
Hanabi Ramen Carrollton: A Nostalgic Return with Mixed Results
Hanabi Ramen was once a staple for us when we lived in Plano--consistent, flavorful, and always satisfying. So when we had the rare opportunity for a kid-free night, we were excited to revisit one of our favorite spots.
However, parking quickly became an issue. The lot, which has two sections (front and back), was completely full when we arrived. After circling for 15 minutes--feeling like we were driving through a Christmas lights tour--we decided to check out other ramen options nearby. Unfortunately, parking was scarce everywhere, leading us to a detour at CM Chicken. After finishing that meal, we decided to take one last chance at Hanabi, and luckily, we found a spot in the back section. If you're planning to visit, I highly recommend heading straight to the back lot for parking.
Walking into Hanabi, the nostalgia hit immediately. The warm, inviting atmosphere, the light brown wood finish, the neatly arranged booths and tables--it all felt familiar. The seating options cater to both couples and larger groups, while the bar-style section near the front offers a closer view of the chefs at work. Service was impeccable, as always. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and quick to bring our drinks and take our order.
For my meal, I went with two favorites: Chicken Curry Don and Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen. My wife ordered Shrimp Tempura over rice.
Chicken Curry Don: 10/10, Absolutely Phenomenal
This dish has been my go-to for years, and it did not disappoint. If I could describe it in one sentence, I'd say the curry sauce alone is worth the visit. The rich, deep brown gravy carries layers of umami, warmth, and spice, reminiscent of a perfectly seasoned Thanksgiving giblet gravy but with an Asian twist. It has a thick, velvety consistency, soaking beautifully into the bed of soft, sticky rice. The dish is topped with a tangy, pickled pink vegetable (possibly radish or onion), which adds the perfect contrast to the rich, savory sauce. Even though I was already somewhat full from our earlier meal, I cleaned my bowl completely. This remains, in my opinion, the best dish on their menu.
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen: 7.5/10, Good But Slightly Off
The presentation was spot-on--the deep red broth, the glossy oil rising to the surface, the tender pork slices, the perfectly soft-boiled egg. Everything about it looked beautiful. The ramen itself featured slightly wavy noodles, which I enjoy, and the pork melted in my mouth.
However, as I ate, I noticed something I hadn't before: a bitterness in the broth that lingered after each bite. In past visits, I had always been starving when eating this dish, so maybe I never picked up on it before. But this time, being less hungry, it became more noticeable. The bitterness slightly masked the depth of flavor I was expecting, making each bite feel like I had to eat more just to balance it out. It wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't as enjoyable as I remembered. Next time, I may try a different ramen option to see if I can find one that hits the mark better.
Shrimp Tempura: Simple but Solid
My wife's shrimp tempura was lightly battered, crispy, and golden brown, served over a bed of white rice. It was a clean, well-executed dish. She ended up adding some of my ramen broth to her rice for extra flavor, which worked well.
Final Thoughts
Hanabi Ramen still holds up as a fantastic spot with fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a cozy ambiance. Their Chicken Curry Don remains a must-try. While the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen wasn't quite what I remembered, the overall experience was still enjoyable. We'll be back, and next time, I'll explore other ramen options to see if I can recapture the magic.
If you're planning a visit, park in the back lot and prepare for a warm, comforting meal--especially on a cold night.