Mensho, a Tokyo-born gem now in Houston, charms with rich, thoughtfully crafted ramen and a cozy vibe that keeps diners dreaming of their next visit.
"For many diners, ramen doesn’t seem to be the first thought for a matcha pairing, but at this Michelin-recognized spot that hails from San Francisco, it’s a match made in heaven. An order of the Duck Matcha yields a savory bowl of springy noodles seeped in a creamy green-hued chicken broth made with matcha, with thin slices of smoked duck layered on top. The matcha flavor is delicate but distinct and puzzlingly good." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Hour-long lines have been forming daily at this Michelin-recommended ramen shop since it opened in early October. Hailing originally from Tokyo, this new Asiatown hotspot offers steamy bowls of noodles in chicken broth, featuring proteins, including duck, chicken, pork char siu, and smoked meats like Texas wagyu to pay homage to its new home location. Its signature ramen, which also comes with a vegan option, offers toppings like ajitama egg, corn wings, and burdock root, and a striking matcha broth that’s commonly paired with its char siu duck. Diners can also experience other Japanese dishes, like karaage, nigiri, and wagyu rice bowls" - Brittany Britto Garley
"The lines have yet to cool at this Michelin-recognized ramen shop in Asiatown’s Dun Huang Plaza. With only one U.S. location in San Francisco, this Tokyo-born restaurant serves bowls of ramen in which every ingredient — broth, noodles, and toppings — matters. For a classic with a Texas twist, the Toripaitan ramen offers a combination of buttery noodles and thinly sliced smoked meats, including Texas brisket, which nearly sinks into a silky and rich chicken broth. It’s totally worth it to switch it up with the duck matcha Ramen, which features slivers of duck char siu and green onion in a creamy matcha and chicken broth. Avoid a line by arriving early, at least an hour before doors open at 5 p.m." - Minh Truong, Mai Pham, Eater Staff
"A Michelin-recommended ramen shop using smoke as a key ingredient in its dishes." - Brittany Britto Garley
"The lines have yet to cool at this new Michelin-recognized ramen shop in Asiatown’s Dun Huang Plaza. With only one U.S. location in San Francisco, this Tokyo-born restaurant serves bowls of ramen in which every ingredient — broth, noodles, and toppings — shines. For a classic with a Texas twist, the Toripaitan ramen offers a combination of buttery noodles and thinly sliced smoked meats, including Texas brisket, which delightfully sinks into a silky and rich chicken broth. But it’s totally worth it to switch it up with the Duck Matcha Ramen, which features slivers of duck char siu and green onion in a creamy matcha and chicken broth with a hint of asparagus. Insider tip: Avoid a line by arriving early, at least an hour before doors open at 5 p.m." - Brittany Britto Garley
