BBQ & Mexican food, that’s what you think of when planning to eat your way around Austin, Texas…am I right? It’s time to break some stereotypes, however, because Ramen Tatsu-Ya has the best tasting noodles – superior to New York and California.
The line wrapping around the building is the first testament to goodness. Inside the Bouldin Creek shop (there are three locations in Austin), the décor is upscale and trendy.
The atmosphere is casual though, and you order at the counter before sitting down. Your food will come out to you, a huge portion and steaming hot. I can never get passed the first item on the menu, the tonkotsu original ramen.
It’s simply masterful – rich and creamy pork bone broth chock full of noodles. The chashu pork is so luscious and tender, the soft boiled egg melts in your mouth, and the gorgeous vegetables – woodear mushrooms and scallions are vibrant with beautiful texture. The noodles of course This is true comfort food. My husband got the tonkotsu sho-yu, the same broth seasoned with a soy-sauce blend. If you enjoy something spicy like he does, throw a bomb in for some extra heat.
You can customize your blend with all sort of accoutrements. Here, it is okay to slurp, it’s actually recommended because this act aerates the broth and enhances the flavor of the noodles.