More Ramen Coming

Hawaii-based ramen chain sets its sights on Houston

Yuzu shoyu jidori ramen is coming to Houston later this year.

Whether or not Houstonians ever fully embrace ramen to the same extent to which diners slurp pho is an open question, but out-of-town operators are betting heavily that the answer is yes.

Already, California-based Jinya Ramen and Seattle-based Samurai Noodle each have two locations in the city, and Austin-based Ramen Tatsu-ya has received its initial City of Houston permits to begin construction on its Montrose location. Now, another ramen shop wants to call the Bayou City home.

Beginning later this year, Hawaii-based chain AGU Ramen has plans to open at least 12 locations across the Houston area before turning to Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, chef/owner Hisashi “Teddy” Uehara tells CultureMap in an email.

He's currently scouting options along Washington Ave as well as possibilities in Midtown, EaDo, and downtown for AGU's first mainland location. If all goes according to plan, AGU will debut sometime this summer.

"I always had dream to open in Houston," Uehara writes. "There are many people moving to Houston and there is a great opportunity for a business such as ours to open in such a wonderful city . . . Houston reminds me of Hawaii in some ways. I have met many people on this last visit for Japan Festival 2016 as well as a previous visit earlier this year, and throughout the duration of both visits I felt the 'Aloha' or welcome by the people of Houston."

Since it opened in 2013, AGU has grown to four locations on the island of Oahu. Uehara credits the work he puts into both his tonkotsu pork broth, which boils for more than 18 hours, and a chicken stock that uses organic, cage-free Jidori chicken. Houstonians who attended the recent Japan Festival got a first taste of AGU, and Uehara writes that diners responded favorably.

"The line never died down, everyone who had our ramen commented that we are the best ramen in Houston and they cannot wait AGU to open. Some of the people came a few times."

news-you-can-eat openings

flying into Houston

Chopped champion's Indian-spiced fried chicken joint opens in Midtown

One of Houston’s most dynamic chefs has unveiled his take on fried chicken. Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

Located at 3201 Louisiana, the restaurant is the latest concept from chef and Chopped champion Jassi Bindra and business partners Surpreet and Preet Paul Singh, the trio behind Indian fine dining restaurant Amrina in The Woodlands. Bindra’s fried chicken recipe uses a gluten-free flour and starch batter that’s seasoned with Indian Kashmiri red chili powder along with other herbs and spices. It’s pressure cooked to ensure the meat stays both juicy and crispy.

The certified halal chicken is available as strips, sandwiches (made with thigh meat), and chicken breast bites.Those looking for a heartier meal, can get their chicken served on top of sidewinder fries or in the “Rice & Shine,” which includes basmati rice and Bindra’s “Desi kimchi.” Beverage options include Akra, an American-style lager that’s brewed in India, cannabis-infused drinks from 8th Wonder and non-alcoholic options such as sodas and a mango lassi.

“At Pok Pok Po, we’re creating something that’s not just a meal but an experience,” Bindra said in a statement. “We’ve taken everything people love about fried chicken and given it a twist with bold, gluten-free recipes and flavors that truly speak to the diversity of Houston.”

While most counter service restaurants are designed primarily for to-go, Pok Pok Po’s 55-seat dining room caters to those who want to enjoy their meals. It features banquette seating and a white-and-black motif that will also be present at Bol, the restaurant’s sister concept that’s opening soon.

The two restaurants occupy part of the former Artisans space. Medium Rare, an affordable steak frites restaurant from Washington, D.C., recently opened next to Bol and Pok Pok Po.

Courtesy of Pok Pok Po

Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

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