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

Delicious Destinations

Houston dubbed top-10 best foodie city in America by Food & Wine

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Anvil Bar & Refuge Facebook

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Houston has gobbled up three awards in national magazine Food & Wine's 2026 Global Tastemaker Awards, including the title as the No. 6 best foodie city in the U.S.

Food & Wine annually surveys its network of judges, which includes more than 400 chefs, travel experts, wine connoisseurs, and more to determine nominees for "the best food-forward destinations" in the world. Winners are then evaluated and ranked by the magazine's Global Advisory Board.

The Global Tastemaker Awards praised Houston's overall food scene among the 10 best in the nation, and local restaurants get to reap the benefits. Acclaimed eateries like Feges BBQ, Theodore Rex, and Tatemó were named must-try spots for locals and tourists to visit.

"[Houston] boasts the most ethnically diverse population of any large city in the country," the report said. "That multiculturalism seasons the city’s dining scene, offering exceptional Tex-Mex/Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southern/Cajun cuisines alongside classic Texas barbecue."

Anvil, another Houston staple from local restaurateur Bobby Heugel, was crowned the No. 2 best bar in the U.S. Food & Wine dubs Heugel "the architect" of Houston's bar scene, citing Anvil's multiple James Beard Award nominations.

"The high-energy space offers a list of 100-plus classics plus seasonal options, some sure to join the long list eventually," the report said. "Reflecting the zeitgeist, Anvil credits the bartenders who created the drinks, and recently brought back happy hour, starting at 2 pm, at a moment when many patrons are particularly price-sensitive."

Even George Bush Intercontinental Airport won an award as the No. 6 best U.S. airport for food and drink. The Houston airport is widely known for having many local restaurants for visitors to get a taste of the local food scene. Weary travelers can get their burger fix at Hubcap Grill, try Simone Biles' newly opened restaurant Taste of Gold, sip on a margarita at El Tiempo, and much more.

Simone Biles Taste of Gold IAH Find Taste of Gold near gate A8. Courtesy of Houston Airports

Food & Wine also gave a sneak peek at what's to come as IAH continues renovations.

"When Terminal B fully reopens this fall, it will include two additional Michelin Bib Gourmand picks, Blood Bros. BBQ and Rosie Cannonball, alongside B&B Butchers and Pink’s Pizza," the report said. "And the new Terminal D-West Concourse scored Velvet Taco, a Dallas‑born brand with a devoted Houston following."

Other Texas cities, restaurants, and airports that earned awards from Food & Wine include:

Austin – No. 1 Best Coffee City in U.S.; No. 4 Best Pastry City in U.S.; and No. 7 Best U.S. City for Food and Drink
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin – No. 2 Best U.S. Airport for Food and Drink
Canje, Austin – No. 3 Best Restaurant in the U.S.
Hotel Emma, San Antonio – No. 8 Best Hotel in the U.S.

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