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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeTexasHarris CountyHoustonNorthsideJapanese Restaurant in North Shepherd DriveRAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights
RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights ico

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights

600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 515, Houston, TX 77007, USA

4.0
A wonderful hidden gem. The food was delicious and made with care. The service was absolutely stellar, Daniela could not have been nicer. Will definitely be coming back! - Nathan Vu
RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights Introduce

For those in Texas who crave a truly distinctive and flavorful ramen experience, RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights offers something truly special. This isn't just another ramen shop; it's a culinary philosophy rooted in authenticity and a commitment to broad appeal, all delivered right here in the heart of Houston. Founded in Tokyo in 2011, RAKKAN Ramen has brought its unique approach to the Houston Heights neighborhood, quickly becoming a beloved spot for locals seeking a high-quality and satisfying meal.

What truly sets RAKKAN Ramen apart is their signature 100% plant-based broth. Unlike many traditional ramen establishments that rely on pork or chicken bases, RAKKAN Ramen has perfected a rich and flavorful vegetable broth that forms the foundation of all their ramen bowls. This innovative approach allows them to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegans, while still delivering the deep umami and complexity that ramen enthusiasts expect. Even if you're a devout meat-eater, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavor in their unique broths, which are often infused with essences of dried bonito and dried sardines for a traditional Japanese touch.

Beyond their revolutionary broth, RAKKAN Ramen focuses on crafting every element of their dishes with care. Their noodles are specially made, often featuring whole wheat and even kale-based options, providing a delightful bouncy texture and satisfying bite. Alongside their diverse ramen offerings, they present a curated selection of fresh sushi, delectable appetizers, and other Japanese favorites, ensuring there's something to tempt every palate. The atmosphere at RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights is described as calm, with nice lighting, creating a comfortable and inviting space perfect for enjoying a delicious meal with friends, family, or even on your own.

Location and Accessibility

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights is conveniently situated at 600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 515, Houston, TX 77007, USA. This prime location places it within the bustling and increasingly popular M-K-T Heights development, a mixed-use complex that has become a destination for dining, shopping, and recreation in Houston. North Shepherd Drive is a major artery running through the heart of the Heights, ensuring excellent visibility and straightforward access for residents across the city.

The accessibility of this location is a significant advantage for Houston locals. M-K-T Heights is a well-known landmark, making it easy to navigate to the restaurant. For those driving, the complex offers ample parking, which is a considerable convenience in a busy urban area like the Heights. The location within a modern development means good infrastructure and a pleasant environment to arrive at. Whether you're coming from downtown Houston, other parts of the Heights, or even beyond, reaching RAKKAN Ramen is a hassle-free experience. Its presence within M-K-T also means it's a great spot to combine with other activities, whether it's exploring the shops, visiting other eateries, or enjoying the outdoor spaces of the complex.

Services Offered

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a satisfying and accessible Japanese dining experience, with a unique focus on their signature ramen.

  • Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in their calm and well-lit dining area, which provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for all guests.
  • Specialized Ramen Menu: Their core offering is ramen built on a 100% plant-based broth. This unique foundation is then crafted into various signature ramen bowls, including:
    • AMBER Ramen: A soy sauce-based ramen with their unique UMAMI sauce, featuring a savory and light flavor.
    • PEARL Ramen: A salt-based ramen with traditional Japanese fish stock (UMAMI Sauce) for a clean and refreshing taste.
    • GARNET Ramen: A miso-based ramen with sesame paste, offering a richer profile.
    • SPICY GARNET Ramen: A spicier version of the Garnet, for those who enjoy a kick.
    • QUARTZ Ramen: A creamy-based ramen, often featuring chicken chashu.
    • SPICY QUARTZ Ramen: A spicy and creamy option.
    • Limited Time Offers (LTOs): Such as the "Spicy Ruby Ramen" with a rich, spicy miso broth infused with shrimp aroma, or the "TEXAS JIRO Ramen" with vegetable broth, garlic oil, sesame paste, grilled pork, and fresh garlic.
    • Vegan Ramen Options: Most ramen types have a dedicated vegan counterpart, substituting meat with garlic sautéed mushrooms and tofu.
  • Variety of Noodles: They offer their original RAKKAN noodles (whole wheat and 100% vegan), original vegetable noodles (made of kale), and gluten-free noodles, providing options for different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Sushi Selection: Beyond ramen, RAKKAN Ramen offers a selection of incredibly fresh sushi, including Salmon, Aburi Salmon, Spicy Shrimp, Aburi Shrimp, Spicy Hotate (Hokkaido Scallop), and Aburi Hotate, available in 2 or 4 pieces. Hand rolls like Salmon Avocado and Hotate Hand Roll are also available.
  • Appetizers (Izakaya-style): A diverse range of "RAKKAN Favorites" perfect for sharing or as starters, including:
    • Gyoza (Crispy Pork, Crispy Vegan, Crispy Spicy Beef)
    • Buns (Chicken, Pork, Vegan - with garlic sautéed mushrooms)
    • Edamame (regular and spicy)
    • Hot Brussels Sprouts Salad
    • Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)
    • Furikake Fries
    • Chicken Karaage (5pcs/10pcs)
    • Salmon Tartare
    • Shrimp Shumai
  • Rice Bowls: Hearty rice bowls are available, such as Grilled Pork Bowl, Karaage Bowl, Salmon Poke Bowl, and a Vegan Avocado Tofu Bowl.
  • Desserts: Sweet endings like Mochi Ice Cream (Matcha, Vanilla, Strawberry) and Matcha Tiramisu.
  • Beverages: A selection of drinks including premium Japanese sake, draft beer, and sake cocktails.
  • Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, customers can place orders for pickup directly through RAKKAN's website or utilize popular delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub.
Features / Highlights

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights stands out for several compelling features and highlights that draw in locals and offer a unique dining proposition:

  • 100% Plant-Based Broth Philosophy: This is arguably RAKKAN Ramen's most defining feature. All their ramen broths are made from a carefully crafted vegetable base, providing a unique, rich, and savory umami flavor without relying on traditional meat stocks. This makes them highly accessible to vegans, vegetarians, and those seeking lighter yet deeply flavorful options.
  • Authentic Japanese Roots: Despite the innovative plant-based broth, RAKKAN Ramen originates from Tokyo (since 2011), ensuring their recipes and culinary approach are deeply rooted in authentic Japanese ramen traditions.
  • Diverse Menu for All Palates: While ramen is the star, the menu offers a wide array of choices. From various ramen bases (Amber, Pearl, Garnet, Quartz) and spicy options to a good selection of fresh sushi, crispy gyoza, and steamed buns (including vegan buns), there's something to satisfy every member of a dining party, regardless of their dietary preferences.
  • High-Quality Ingredients and Preparation: Reviewers consistently praise the freshness of the sushi and the quality of the ingredients across the menu. The noodles are noted for being "bouncy and have a great bite," indicating careful preparation.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the stellar, kind, and helpful service from staff members like Daniela and Celeste. This focus on attentive and friendly service significantly enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Pleasant and Calm Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is described as calm with nice lighting, providing a comfortable and inviting environment for diners. It's a place where you can relax and truly enjoy your meal.
  • Happy Hour Specials: A popular feature, RAKKAN Ramen offers a happy hour from Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 7 PM, with discounts on select appetizers, buns, house sake, beer, and wine, providing great value for locals.
  • Commitment to Sustainability: RAKKAN Ramen demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, for instance, by planting trees for each bowl of vegan ramen sold, aligning with environmentally conscious values.
Promotions or Special Offers

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights provides appealing promotions that make their delicious offerings even more accessible to locals. The most notable ongoing special is their Happy Hour:

  • Happy Hour:
    • When: Monday - Friday, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
    • What: Discounts on select appetizers, buns, house sake, beer, and wine. Specific items and pricing may vary but typically include $6.00 select appetizers, $3.50 buns, $7.00 house sake, and $5.00 beer and wine. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a variety of their menu items at a reduced cost.
  • Limited Time Offers (LTOs): RAKKAN Ramen frequently introduces seasonal or limited-time ramen bowls and other dishes. Examples include the "Spicy Ruby Ramen" and "TEXAS JIRO Ramen." These LTOs provide exciting new flavors and experiences for regular customers. Keep an eye on their in-store signage, website, or social media for announcements about these rotating specials.
  • Online Ordering & Delivery Promotions: While not exclusive to the restaurant, RAKKAN Ramen is available on popular delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. These platforms occasionally offer promotional discounts for new users or during specific campaigns, which locals can leverage for convenient at-home dining.

To confirm the most current and specific details of their Happy Hour menu or any other ongoing promotions, Houston locals are encouraged to visit the RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights location directly or call them at (346) 867-2078.

Contact Information

For Houston residents looking to savor the unique flavors of RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights, here's how to get in touch or find them:

  • Address: 600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 515, Houston, TX 77007, USA
  • Phone: (346) 867-2078
  • Mobile Phone: +1 346-867-2078

These contact details provide a direct line to the restaurant, allowing for easy inquiries about their menu, current operating hours, happy hour details, or to place orders for pickup. The address ensures straightforward navigation to their location within the popular M-K-T Heights development.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Houston locals, RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights at 600 N Shepherd Dr is an exceptionally suitable dining destination, offering a unique blend of culinary innovation, accessibility, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its suitability stems from several key aspects that resonate deeply with the diverse preferences of Texans.

First and foremost, RAKKAN Ramen's signature 100% plant-based broth is a game-changer. This innovative approach means that everyone, from devoted vegans and vegetarians to curious meat-eaters, can enjoy a deeply flavorful and satisfying bowl of ramen. For Houstonians increasingly mindful of their dietary choices, or simply seeking a lighter alternative without sacrificing taste, RAKKAN Ramen delivers an unparalleled experience. This inclusivity makes it an ideal spot for groups with varying dietary needs, ensuring that everyone at the table finds something they'll love.

Secondly, the prime location within M-K-T Heights significantly enhances its appeal. This bustling development in the heart of the Heights is easily accessible from many parts of Houston, with ample parking and a pleasant environment. Its integration into a larger lifestyle complex means locals can effortlessly combine a delicious ramen meal with other activities, whether it's shopping, enjoying the outdoor spaces, or meeting friends. The convenience factor is a major draw for the busy Houston populace.

Finally, the combination of high-quality food and stellar service makes RAKKAN Ramen a hidden gem worth discovering. Customers consistently rave about the delicious food, noting the freshness of the sushi and the perfect bite of the ramen noodles. Beyond the culinary delights, the friendly, attentive, and kind staff, as highlighted in numerous reviews, create a truly pleasant and memorable dining experience. The calm and nicely lit atmosphere further contributes to a relaxing visit, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal. With its appealing happy hour, diverse menu, and commitment to both flavor and wellness, RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights is truly a fantastic choice for any Houston local seeking an authentic yet uniquely modern Japanese culinary adventure.

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights Photos

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RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights Location

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights

600 N Shepherd Dr Suite 515, Houston, TX 77007, USA

RAKKAN Ramen - Houston Heights Reviews

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