Samurai Noodle

Hey there, Houston ramen aficionados! When that craving hits for a deeply flavorful broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, where do you go? For many in our vibrant city, Samurai Noodle, nestled within the dynamic Lyric Market in downtown Houston, has become a top contender. Ramen, a dish that originated in Japan, has taken the culinary world by storm, and here in Texas, we've embraced its diverse and delicious forms. Samurai Noodle aims to bring an authentic and satisfying ramen experience directly to you.

This article is crafted to give you, our fellow Houstonians, a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Samurai Noodle. We’ll delve into its convenient location, explore the variety of services and dishes it offers, and highlight the features that make it stand out, all based on public information and genuine customer feedback. Whether you're a downtown professional, catching a show, or simply a ramen enthusiast, this guide will help you understand why Samurai Noodle might just be your next favorite spot.

Samurai Noodle is ideally situated at 411 Smith St Level M, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This places it on the mezzanine level of Lyric Market, a bustling food hall in the heart of downtown Houston. This strategic location offers exceptional convenience and accessibility for a broad range of Houston locals.

Being within the Lyric Market means it's easily reachable for the significant downtown office crowd, providing a perfect option for a quick and satisfying lunch. Its proximity to Houston's Theater District – with venues like Jones Hall and the Alley Theatre just steps away – makes it an excellent choice for a pre-show meal. You can enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen without the stress of navigating far from your evening's entertainment. For those driving, parking is available in the Lyric Centre Garage, which is conveniently attached to the market. While parking comes with a cost, the ease of access in downtown is a definite advantage. Public transportation is also highly effective, with several METRORail stops and numerous bus routes in close walking distance, connecting Samurai Noodle to various parts of the city. The communal atmosphere of Lyric Market, which includes a central bar and other dining options, adds to the overall experience, making a visit to Samurai Noodle part of a larger, enjoyable outing.

The combination of a central downtown location, convenient parking, and excellent public transport links makes Samurai Noodle a highly accessible and appealing choice for Houstonians craving authentic ramen.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your ramen and other Japanese dishes within the lively communal setting of Lyric Market, with various seating arrangements.
• Takeout Options: Samurai Noodle offers efficient takeout services, perfect for busy downtown professionals or anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal on the go.
• Extensive Ramen Menu: They specialize in various ramen types, including popular options like Hakata Tonkotsu (rich pork broth simmered for at least 48 hours), Super Shouyu Tonkotsu (pork and chicken broth), Miso Ramen (Sapporo-style with miso), Shouyu Ramen (chicken broth), and Garlic Shouyu Ramen.
• Spicy Ramen Options: For those who enjoy a kick, they offer spicy versions of their popular ramen bowls, such as Spicy Miso Ramen and Spicy Super Shouyu Tonkotsu Ramen.
• Vegan Ramen Options: Catering to diverse dietary needs, they offer vegan ramen, including Vegan Stir Fry Ramen and Vegan Miso Ramen, made with flavorful vegetable broths and tofu.
• Customizable Noodles: Customers can often specify their preferred noodle doneness, from extra firm (kata) to extra soft, with "futsu" (medium) as the default. They emphasize house-made noodles.
• Appetizers: A selection of classic Japanese appetizers is available, including Gyoza (pork and chicken or vegan), Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Takoyaki (octopus dumplings), and Edamame.
• Rice Dishes: For those who prefer rice, they offer various rice bowls like Sumo Bowl (shredded pork, corn, egg on rice) and Spicy Garlic Rice Bowl.
• Dipping Ramen (Tsukemen): They also offer Tetsu Max, their original dipping ramen with cold noodles and a peppery chicken dipping broth.
• Beverages: A selection of teas, including passionfruit tea, and other soft drinks are available.
• Fast and Delicious: Customer reviews highlight their quick service and delicious food.

• Authentic Japanese Ramen: Samurai Noodle prides itself on offering authentic Japanese ramen, with broths simmered for extended periods (e.g., Tonkotsu for at least 48 hours) and fresh, house-made noodles.
• "Best Ramen Places I’ve Been": A customer enthusiastically rated their experience "10/10" and declared it "One of the best ramen places I’ve been!!", praising both the ramen and a specific passionfruit tea.
• Flavorful Broth and Seasoning: Reviewers specifically highlight the "right amount of spicy and seasoning with savory love" in their ramen, indicating a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Delicious House-Made Noodles: The noodles are a significant highlight, described as "just right" and often mentioned for their quality and the ability to customize their firmness. Some reviews mention a visible noodle-making machine, even if not always in operation during visits.
• Quick and Efficient Service: The restaurant is noted for being "Quick to serve and delicious," making it an excellent option for those with limited time during office hours or before a show.
• Convenient Lyric Market Setting: Its location within Lyric Market provides a pleasant environment with a "little 'market'" feel, good dining options, and an "equally good" bar, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Positive Customer Service: One reviewer specifically mentioned "Thomas gave the best experience," suggesting friendly and attentive staff.
• Variety of Ramen Types: From rich Tonkotsu to lighter Shouyu and flavorful Miso, along with vegan and spicy options, Samurai Noodle caters to a wide range of ramen preferences.

For inquiries, to place an order, or to confirm their current operating hours, you can reach Samurai Noodle using the following contact details:

• Address: 411 Smith St Level M, Houston, TX 77002, USA
• Phone: (832) 879-2982
• Mobile Phone: +1 832-879-2982

Samurai Noodle operates daily, generally from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, though it's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date hours, especially during holidays or special events.

For Houston locals, Samurai Noodle at Lyric Market is an outstanding choice for an authentic and satisfying ramen experience, particularly due to its prime downtown location and dedication to high-quality, flavorful dishes. Situated at 411 Smith St Level M, it offers unparalleled convenience for office workers, theater-goers, and anyone exploring the vibrant downtown area, with easy access via parking and public transportation.

What truly makes Samurai Noodle suitable for Houstonians is the consistent praise for its "delicious" ramen, especially the "spicy miso soup" and the well-regarded house-made noodles. Customers rave about the "right amount of spicy and seasoning with savory love," indicating a mastery of flavor that resonates with local palates. The fast and efficient service, coupled with a friendly staff, ensures a pleasant dining experience even during busy periods. For Texans who appreciate authentic Japanese ramen made with care, generous portions, and a convenient location, Samurai Noodle delivers. It’s a definite "gem of a place" that has quickly become a beloved spot for a quick, delicious, and deeply comforting bowl of noodles right here in the heart of our city.

Samurai Noodle

411 Smith St Level M, Houston, TX 77002, USA