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Kintaro Ramen will soon open at 101 E. Abram St., Suite 130 in Arlington.
First time restaurateur Han Le believes now is the perfect time to join the group of visionary new offerings in Arlington’s revitalized downtown area.
His contribution to the mix: Kintaro Ramen, which will be at 101 E. Abram St., Suite 130. Anticipated opening is Feb. 13.
"I believe this is the perfect time to bring a new concept and to add a little culinary diversity to that part of town,” Le says. “I have enlisted the assistance of a few local ramen heads to ride the waves of broth and noodles as we establish our current.”
The menu will be small, offering well executed and composed bowls to create a unique culinary experience at an approachable price point. Le says that he plans to “stay true to the core of flavor by limiting the toppings available to each broth. We are not looking at creating a build-your-own or catchall ramen, but instead to cater a unique flavor experience,” he says.
Let’s talk broth, because ramen is only as good as its soup base. Kintaro will feature a silky Tonkotsu broth inspired by classic Fukuoka pork broths and cooked for 48 hours to extract all the flavor from the bone, cartilage, and marrow.
Fukuoka is a giant city on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, and while Japan seems like a small set of islands to most Texans (Japan is half the size of Texas, and brimming with four times as many people), nearly every region has its own distinct style of ramen.
“We will also offer a full-bodied Chintan broth inspired by the Tokyo whole chicken broths, blended with a selection of dry fish and soy sauce,” Le says. The Chintan broth will be completely pork-free for those who cannot eat pork.
The only other style will be a Miso ramen. Kintaro Ramen will also introduce a specialty ramen every month, beginning he hopes, in April. But, if you’re not into ramen you have exactly two other options; the Tonkatsu, a panko crusted pork chop, or the Nikujaga Short Rib, which is a Japanese meat and potato stew.
Le believes the ramen culture in DFW is “leaving its initial stages of introduction and experimentation and is now maturing.” He wants Kintaro to be a part of the new wave of “quality first” ramen shops hitting the area.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.
