Matsuba Ramen — Restaurant in Austin

Frankly, I don’t like this sorta-drive-through-window-but-not-really gimmick. It’s the first time I ever saw a set-up like this. Literally had to google “what do you call a restaurant that operates in a small building with only a kitchen and take out services?” Because I honestly wouldn’t classify this place as a “restaurant.” But I won’t be taking off any points just because a ghost kitchen/virtual kitchen/cloud kitchen(?) is operating as normal. It’s honestly not too different from a food truck park and my boyfriend and I should have looked a little closer at what kind of establishment it was.

Still, even though we were literally the only people in line, there was a hand-written sign (politely) requesting that we order online even though there was clearly an employee sitting right by the window with her back to us. Well, whatever.

Admittedly, the food was quite good. I had the chashu pork bowl and takoyaki. Chashu was delicious and well-cooked, rice was soft, and takoyaki was crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. And our food came out faster than expected and was a...

Really good bowls here. The weather was nice when we went so atmosphere was good. I think taking it home would have been an all around better experience for me. As for the food it's great. We ordered the Torisashi Matsuba and the Toridashi Red. Added ajitama and extra chashu and wouldn't change a thing on the order. Eggs were nearly basically perfect. The pork chashu was as flavorful as expected and very tender. Chicken chashu was also good. Noodles are very thick in a good way and nicely done. Since it's takeaway it's hard to deal with getting the noodles in and separated for easy slurping as well as keeping the other toppings on top of the broth for enjoying as I might like. That's really the only thing I would change and it's easy to address by taking it home instead of eating there. Overall this is fantastic broth, noodles, and toppings. The takoyaki was also...

Matsuba is an amazing hidden gem if you prefer a lighter, healthier chicken-based broth that is still tasty with lots of umami. It was a bit of a drive to get to this ghost kitchen, but there was ample no-frills seating to have your meal.

We ordered online and picked it up at the window. The toridashi black (chicken broth with black garlic oil) was delicious. You also have the option of ordering chicken instead of pork chashu. We also had karaage as an appetizer and dorayaki for dessert, which was a fun finish to the meal.

In my opinion, it is more difficult to make a flavorful chicken broth for ramen than a pork based one (tonkotsu), but these guys do a fabulous job of it.

I love their attention to detail (read their reheating instructions on the pamphlet in the order, and you'll see what I mean), and I will definitely visit again next time...