Moriya Shokudo — Restaurant in Dallas

This is hands down the best Japanese restaurant I ate in Dallas, and I'm so happy that they recently opened. It might be difficult to locate the restaurant at first since it's inside the food court of ShinChon Market, aka it's not its own restaurant.

I didn't even know about ShinChon Market, so I was surprised to visit the first time and see their small food court inside. There were a couple of stands, but we came mainly for Moriya Shokudo. Similar to other food courts in 99 Ranch and H-Mart, there were tables and it's self-serve. You can place the order up front, or they give you a link to order on your phone. We had a big group so everyone ordered their own food on their phone for pick-up.

There were only 4 people in the kitchen-- the owner/chef, the dishwasher, and 2 preps. The chef apologizes to us in advance saying it might take some time, which we didn't mind. There were 2 parties ahead of us, so it took about 45 mins for our food to come out. It was longer than I expected, but we did order a lot of food with 10+ people.

Their black garlic ramen was SO DELICIOUS. I love how heavy the garlic flavor is, but the broth and noodles were light. The katsu don was perfect with crispy katsu pieces and steamed egg on top. The tonkatsu ramen was light and flavorful as well, and you can't go wrong with the takoyaki and karaage chicken.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any dishes here. The prices are VERY GOOD compared to other Japanese restaurants in town. Ramen bowls are usually $15-20, but it was only $13 and it was super filling. I wish it was closer because I'd go here every day! I don't even like ramen that much but that garlic ramen is all I can think about after. My boyfriend loved the Tonkotsu ramen as well. The chef is super friendly and enthusiastic about his cooking and it really shows. Definitely one of my top Japanese spots...

A Taste of Tokyo in Suburban Dallas

Every time I make the drive from Houston to Dallas, I end up here, a small Japanese eatery tucked away in the suburbs.

It is not flashy, not trendy, and that is exactly why I love it. The moment I step inside, I feel as if I have wandered into a diner in downtown Tokyo, where the air smells of broth and grilled pork, where the warmth is not from the décor but from the rhythm of everyday life.

The bowl you see here is their ramen, served with a side of fried rice. It is the simplest kind of comfort, rich clear broth, noodles cooked just right, half-boiled egg, a few slices of chashu, and a scattering of sesame seeds. The fried rice is unpretentious and familiar, as not oily, just the right touch of home.

There is no music trying to set the mood, no over-designed presentation. The staff greet you with quiet efficiency, and you can take your time without feeling watched or rushed. The place feels lived in, steady, honest, just like the small eateries I grew up with in Tokyo old neighborhoods.

In the states, we often talk about “authentic” restaurants as if authenticity were a flavor to chase. But what I find here isn’t nostalgia or imitation. It is something quieter, the easy honesty of a place that does not try to be more than it is.

If you ever find yourself near Dallas, skip the reservations and the crowds. Find this little spot. You will find comfort not only in the food, but in the calm, unassuming warmth of ordinary life that fills the room.

It is the kind of comfort that does not ask for attention, but it...

it used to be located in a strip mall inside of a very small Asian grocery store but I believe they moved to Richardson. just in case you have a hard time finding it. (I edited this to include that I believe they relocated to Richardson Texas. The building looks amazing and I'm so happy they are succeeding. They deserve it and endless happiness)

my name is Dave. i had the pleasure of meeting the owner tadashi. we came in pretty close to closing because we had a very very long drive back to Oklahoma. let me tell you. I have been all over the States. I have tried more ramen than I'm proud to say. and this place? this place is hands down the best ramen I have ever had. he hit every nail on the head from the noodles to the aromatic oils to the broth itself. this place is the closest you can possibly get to eating ramen in Japan. not only that but tadashi came up to us while we were eating. for a moment I thought he was going to tell us to leave due to closing time but instead greeted us with the warmest smile and told us to take our absolute time eating and gave us samples of the kimchi he makes in house and told the grocery store owners who were closing to let us eat. an absolute nice man. if you are having reservations about eating here, just pull the trigger and come get some ramen or takoyaki or curry. you won't regret it. I'm driving 3 and a half hours out of my way just so me and my spouse can get it again.

anyone can cook. but this man should just never...