Ramen Tatsu-Ya Is Offering Takeout Ramen For the First Time

In light of the novel coronavirus pandemic and city officials ordering the shutter of Austin dining rooms immediately, local noodle mini-chain Ramen Tatsu-ya decided to finally get into the takeout game. The curbside pickup service is available right now from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at its three locations: Research Boulevard, South Lamar, and East Sixth.

Co-owners and co-executive chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto famously never believed in offering takeout ramen since the first restaurant opened in 2012, because it would ruin the integrity of the noodle soup . Serving freshly made bowls of ramen was the only way to enjoy the iconic dish. (Though the restaurants did allow diners to take their leftovers home.)

But with the changing times, Ramen Tatsu-ya’s restaurant model needed to change to serve its customers and stay open in a modified way. In order to help ensure the quality of the takeout ramen, the broth is being packaged separately from the noodles and other ingredients.

Orders can be placed online, and everything will be available for pickup at the selected restaurant. On deck is the entire menu, from appetizers such as gyoza, the katsu sliders, and croquettes; sides like rice and salads; nonalcoholic drinks; to, yes, the full ramen lineup.

Many other Austin restaurants and food trucks are now offering takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup services as ways of continuing to serve the city, make money, and stay open.

This article has been updated to clarify the pickup method.

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