Words Codi Chen | Photos Baptiste Despois
Austin’s Japanese Soul Food Haven
Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-ya: Part ramen, part Japanese alley bar, part East Austin hangout, Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-ya opened in 2018 as an extension of the Tatsu-ya restaurant family. “We wanted a full-size bar and an East Austin hangout that was one of a kind,” Todd exclaims. Think a backyard of activations, fundraisers, and Purrsdays: Thursday DJ nights
Walking into Ramen Tatsu-ya is stepping into the vision of two chefs who also happen to be DJs, skaters, and storytellers. Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto have crafted mouth-watering ramen dishes and created a space where music, art, and food collide.
Tatsu’s journey took him from Austin to Los Angeles, where he trained at Urasawa, a two-star-Michelin restaurant, before returning home with a vision: to serve what he calls “Japanese soul food.” It’s a world away from instant ramen, yet it hits that same comforting note, warming you from the first steaming sip to the last slurp of noodles.
Todd Coerver, Ramen Tatsu-ya’s CEO, says that their menu extends beyond the kitchen. “All of our locations are unique to their own neighborhood, but you’ll always find authentic Japanese cuisine, a street skate-inspired aesthetic, and hip-hop energy at each location.” That ethos also comes alive in the dishes. The OG ramen has a rich pork bone broth, tender chashu, an ajitama egg, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, and sesame seeds, while the Mi-So-Hot ramen adds a spicy kick with miso, goma pork, napa cabbage, bean sprouts, corn, and plenty of Texan-friendly heat.
The menu also shines in its small bites. Chili Oil Gyoza, pork dumplings tossed in citrus-jalapeño soy, chili oil, shallots, negi, cilantro, and spicy garlic furikake, delivers a bold punch, and the Chicken Karaage, Japanese-style and twice-fried, comes with garlic mayo and chili sauce for dipping. The restaurant rounds out the experience with sake, beer, and inventive drinks like the Guavarita, making each visit as much about community and togetherness as it is about the food.
Todd says Austin’s unique character has made Ramen Tatsu-ya feel at home. “The city still has a small-town personality; it’s collaborative rather than competitive. During COVID, restaurants helped each other brainstorm and grow together. That communal approach mirrors the way we build our brand and interact with the community,” he grins.
Maintaining that soul across multiple locations is no small feat, but Todd emphasizes that the founders’ ongoing involvement is key. “Tatsu and Takuya still guide product development and keep the vision intact. Every location has its own personality while staying true to our heart.” From Austin to Houston, each space feels like a neighborhood gem, often housed in repurposed buildings with hand-painted walls by local artists like Michael Sieben and Briks.
Ramen Tatsu-ya is a meal, a cultural experience, and a taste of Japan filtered through the heart and soul of East Austin. With more concepts in the works, the brand continues to evolve, blending Japanese soul food with our city’s unmistakable electric vibe.
