A Beloved Ramen Shop Closes Its Doors
Introduction to Ninja Ramen
A ramen shop that’s been a favorite of Houston hospitality workers will soon serve its final bowl of noodles. Ninja Ramen will close at the end of December, owners Christopher Huang tells CultureMap. Open since 2014, Ninja Ramen earned fans for its signature, Asahikawa-style that gets a boost of umami from three kinds of dashi. In addition, the restaurant sells one of Houston’s most extensive selections of Asian whisky and stays open until 2 am to appeal to late night revelers and hospitality workers.
The Struggle to Stay in Business
About a year ago, Huang revealed Ninja Ramen was struggling to stay in business. The subsequent publicity boosted the restaurant’s fortunes, but not by enough for Huang to significantly reduce the debts he incurred. He recently accepted an offer from a new restaurant that will take over his lease beginning next year. “I’m working 100 hours a week,” Huang says. “I’m getting married. I’m old. I’m 45 now. I go home at 4 am seven days a week. Since I’m not making a ton of money, it doesn’t make sense to keep going.”
A Legacy of Memorable Events
Although this chapter is drawing to a close, Huang says he feels pride at what he accomplished. The restaurant has hosted any number of memorable events, including an Anvil-themed Halloween party and its annual snow party, which will return December 19-21. “I’m proud Ninja Ramen became part of Houston. We were an industry hangout for so many for so long. Even now, I just left Ninja Ramen, there are a bunch of industry people there at the moment,” he adds.
A New Focus: Narwhal Jousting Club
Closing Ninja Ramen will allow Huang to focus more attention on Narwhal Jousting Club, the affordable burger concept he developed with chef David Ramos. Known for its $6 cheeseburger (or $9 double), Huang says business is growing steadily, particularly as Houston influencers discover the restaurant. “Somebody posted us on TikTok last week. We noticed an increase in traffic,” Huang says. “I want to keep doing that. It’s an easy enough concept to where we’re open to expanding to another location — if any real estate people have a teeny-tiny spot.”
Celebrating the Legacy
Between now and Ninja Ramen’s closing day, Huang says he’ll celebrate the restaurant’s legacy by inviting former staff members to come back for guest shifts. He’ll also be discounting pours from the hundreds of bottles of whiskey on the back bar. “I hope the announcement brings people who haven’t been by in like six or seven years to come back and check out the whiskey selection and/or visit old bartenders who used to work,” Huang says. “I’m sure I’ll cry about it after I give up the keys. I’m excited to see people and share Ninja for one last month.”
Conclusion
The closure of Ninja Ramen marks the end of an era for Houston’s hospitality workers and ramen lovers. Although the restaurant will be missed, Huang’s legacy will live on through the memories and experiences he created. As he shifts his focus to Narwhal Jousting Club, fans can look forward to new and exciting developments from this talented entrepreneur. With its unique concept and growing popularity, Narwhal Jousting Club is sure to become a new favorite among Houston foodies. As for Ninja Ramen, its impact on the city’s culinary scene will not be forgotten, and its memory will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of restaurateurs and chefs.
