Tiger Den

Tiger Den used to be theeeeeee OG spot but the competition is fierce these days. I remember just loving the noodles and broth and this time around it all felt a bit pedestrian. The noodles were still good but the broth for the black bean and Tonkotsu were kinda plain and forgettable. Service was stellar, they made sure to check up on us and our daughter. Our waiter even helped us pack our ramen as we were struggling a bit with our toddler. Don't. Sleep. On. The. Pandan. Donuts. They still hit every time.

We'd been hearing about this place for a while--friends couldn't stop singing its praises. Finally made it out here with the family, and let me tell you, the experience lived up to the hype and then some. Sure, the reviews seemed a bit all over the place, but forget all that. The reality? Way better. The starters--Takoyaki, Brussels sprouts, and pork belly--hit the mark perfectly, bold flavors that left no room for disappointment. Then there was the ramen, with house-made noodles that were nothing short of spectacular. This wasn't just a meal; it was a testament to what happens when craft meets passion. And the service? Friendly, warm, and sharp. They understood hospitality and delivered it effortlessly. Yeah, the place is small--intimate, even. But everything about it is dialed in and right on point. If you haven't given it a shot yet, do yourself a favor and go. It's the kind of spot that reminds you why you chase good food in the first place.

Tiger Den delivers some of the best ramen in Houston, with rich, flavorful broths and perfectly chewy noodles. The Dipping Ramen and Spicy Miso Ramen are standout options. Don't skip out on their charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, especially the beef tongue and pork belly. Pandan custard doughnuts for dessert. Do I need to say more? Trust me when I say they are a must. The cozy, lively atmosphere feels like a true Japanese izakaya. Expect a wait, but it's well worth it for the bold flavors and authentic experience!

After a 20-minute wait in the cold, we got seated for two around 8 PM. The ambiance was super cozy, and service was impressively fast. * Pork gyoza: 5/5 Super crispy and hot, though I wish it had come out before the ramen. * Spicy miso ramen: 4/5 Not sure why there was purple onion on top. It wasn't as spicy as other spicy ramens I've had, which I liked, but my bf didn't. The pork was thick, and I wish it came with a whole egg instead of half. The noodles were different from what I'm used to, but I really enjoyed them. The broth was thick, complex, and absolutely delicious. Overall, I'd definitely come back--it was worth the wait! Just make sure to bring a good jacket if you're coming for dinner.

Located at the busy Dun Huang Plaza where foot traffic is heavy, there are customers coming in and out of Tiger Den at a frequent basis. Interior of the restaurant is simple and nice. There are many customers' paper drawings on display at the entrance. They are having a limited time Happy Hour promo now - buy a bowl of ramen and get half off an appetizer or dessert. Part of the Happy Hour promo also includes buy one sake and get the second half off. My family and I got the tsukemen ramen, Tonkatsu, and garlic black bean ramen. I enjoyed the tsukemen ramen as it had the right amount of spice and it was flavorful. However, the other two ramen bowls didn't have strong flavor soups. I am also not a big fan of cabbage in the ramen. The ika geso was crispy, while the Brussels sprouts were just ok. I also had the lamb, and ribeye yakitori. They were good but the lamb skewer could be better if the wasabi mayo was actually on the meat, not on the side. I received great service today. The servers were friendly and attentive.