📍Ramen Del Barrio – 1700 W Parmer Ln Suite 100, Austin, TX 78727, United States
🌍 Country: United States of America           
🔥 Must-try dish: Carnitas Tonkotsu Ramen 
👍 The high: A bold and beautiful mashup of two world-class cuisines—Mexico and Japan—reimagined with heart and innovation.
👎 The low: The restaurant closes early (7 p.m.) because it’s tucked inside a grocery store that shuts at 8.

A weekend trip to Austin gives you just enough time to see the sights, devour some tacos, and maybe even ride an electric bull – if that’s your vibe. While the state is known for its legendary barbecue, it also punches above its weight in global cuisine, especially Mexican, Indian, and fusion fare. That’s where Ramen Del Barrio comes in. It’s a standout fusion spot bringing Mexican and Japanese flavours together in a way that just makes sense.

This hidden gem started humbly in a garage, where the chef-owner cooked fusion ramen for donations. Eventually, it evolved into a cozy counter inside a suburban Austin supermarket. Today, it’s a must-visit for food lovers, with lineups to prove it. Trust us – it’s worth the wait.

The star of the show is the ramen. Of the five varieties on offer, the Carnitas Tonkotsu is perfect for first-timers. It’s a genuine blend of both traditions: rich pork broth layered with tender beef, noodles, chiles, and tortilla strips. You can even upsize the meat portion depending on how hungry you are. Go big or go home.

Another dish to bookmark for next time? The Mole Tsukemen, a dipping noodle version served with carnitas and a luxurious peanut mole sauce.

If ramen isn’t your only reason for coming (and why should it be?), the tacos deserve serious attention. The Tako taco (yes, taco with an octopus twist) was a highlight. The Spanish octopus was grilled to tender perfection, no rubbery chew, then topped with matcha and guacamole sauce for a spicy, tangy finish. If you only try one taco, make it this one.

That said, if you’re going all-in on tacos, decision-making gets trickier. The Lengua (beef tongue) might sound intimidating, but hear us out. It’s got a kick, it’s tender, and it’s delicious. Paired with guacamole and salsa, it packed a punch and felt heartier than the ramen or octopus.

Then there’s the Kagoshima Wagyu taco. Honestly, it’s tough to pass up Wagyu when it’s on the menu. This taco featured melt-in-your-mouth beef with mushrooms, a miso-cilantro sauce, and a hit of chili heat. Like biting into butter, but spicy. This one’s unmissable, just sayin’.

Sadly, we realized too late we had room for more. The kitchen had closed. Since the restaurant operates inside a grocery store, everything wraps up by 7 p.m. so the store can close at 8. It’s a bit of a letdown if you arrive late, but there’s hope: plans are in the works for Ramen Del Barrio to move into a standalone brick-and-mortar space. We’ll be watching this spot!

Eat with you soon in Toronto, 

Mandrea Bike 
(Mat & Andrea)