Hotaka Ramen & Izakaya

Everything was pleasant. Once we walked in, someone greeted us and told us to pick out a seat. It was not busy at this time about 4pm Tuesday May 7th.

Our 1st time here and we told our waiter that and he was so nice at explaining the menu but it was a little hard to understand exactly how it went as it was 3 different menus and full both sides.

So you can pick out a Ramen bowl 🍜 what we got was the Garlic Lovers one (and honestly didnt taste any garlic) and you can add in things to it if you would like. We got Wagyu and Tempura Shrimp 🍤 The Shrimp was very nice. I was a little disappointed on the Wagyu, I have never had it and thought it was supposed to be tender 😕 tho I felt it was tough... I thought that you didn't need to cook it if it was going into a hot soup but there's was cooked so maybe that is why... not sure... also had no flavor alone. The soup had good flavor but thankfully they had this seasoning on the table to give it some spice and made it better. I would give the soup a 7 out of 10.

We tried the scallop and bacon, you get 2 on 1 skewer. They were nor bad... the scallops seemed a little rubbery but not bad. Maybe a 4 out of 10.

We also go quail eggs, you get 3 on a skewer and they were very good... yolk was soft and they were dusted with a spicy seasoning that was nice. 8 out of 10.

I also love chicken gizzards so we ordered them. They honestly was the worst thing I've had in awhile. The taste was off and they were VERY tough to eat. Only ate one and had them throw away the rest. I let him know we did not like them for those reasons and he seemed a little put off that I said that they were really bad. 0 out of 10

We also got the pop stickers and those were really good!! Very nice dumplings and the inside flavor of the pork inside was very nice! The dipping sauce also went very well with them!! 10 out of 10!!

The Sesame balls were soooo good!! Crispy outside, chewy and hot inside and sweet bean paste in the middle! 10 out of 10!

Overall wasn't a horrible experience but now we know how to order and maybe look into something different to try because the Ramen wasn't bad... and we are looking forward to trying new things!

So this is my second time visiting this place and I would say the service is okay. They’re not busy at all but somehow my requests during my orders always get mixed up. The staff is generally kind though so that makes up for it. The good quality is fresh and the ambience is really chill. They usually have a nice movie playing on the TV and music at the same time but it’s not too loud. Here’s my rating on the food that I’ve tried:

*Shrimp Tempura - 4/5 - love the flavor but too oily
*Seaweed Salad - 5/5 great portion size & flavor 😋
*R9 Ultimate Tonkotsu White Ramen - 4/5
*R10 Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen - 4/5
*B3 Ribeye (Spicy Garlic) Poke Bowl - 5/5
*Yakitori (scallops and Ribeye) - 3/5 - little over-seasoned and small portions but good
*Ribeye (Spicy Garlic) Poke Bowl - 5/5

Saw this location on the fly so I had to visit. Can't pass up a ramen spot and wasn't disappointed. Friendly and helpful staff; greeted the moment I walked in. Server was very helpful explaining the menu and options. Very clean (including the restroom), organized, and prompt. Ordered to-go so I didn't try the ramen yet (update coming) but I got an array of appetizers and yakitori. A2. Chicken Karage and A1. Edamame. . . were delicious. C1. Chicken Thigh and K4. Asparagus with bacon yakitori. . .amazing. The star had to be the Asparagus with bacon; I could eat 20 of those no problem. I've had these items at other ramen spots and Hotaka has its own unique flavor. Reasonably priced and a wide selection. I will definitely be back for some bowls of ramen, sake, and the beer tower. If you are in Pearland, stop by for some goodness.