Ramen Guide · Carrollton, TX

Ramen in Carrollton, TX: A Guide to Tonkotsu, Shoyu, Miso & Black Garlic Broths

Short answer

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup defined by its broth: tonkotsu is a creamy pork-bone broth, shoyu is a lighter soy-seasoned one, miso is built on fermented soybean paste, and black garlic is tonkotsu finished with charred garlic oil. Bowls in Carrollton start at $10.50 for vegetable or tofu and $12.99 for chashu pork.

A great bowl of ramen is built on one thing above all — the broth. Long before the noodles or the toppings, it's the soup simmering at the back of the kitchen that decides whether a bowl is forgettable or the kind you think about for days. If you're looking for ramen in Carrollton, here's a short guide to the four broths you'll see most often, what makes each one different, and how to order your first bowl like you've done it a hundred times.

The Four Broths

Tonkotsu ( 豚骨 — "pork bone" )

The richest, creamiest style. Pork bones are simmered hard for many hours until the broth turns opaque and almost milky, with a deep, savory body that clings to the noodles. If you like a bowl that feels indulgent, start here.

Shoyu ( 醤油 — "soy sauce" )

One of the oldest and most balanced styles. A clearer, brown broth seasoned with soy sauce — lighter than tonkotsu but full of umami, with a clean savory finish. A good middle path if you're not sure what you like yet.

Miso

Broth built on fermented soybean paste, which gives it a thicker texture and a hearty, slightly sweet-and-salty depth. Often served with a little heat, miso ramen is warming and full-flavored — a favorite when the weather turns.

Black Garlic ( (mayu) )

Less a separate broth than a finishing touch — usually a creamy tonkotsu base swirled with mayu, a dark oil made from charred garlic. It adds a smoky, roasted, almost nutty layer over the richness. If you love garlic, this is your bowl.

The Noodles & Toppings

Ramen noodles are wheat noodles with a springy bite, made to hold up in hot broth. On top you'll commonly find chashu (braised, melt-in-the-mouth pork belly), ajitama (a soft, marinated soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk), menma (seasoned bamboo shoots), narutomaki (the pink-and-white fish cake), nori (seaweed), corn, and scallions. Every shop has its own combination — half the fun is finding the one you love.

How to Order (and Eat) Your First Bowl

Pick your broth first — that's the big decision. Don't be shy about the noodles: slurping is normal and actually helps cool them while pulling the aroma forward. Eat it while it's hot, sip the broth (a spoon comes with the bowl), and know there's no rule that you have to finish every drop — though you may want to. If you're vegetarian, look for a vegetable-based bowl built on a kombu or vegetable broth instead of pork.

Ramen at Mizunoya

At Mizunoya, our ramen covers the styles above — a creamy Chashu Tonkotsu, a Spicy Miso, a classic Shoyu, a Black Garlic bowl, and a Vegetable ramen for a lighter, meat-free option. You can see what comes in each bowl on our menu.

Ramen bowls and prices

Every bowl starts as a protein choice and then takes one of five flavors, so the price is set by what goes in it rather than by the broth. Vegetable and tofu are the two least expensive bowls on the menu at $10.50.

Ramen and udon prices at Mizunoya, Carrollton, TX. Add egg +$1.00.
Bowl Price Notes
Chashu (Pork) $12.99 Braised pork belly, the classic tonkotsu pairing
Steak $12.99 Sliced beef, holds up in a heavier broth
Shrimp $12.99 Lighter; good with shoyu
Chicken $11.99 The middle option at 11.99
Vegetable $10.50 No meat added to the bowl
Tofu $10.50 Also 10.50, the other meat-free bowl
Tonkotsu ramen bowl with sliced chashu pork, soft marinated egg, scallion and nori
Tonkotsu ramen bowl with sliced chashu pork, soft marinated egg, scallion and nori
Chashu pork bun served on a dark plate with scallion and sauce
Chashu pork bun served on a dark plate with scallion and sauce

How to order a bowl in 4 steps

Ordering is the same whether you sit at the sushi bar, take a table, or call ahead for pickup. Work through it in this order and you will not end up with four fried things and nothing to balance them.

  1. Pick the protein

    Chashu pork at $12.99 is the default. Chicken is $11.99; vegetable and tofu are both $10.50.

  2. Pick the flavor

    Five flavors, N1 through N5: miso, tonkotsu, black garlic, shoyu, or shoyu udon. Each also comes in a spicy version.

  3. Add what you want on top

    Egg is +$1.00. Chicken is +$3.00. Pork, steak or shrimp are +$4.00 each.

  4. Eat the noodles first

    Noodles keep softening in hot broth. Start with them, then work through the egg, corn, bamboo shoot and narutomaki.

Sources

Food-safety and sourcing statements on this page follow the guidance below. Texas food establishments are also required to operate under state retail food rules, and staff handling raw fish are certified food handlers under those rules.

Looking for ramen near you?

Carrollton and the wider North Dallas area have no shortage of noodle spots, and the style you'll enjoy most really comes down to the broth. Whether you're a tonkotsu devotee or just deciding where to start, we'd love to have you in once we open.

Mizunoya — Japanese Kitchen

1025 W Hebron Pkwy #156, Carrollton, TX 75010

Open daily except Tuesday

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between tonkotsu and shoyu ramen?
Tonkotsu is a rich, creamy pork-bone broth; shoyu is a lighter, clearer broth seasoned with soy sauce. Tonkotsu is heavier and more indulgent; shoyu is more balanced.
Is ramen gluten-free?
Usually no — most ramen noodles are wheat-based, and shoyu and miso broths are typically seasoned with soy- or wheat-derived ingredients. If you need a gluten-free option, ask the restaurant directly.
What toppings come on a bowl of ramen?
Common toppings include chashu pork, a soft marinated egg, bamboo shoots, fish cake, seaweed, corn, and scallions. Toppings vary by bowl and by shop.
Where can I get ramen in Carrollton, TX?
Mizunoya serves tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, black garlic, and vegetable ramen at 1025 W Hebron Pkwy #156, Carrollton, TX 75010.