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In recent years, Houstonians have developed a taste for a wide range of ramen. From traditional tonkotsu to The Tiger’s Lair with seafood-flavored broth, Asahikawa style, Ramen Ninja and the vegan broth at Rakken RamenNoodle lovers are spoiled for choice.

Starting next week, a new restaurant will introduce the city to “volcano” ramen.

He arrives in Houston thanks to Ramen Kazzana new restaurant opening this Monday, July 22. Located near the Heights in the former Star Fish/1751 Sea & Bar space (191 Heights Blvd.), the 3,600-square-foot restaurant features an open kitchen, large bar and outdoor patio.

Kazzan, named after the Japanese word for “volcano,” serves its noodles in a stone bowl heated to 350 degrees Celsius. When the broth is poured at the table through a cylindrical lid, steam erupts like a volcanic eruption.

Diners can choose from six flavors: Shio, Shoyu, Karamiso, Sukiyaki, Curry, or Veggie Tantan, served in either traditional tonkotsu pork or vegetarian broth. As is common at ramen restaurants, bowls can be customized with different toppings, such as marinated egg, chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and more.

In addition to ramen, Kazzan offers dishes such as chicken karaage, gyoza, fried chicken wings, and spicy cream-fried shrimp. Those who prefer rice will find bowls filled with various meat or vegetable options and curry. For dessert, dig into a bowl of kakigori, shaved ice topped with condensed milk available in three different flavors, mango, matcha, and strawberry.

Pair them with alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails created by Houston bartender Ilin Yang (Aya Sushi, Traveler’s Table). Options include the Ube Bae (sake, arak, lime juice, ube syrup, and guava juice), the Mount Boujee (Japanese whiskey, sencha syrup, etc.), and the Matcha In Your Dream (Japanese gin, lemon juice, lime juice, heavy cream, etc.).

Originating in Osaka, the concept recently opened its first U.S. location in Los Angeles. Houston is only Kazzan’s second location in America.

Owner Lianne Chang brings experience from operating Shipley Do-Nuts and Charley Cheesecakes to Kazzan, her first full-service restaurant.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kazzan Ramen & Bar to Houston,” Chang said in a statement. “Houstonians will love trying this unique new style of ramen with our dynamic lineup of specialty cocktails. We look forward to making Kazzan Ramen a part of the Houston community and sharing our passion for great food.”

The Heights and its neighboring neighborhoods have become one of Houston’s most ramen-obsessed neighborhoods. In addition to Ninja and Rakkan, nearby options include Killer noodles, Jinya Ramen Bar in the Heights Waterworks development and a 24-hour location based in Las Vegas Ramen Shokku on Studewood.

Kazzan Ramen opens daily at 11am.