Kouchan Ramen to Open First U.S. Location in Plano This November

Kouchan, the celebrated Japanese chain recognized for its Hakata ramen, is preparing to make its U.S. debut in November 2026. Located at 4709 W. Parker Road in West Plano, the restaurant will join a shopping strip that includes Tokyo Shokudo and Campisi’s. Kouchan is part of the Ikkousha Group, which operates several Hakata ramen establishments throughout Asia, including the well-known Hakata Ikkousha, credited with pioneering bubble-style tonkatsu ramen in 2004. This innovative preparation involves whisking the broth into a thick foam that is added atop the tonkatsu just before serving, enhancing the dish's flavor profile without the use of additives.

Hakata ramen, one of Japan's three renowned ramen styles alongside Sapporo miso and Kitakata ramen, hails from Fukuoka Prefecture and is celebrated across the country. The hallmark of Hakata ramen is its pale, cloudy tonkatsu broth, achieved by boiling pork bones at high temperatures, which releases gelatin into the broth, creating its signature appearance and texture.

Unlike many ramen shops in Dallas that offer a variety of styles, Kouchan will focus exclusively on tonkatsu ramen, starting with a secret tare seasoning base that has been passed down since the restaurant's inception. This base is combined with a rich pork bone broth that simmers for hours, resulting in a deep umami flavor with a hint of sweetness. Kouchan's signature dish will feature thin noodles, tender chashu pork, and crisp green onions, with additional flavors available, including god fire tonkatsu, which incorporates chili oil and spicy miso, and black garlic, infused with black garlic oil for a smoky depth.

All noodles will be crafted in-house using a specially designed flour blend tailored to complement the signature broth, ensuring a perfect texture. Diners can customize their ramen by selecting the firmness of their noodles, including options for kaedama-style, which offers extra noodles.

In addition to ramen, Kouchan will introduce a unique menu for its Plano location, featuring sides, drinks, and bar items, with highlights including mazeman (brothless ramen), gyoza, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), fried rice, and French fries. As Kouchan prepares for its grand opening, updates will be shared on their social media platforms, marking this as their flagship U.S. location and the third international venue, following openings in Seoul and Bangkok.