Tasting Different Countries

Ruggles Black

3963 Kirby Dr.

Houston, TX 77089

$$$ • Casual Dining

Indian/French-American

Our first food adventure that inspired this blog was Ruggles Black. What started as a "catch up" lunch between 2 best friends, turned into a Feast for 3 Food Adventure at a restaurant none of us had yet to try.

The name "Ruggles" is famous in Houston for the different types of restaurants Bruce Mozlan has created. Ruggles Black is the newest installment, which boasts a more ethnic ambiance and a very eclectic menu. Mozlan partnered with Neera Patidar and hired Chef Thomas Nguyen. These 3 have found a way to bring worldwide flavors to Houston. The menu brilliantly combines Indian, Asian and American flavors in ways you never thought existed, at the same time staying "paleo." According to their website, the restaurant décor is perfectly described as a "spicy ethnic casual dining atmosphere in Upper Kirby." 

The Menu

Street Eats

Crab Tower | jumbo lump crab, avocado, pico de gallo, chili, mayo

Problem #7 | cedar planked scallops with a soy glaze, bacon and basil

(L) Seafood Curry Ramen | crab, mussels, shrimp, ramen noodles, fresh herbs in a curry broth 
(R) Fried Oysters with Caviar | gulf oysters, buttermilk, caviar, spicy house sauce, mango salad

Dessert

tres leches 

Problem #7 is served in a wooden box, so we were delightfully surprised when the waiter opened the little box that was just sitting there to reveal the deliciousness - AFTER almost finishing our meal. Every dish has exquisite flavors. We were fortunate enough to meet Chef Thomas Nguyen after our meal and compliment him on a job well done. If you are looking for a "different" restaurant and feeling adventurous, this place is highly recommended. The fusion of different countries is a perfect blend that will leave you satisfied and craving for more. 

Our Friendly Tips

We would come back for the Seafood Curry Ramen. Everything about it was absolutely amazing! The seafood was fresh and the curry blend had us fighting for the last drop of broth. 

This restaurant is best to take your first time Houston visitor. Houston has grown to be a very diverse city that has learned to embrace every culture. The fusion this restaurant creates exemplifies the cultural unity this great city has established.

You'll enjoy this place if you stay open minded about the menu. There isn't anything crazy on the menu like random pig parts or random animal meat, but they do use herbs and spices that you may have never heard of - but it's ok! It will taste REALLY good. It's also the best place for all those on a Paleo diet.