Chef Malik Cantu Launches Pork-Free Ramen Pop-Up

The 30-year-old chef is bringing his beef-based ramen concept to Dallas diners at an upcoming event.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Japanese Food

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a steaming bowl of beef ramen with wagyu beef slices, illustrating a pork-free culinary concept. — Chef Malik Cantu is debuting his pork-free ramen concept, Brothoholics, at a new pop-up event in Dallas featuring wagyu-based broth. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you enjoy a traditional ramen dish if the ingredients were entirely pork-free?

Chef Malik Cantu is hosting a pork-free ramen pop-up called Brothoholics in Dallas. The event features specialized bowls prepared with wagyu bones and tallow rather than traditional pork products.

Why it matters

The pop-up offers a unique alternative for diners seeking pork-free Japanese cuisine, reflecting Cantu's personal commitment following his religious conversion to Islam.

Brothoholics features chintan broth simmered overnight with pecan wood smoke, catering to dietary needs five years after the chef's conversion.

The players

Malik Cantu

He is a 30-year-old chef who spent years working in established Dallas restaurants before launching his own concept.

Villa Paradiso

This venue in the Bishop Arts district is serving as the host location for the upcoming ramen event.

Niwa Japanese BBQ

This restaurant served as a place of employment for Cantu for two years before closing in 2025.

The details

The signature smoked shoyu bowl features beef belly chashu and smoked tallow to replicate rich, traditional flavors without using pork. Chef Cantu, who previously worked at Knife Steakhouse and Niwa Japanese BBQ, intends to eventually open a permanent restaurant that is both pork-free and non-alcoholic.

2024: Isla & Co closed down.
June 2025: Niwa Japanese BBQ closed.
November 2025: Cantu participated in a food drive pop-up.
September 2026: Brothoholics held a pop-up at Stoneleigh P.
October 19, 2026: Brothoholics holds a pop-up at Villa Paradiso.

Culture Shift

The emergence of Brothoholics aligns with the broader trend of chefs adapting traditional international dishes to meet specific cultural and religious dietary standards. This movement signals a shift toward more inclusive dining experiences in the competitive Dallas food landscape.

Diners interested in the pop-up can experience the menu on October 19 at the Villa Paradiso location. The event offers a rare opportunity to taste beef-centric ramen in a city where pork-based broths are typically the industry standard.

The takeaway

When choosing where to eat, diners with specific dietary requirements can now find increasingly sophisticated alternatives in Dallas. Exploring pop-up events often allows patrons to sample unique, niche culinary creations that are not yet available at traditional restaurants.