Recommended bowl: Hidden shack

This small shack has no sign and no noren outside—you just have to know where it is. Run by a lone master with just five seats, and if you don't mind the clutter and somewhat ramshackle interior, take a seat and order away. Both ramen and tsukemen are the offerings, both recommended. The soup is a rich and smooth, satisfying tonkotsu gyokai, paired with house made noodles containing 100% Japanese wheat. Toppings are kept simple and straightforward. Originally opened in Tateishi in 2007, as 'Menshokudo X,’ moved to Kita-Senju and rebranded as Kobayashi in 2012. Less