Sakuramen 사쿠라멘

Dishes are cooked one table at a time, in order, and food takes about 20 minutes to arrive; on many days you first write your name on the waiting list. Nagasaki champon ramen comes in a wide, shallow bowl heaped with mussels, squid, shrimp and vegetables over a big portion of chewy noodles. Rayu-men smells strongly of chili oil, yet even the higher levels are milder than expected; for real heat, go straight to the top. The thick tonkatsu stays tender, and shrimp tempura softens nicely after a quick dip in the broth. The salty, spicy fresh kimchi on the side is good enough that you wish they sold it by the tub.