Ramen Misoya

The Chicago outpost of the Japanese chain ramen shop might be a little bit of a drive, located in a strip mall in Mount Prospect, but the trip is well worth it. Known for their miso ramen, the shop is adorably littered with miso propaganda, highlighting the fermented soybean paste’s supposed health benefits (it’ll make you smarter, more alert, skinnier, clear up your skin and cure most illnesses). The miso broth is some of the best in the city, imparting each noodle-packed bowl with a nutty and complex flavor from the rich soybean paste. If you can handle the heat, be sure to add more spice, which has a pleasant and warming heat that will help take the chill out of even the coldest winter day.