Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai

One of Japan’s most popular ramen chains has finally landed in a South Bay strip mall after opening several locations in the OC. Unlike most of L.A.’s tonkotsu joints, Kitakata’s specialty is a clear, flavorful pork-based shoyu broth paired with shina soba—a wavy, softer Chinese-style noodle—and tender slices of chashu. For a spice kick, order the green chili shio ramen, which swaps the soy base out for salt and adds a pile of scallions on top. The tiny strip mall joint also serves excellent gyoza and other sides, plus plain and spicy miso, tan tan and vegan broth options. In our eyes, however, what makes Kitakata a countywide destination is the signature shoyu bowl, as well as the unique tsukemen, which uses a sesame-inflected dashi shoyu in place of a usually fatty dipping broth. On weekends, add yourself to the Yelp waitlist ahead of time to cut down on your wait.