WHY Fantastic paiko (fried pork in curry spices) and owners so fanatical about quality that they won’t let you take the noodle soup to go—they don’t want to ruin the ramen’s characteristic bite by letting it sit too long in the hot broth.

WHAT Come here for imported Japanese ramen meticulously cooked and served in the style of China’s Sichuan province. There’s a generous array of noodle dishes and toppings that range from fried chicken chunks to fresh clams. Plus really great prices on the well-crafted, tapas-size offerings.