Trying to pick out your favorite ramen spot in Japan can be a tough choice - there are so many fantastic spots offering up loads of variations on the much-loved noodle dish. My number one, though? Kaotan Ramen. Kaotan is a small shack sitting right next to Tokyo's Aoyama Cemetery, and epitomizes the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover".
There are no flashy menus inside and no fancy signs outside, but something about this place just has a rustic charm that I adore. It's frequented by salarymen and hordes of taxi drivers that stop on the street outside the shack to get their ramen fix, which to me is a sign that they're legit. The kitchen area is tiny, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time a little when you enter - but the unique ambience adds to the overall experience.
Not sure what to order? Simply say "ramen" and you'll get their signature dish which is a shoyu broth with their deliciously chewy noodles, topped with melt in your mouth char-siu pork, fried onions and snow peas. Sounds basic compared to some other ramen dishes out there, but the taste is incredible.
