Shoryu Ramen Regent St

Run by the kooky Japan Centre over the road, this ramen joint ups the authenticity with a chef recruited from Hakata – the district of Fukuoka synonymous with these soupy bowls of wheat noodles. Sixteen varieties are on offer, all spins on the basic theme of a rich, meaty broth festooned with pork, egg, beansprouts, nori and more besides; it’s warming, nourishing stuff, if a little bland – opt for the garlic-heavy ‘Dracula’ version for the biggest wallop of flavour. Side orders of pork dumplings and soft-shell crab are decent enough, prices are extremely reasonable, and the drinks list touts everything from saké and shochu to peppy cocktails and curious green-tea creations. A drum is banged as you’re taken to your table, but there’s no pressure once you’ve finished. Alternatively, head to self-service Shoryu Go at 19 Air Street for a high-speed noodle fix.