In theory ramen is simple pork-based noodle soup, served with pork, seaweed and scallions, but in practice it’s a dish that devotees spend a lifetime pursuing, searching for the next perfect bowl. We recommend stopping by Hakataya Ramen and sampling as good an example of this Japanese staple as you’ll find south of Okinawa. The secret is the pork broth, simmered for 48 hours to get a rich, umami flavour that you just can’t find at places that don’t dedicate themselves to ramen. As well as the spicy miso ramen, we recommend a plate of gyōza fried dumplings.