Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Tucked into the sprawling suburban Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights is the Chicago outlet of this popular ramen chain that first opened on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. Before stocking up on rice noodles and jars of chili oil from the market shelves, make your way to the sparse central food court and order a bowl of ramen. The soups here are straightforward and unfussy, but the grid-like menu is extensive and can be overwhelming. There's miso, shoyu and shino broths, and while you won't go wrong with any of the choices, but we’re partial to the spicy miso ramen, with a silky broth. Regardless of your broth choice, make sure to order your soup char-siu style, topped with tender slices of barbecued pork that the restaurant is known for.