Hakata Issuitei

Tonkotsu-focused ramen shop openings are dime a dozen every year, but finding an authentic Hakata-style, no-frills joint among the newcomers is actually harder than it sounds. Our top pick for 2016 is Issuitei, opened close to Shinjuku Gyoen by a true Hakata native. You'll notice the unmistakable aroma from quite some distance away, but arriving at the shop might result in a surprise: this is no dirty and cramped ramen-ya of old, but a spacious, almost sleek eatery decorated with wood that's only slightly darker than the wonderfully rich, creamy soup. Customise your bowl with some complimentary shredded ginger or pickled takana mustard, and consider going for a kaedama (additional noodle batch) to finish up the liquid delight.