Japanese Noodles Above the Styrofoam Cup
Why locals love it
Seattle is a city that loves its Asian noodles, from pho, to pad thai, to ramen, the last of which Kukai serves up quite wonderfully. Here, you can get yourself a hot, filling bowl of amazing traditional shouyu, tonkotsu, or miso ramen for around $10.
Why you should visit it
If you haven't had ramen since the freeze-dried and salt-ridden blocks that got you through college, Kukai is a great place to start learning more about one of the mainstays of Japanese cuisine. A good selection of beer and sake accompanies a list of all the mainstays of Japanese ramen and a tasty list of snacks.
Special tip
Call ahead on the weekend. For a fast food spot, they get busy! Feeling adventurous? Try the takoyaki; fried dumplings with octopus inside.