Shuhei was a great discovery just a short walk from my hotel. I love ramen and especially enjoy the smaller ramen restaurants that might be a bit off the beaten path.

Such is Shuhei– located on what an American would call an alley. A place with no tables; just stools arrayed around the circular counter separating the customers from the cooks. Everyone in there at lunchtime seemed like a local and the only English-speaking cook struck up a conversation with me because I was obviously gaijin.

His name is Yoshi and I assume he's the owner because he told me about a second location he opened in San Mateo, California, close to the San Francisco suburb where I grew up!

Yoshi explained Shuhei makes its own noodles from Hokkaido wheat flour which apparently has special attributes. The noodles, pork belly and shoyu broth were perfect. What a treat!

BTW Google says Shuhei is cash only– but they happily accepted my Visa card.