Working Class Hero: Beijing's Japanese Ramen Noodles

Like any humble meal, great culinary talent can, and does, transcend the limits of a simple staple dish, and elevate it to art. Ranging from simple to superlative, these bowls will get you through the day.

Ajisen
With over 30 branches in Beijing, Aijisen is the 7-Eleven of Japanese Ramen Noodles. They are everywhere you want to be (if you want to be in a mall or in an office building). You know what you are getting, so there is no room for disappointment – slurp down not great but good enough noodles surrounded by white-collar brethren.
Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. 味千拉面，朝阳区建国路87号新光天地地下1层

Ajitoku
This Tokyo-style restaurant serves a variety of classic and innovative Japanese dishes in an industrial-chic setting.
Daily 11.00am-2.30pm, 5.00-9.30pm. Bldg C, B113, Raycom Infotech Park, 2 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Zhongguancun, Haidian District. (8286 1993) 味德日本料理, 海淀区科学院南路2号 (北四环中关村3号桥南拐100米路西) 融科资讯中心C座地下一层

Elvis
With Japanese pop music on the speakers, simple decor and plainly dressed wait staff, Elvis may look like fast food, but it also serves up some of the best ramen in the city.
Daily 11am-11pm. 3 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District. (6622 0388) 福神, 西城区金城坊街3号

Miyazaki’s Home
Is this the home of one the world’s most delightful storytelling masterminds – complete, as one would expect, with scuttling ghosts and portals to strange and magic realms? Perhaps not, but it is the home of a ramen mastermind, as the rich, nourishing broth attests.
Daily 10.30am-10pm. 20-4-101 Jintai Li, Jintai Lu, Chaoyang District. (8599 4866) 宫崎家，朝阳区金台路金台里20-4-101

Invincible Ramen
The name smacks of hubris, but this small restaurant’s faith in its bowls of thin Japanese noodles served in piping hot broth (RMB 23-28) is absolutely justified. Invincible’s soups rival any in Beijing – layers of flavor color the soy option, while the non-soy option is rich and solid. Slices of pork and ramen com¬bine for a silky, savory end result. Simple maki and nigiri (RMB 8-12) make inexpensive side dishes, and there are fruit slushy desserts (includ¬ing cranberry and mulberry, RMB 18-20) and shochu to drink.All the elements combine for what is likely Beijing’s best ramen.
Daily 11am-10.30pm. 32 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6467 7688) 无敌家 浜骨汤创作面坊, 朝阳区霄云路32号

Lai Lai Ken
Enjoy affordable and authentic Japanese noodles along with homesick Japanese business¬men in this small but well-designed restaurant.
Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. 1) C9 Haoyun Jie (Lucky Street), Chaoyang District. (5867 0299); 2) 8 Xinyuan Xili Zhongjie, Chaoyang District. (6467 8719) 来来轩, 1) 朝阳区好运街C9; 2) 朝阳区新源西里中街8号

Len Len
Len Len’s entrance and underground dining area may be sus¬piciously bunker-like but once inside, one finds a relaxing atmosphere and refined food. A wide overview of Japa¬nese food is offered, with delectable staples like tempura, udon noodles, and soba.
Daily 6pm-12.30am. 1/F, Ziming Dasha, 12B Xinzhong Jie, Chaoyang District. (6415 6415/6416) 联联, 朝阳区新中街乙12号紫铭大厦1层]

Meishixiu
Opened by a Beijinger who returned home after receiving training at some of Japan’s most prestigious restaurants, this healthy little eatery specializes in soba noodles.
Daily 10.30am-11pm. Tuanjiehu Beiwutiao (300 metres east of Tuanjiehu Beijie, behind the Beijing Maternity Hospital), Chaoyang District. (8597 5618) 美食秀特色餐厅, 朝阳区团结湖北五条（团结湖北街往东300米, 北京妇产医院后面）

Noodle Bar
1949’s noodle house seats twelve diners around its central bar, behind which chefs tease out lengthy strips of noodle before your eyes, then toss them into your choice from a small range of soups, including brisket, tendon, tripe and a veggie option (all around RMB 30). The RMB 38 set features a broth including the three meats mentioned above, served with an additional two side dishes.
Daily 12.30-2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. Inside 1949-The Hidden City, Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6501 1949) 朝阳区工体北路4号院

Oden
Hearty Japanese stew and luscious sushi. The affordable sake sets are a great introduction to Japan’s national drink.
Daily 6pm-late (reservations essential before 10pm). Rm 204, Taiyue Suites, 16 Nansanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6506 6700) 关东煮, 朝阳区南三里屯路16号泰悦豪庭2层204室

Sake Manzo
Opened by a qualified sake taster, this “dining-bar” boasts a huge selection of shochu and sake as well as excellent umeshu. The Japanese home cooking-inspired menu features favorites including homemade tofu, a great scallion-smothered tonkatsu and innovative salads.
1) Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-12.30am. 1/F, Yilongfang, Yilongtai Apartment, 28 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District. (8770 8767); 2) Daily 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-midnight. 27 Liangmaqiao Lu, Anjialou, Chaoyang District. (6436 1608) 慢走日本烧灼餐厅, 1) 朝阳区潘家园南里28号漪龙台公寓伊龙坊1层; 2) 朝阳区安家楼亮马桥路27号