Asahi Ramen   

As a little ramen-factory amid the storefronts on Westside's Little Tokyo strip, Asahi Ramen is easy to spot by the hordes of people waiting outside. Served hotter than Godzilla's breath, these heaping bowls of noodles in soy-sauced soup come packed with bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, one-half egg and chicken, beef or pork, depending on which cauldron you choose. Having earned a reputation as one of the cheapest quality finds around West LA (hey, you're not paying for the decor), Asahi also does gyoza (the Japanese potsticker) and noodle, tofu and rice dishes sans the broth. With tables packed tightly together and motel art on the walls, calling this place minimalist might be overdoing it. Chances are you won't even care, though, as you face-plant into your super-sized stringy selection, wondering why you didn't share your bowl with someone else.