Tsukemen in NoHo: This ramen joint on hipster hangout Gough Street originates from Shikoku, Japan, and is the branch’s first international outlet. Shugetsu specializes in tsukemen: cold ramen noodles dipped into a warm ramen broth that’s much more concentrated than usual.

Look & Feel: Shugetsu has a lovely warm woody interior and traditional wall-facing bar seating. The walls are decorated with intricate Japanese patterns and chalk paintings, and there’s even an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work.

On the Menu: Other than the signature tsukemen ($88), you can also find regular ramen ($75–$99), rice with pork belly ($50–$70) and a ton of sides to choose from, such as deep fried chicken soft bones ($40) and dumplings ($40).

Service: The helpful staff took extra care to make sure that our ramen was to our liking, whether that be hot or cold, with a light or rich broth.

Jeng: Shugetsu serves a fish and soy sauce broth that makes our taste buds so happy. It is flavorful and has that distinctive umami-like “fish” taste, but not as thick and filling as a tokontsu pork broth. Some of our friends, however, has said that broth is too salty for their liking.

Great for: An easy lunch or dinner, casual date.

FYI: If you’re having the tsukemen, don’t waste that beautiful broth after you’re done with your ramen. Ask the staff to pour in a clear chicken broth, and then drink it as soup.

This writeup was based on an independent tasting. The Loop doesn’t guarantee/sell restaurant review coverage. See our editorial policy here.