Best Ramen in Las Vegas: Complete Noodle Guide 2025

Las Vegas Has Become a Ramen Destination

Las Vegas isn't the first city that comes to mind when you think about ramen. But in the last decade, something remarkable happened in Chinatown and scattered Strip locations—serious ramen culture took root. Not fusion ramen with quirky toppings, not Americanized noodle soup, but authentic Japanese ramen made by chefs who understand the decades of tradition behind every bowl.

Today, Vegas has legitimate ramen shops where broths simmer for 16+ hours, noodles arrive daily from specialized manufacturers, and toppings are prepared with the precision you'd find in Tokyo or Fukuoka. The city's 24/7 culture means you can get exceptional ramen at 2 AM. The diverse Asian population ensures authenticity stays front and center.

This guide isn't about every restaurant that serves noodles in broth. It's about the best ramen in Las Vegas—shops that respect tradition while serving the cravings of both ramen nerds and first-timers. Whether you want creamy tonkotsu, refined shoyu, or adventurous tsukemen, this guide will lead you to the perfect bowl.

Why Vegas Ramen Matters

• Chinatown Authenticity: Spring Mountain Road rivals LA's Little Tokyo for ramen quality
• Late-Night Culture: Most ramen shops stay open until 2-3 AM
• Japanese Ownership: Many shops are run by Japanese chefs with decades of experience
• Competitive Pricing: Bowls typically $12-18, significantly less than Strip restaurants
• Authentic Ingredients: Direct imports of noodles, tare, and specialty toppings from Japan

Understanding Ramen Styles

Before diving into specific restaurants, understand the four major ramen categories:

• Tonkotsu: Pork bone broth, creamy and rich, from Fukuoka region
• Shoyu: Soy sauce-based broth, clear and savory, Tokyo style
• Miso: Fermented soybean paste broth, bold and hearty, Hokkaido origin
• Shio: Salt-based broth, the lightest and most delicate style
• Tsukemen: Dipping ramen with thick noodles and concentrated broth

Each style requires different preparation techniques, cooking times, and toppings. Great ramen shops specialize rather than trying to do everything.

Top 15 Ramen Restaurants in Las Vegas

Chinatown Champions

1. Monta Ramen (Chinatown)

• Specialty: Tonkotsu ramen (Kyushu style)
• Signature Bowl: Original tonkotsu with chashu pork ($14)
• Why it's the best: 16-hour pork bone broth, authentic Hakata-style preparation
• Noodles: Thin, straight noodles imported from Japan
• Customization: Richness level (light to extra rich), noodle firmness, garlic intensity
• Hours: Daily 11 AM - 2 AM
• Price Range: $12-18 per bowl
• Local Secret: Order kaedama (extra noodles for $2) to extend your meal

2. Jinya Ramen Bar (Multiple Locations)

• Specialty: Modern ramen with creative variations
• Signature Bowl: Tonkotsu Black with garlic oil ($16)
• Atmosphere: Upscale casual, date-night appropriate
• Best For: Ramen newcomers and those wanting variety
• Menu Breadth: Multiple broth styles, vegan options, seasonal specials
• Locations: Chinatown, Henderson, Summerlin
• Price Range: $14-20 per bowl
• Don't Miss: Pork belly buns, chicken karaage appetizers

3. Ramen Sora (Chinatown)

• Specialty: Tsukemen (dipping ramen)
• Why it's special: One of few Vegas shops doing authentic tsukemen
• Signature: Rich seafood tsukemen with thick noodles ($15)
• Technique: Concentrated broth meant for dipping, not drinking
• Noodle Style: Thick, chewy noodles perfect for dipping
• Summer Option: Cold tsukemen (hiyashi tsukemen)
• Price Range: $13-17 per bowl
• Insider Tip: Ask for soup-wari (broth dilution) at the end to drink remaining broth

4. Ramen Kobo (Chinatown)

• Style: Traditional Tokyo shoyu ramen
• What Makes It Different: Clear broth that's deceptively complex
• Signature Bowl: Shoyu chashu ramen ($14)
• Broth Clarity: Clean chicken-pork blend without cloudiness
• Best For: Refined palates and those who prefer lighter broths
• Chashu Quality: Tender pork belly cooked low and slow
• Price Range: $12-16 per bowl
• Local Following: Popular with Japanese expats

5. Ramen Hashi (Chinatown)

• Specialty: Miso ramen variations
• Signature: Hokkaido-style miso ramen with corn and butter ($15)
• Unique Element: House-blended miso paste from multiple types
• Comfort Factor: Heartier, more filling than other styles
• Best Season: Winter months (though AC makes it viable year-round)
• Vegetable Quality: Fresh bean sprouts, corn, cabbage
• Price Range: $13-17 per bowl

Strip & Off-Strip Options

6. Ramen-Ya (Palace Station)

• Location Advantage: Off-Strip convenience with local pricing
• Style: Multiple regional Japanese styles
• Signature: Tonkotsu with ajitama (marinated soft-boiled egg) ($13)
• Why Locals Love It: Casino location with food court prices
• Hours: 11 AM - midnight daily
• Parking: Free casino parking
• Price Range: $11-15 per bowl

7. Momofuku (Cosmopolitan)

• Chef: David Chang's Vegas outpost
• Style: Elevated ramen with premium ingredients
• Signature Bowl: Shiromaru Classic with pork belly ($18)
• Strip Premium: Higher prices but excellent quality and service
• Atmosphere: Modern, upscale casual dining
• Best For: Those staying on Strip who want quality ramen without leaving
• Price Range: $17-25 per bowl
• Bonus: Full bar with excellent sake selection

8. Shokku Ramen (Henderson)

• Local Favorite: Henderson's go-to ramen spot
• Style: Traditional tonkotsu and shoyu
• Signature: Black garlic tonkotsu ($14)
• Family-Friendly: Suburban location with parking
• Quality Control: Consistent execution, rarely disappoints
• Hours: 11 AM - 10 PM (earlier close than Chinatown)
• Price Range: $12-16 per bowl

Hidden Gems & Specialty Shops

9. Fukumimi Ramen (Chinatown)

• Unique Position: Kyoto-style ramen, rare in Vegas
• Specialty: Chicken paitan (creamy chicken broth)
• Signature Bowl: Tori paitan with yuzu ($15)
• Lighter Option: Rich texture without pork heaviness
• Citrus Notes: Yuzu adds brightness uncommon in Vegas ramen
• Price Range: $13-17 per bowl
• Cult Following: Ramen enthusiasts seek this out specifically

10. Ramen Tat-Su-Ya (Boulder Highway)

• Location: Off the beaten path but worth the trip
• Style: Straightforward tonkotsu, expertly executed
• No-Frills Approach: Focus entirely on broth and noodle quality
• Price Advantage: $11-14 per bowl
• Local Secret: Often empty when Chinatown has lines
• Best For: Those prioritizing quality over atmosphere

11. Ichiza (Chinatown)

• Primary Identity: Japanese gastropub (izakaya)
• Ramen Offering: Late-night shoyu ramen ($12)
• Best Context: After drinking, with small plates
• Hours: Open until 3 AM on weekends
• Atmosphere: Lively, social, izakaya energy
• Why It Makes the List: Exceptional late-night option with full menu

Fusion & Modern Interpretations

12. Kaizen Sushi & Ramen (Summerlin)

• Concept: Sushi restaurant with serious ramen program
• Style: Both traditional and creative fusion bowls
• Unique Offerings: Lobster ramen, wagyu beef ramen
• Date Night Appeal: Upscale atmosphere, full menu variety
• Price Range: $14-24 per bowl
• Best For: Mixed groups where some want ramen, others want sushi

13. Bok Bok Chicken (Chinatown)

• Primary Focus: Korean fried chicken
• Ramen Surprise: Excellent spicy ramen with Korean influences
• Signature: Spicy chicken ramen ($13)
• Korean Twist: Gochugaru spice, kimchi toppings
• Best Strategy: Share fried chicken and ramen
• Late Night: Open until 2 AM most nights

Value Champions

14. Nijiya Market Food Court (Chinatown)

• Setting: Japanese grocery store with small food court
• Ramen Quality: Surprisingly good for grocery store food court
• Price: $9-12 per bowl (cheapest authentic option)
• Best For: Quick lunch, budget eating
• Bonus: Shop for Japanese ingredients after eating
• Authenticity: Japanese clientele confirms quality

15. Ramen Nakamura (North Las Vegas)

• Hidden Location: Residential area strip mall
• Style: Home-style Japanese ramen
• Price Range: $10-14 per bowl
• Charm Factor: Feels like neighborhood spot in Japan
• Limited Hours: Lunch and early dinner only
• Why It's Worth It: Authentic experience without tourist premium

Ramen Broth Styles Deep Dive

Tonkotsu: The Creamy King

Tonkotsu ramen originated in Fukuoka and has become the most popular style worldwide. The secret is brutally simple but labor-intensive: boil pork bones at high heat for 12-18 hours until collagen breaks down into gelatin, creating a milky, creamy broth.

What to Expect:

• Appearance: Cloudy white or beige broth, opaque
• Texture: Rich, creamy, coats your mouth
• Flavor: Deep pork flavor, umami-rich, often garlicky
• Noodles: Thin, straight noodles that cut through richness
• Traditional Toppings: Chashu pork, kikurage (wood ear mushroom), negi (scallions), beni shoga (pickled ginger)

Best Vegas Tonkotsu: Monta Ramen, Jinya Ramen Bar, Shokku Ramen

Customization Options:

• Kotteri vs Assari: Rich/heavy vs light/clean
• Noodle Firmness: Kata (hard), futsu (normal), yawa (soft)
• Garlic Intensity: None to crushed garlic bomb
• Spice Level: From mild to volcanic

Shoyu: The Elegant Classic

Shoyu ramen is Tokyo's signature style—a clear broth combining chicken and pork with soy sauce tare (seasoning). This is the style most Japanese people grew up eating, representing traditional ramen.

What to Expect:

• Appearance: Clear brown broth, you can see through it
• Texture: Light, clean, not heavy
• Flavor: Savory soy sauce, balanced umami, slightly sweet
• Noodles: Medium-thick, wavy noodles with slight yellow tinge
• Traditional Toppings: Chashu, menma (bamboo shoots), nori (seaweed), ajitama (marinated egg)

Best Vegas Shoyu: Ramen Kobo, Ichiza, Momofuku

Why Choose Shoyu:

• Less heavy than tonkotsu, can eat larger portion
• More refined, showcases broth-making skill
• Better for hot weather (though Vegas has AC everywhere)
• Pairs better with beer and sake

Miso: The Bold Northern Style

Miso ramen comes from Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The fermented soybean paste creates a bold, hearty broth perfect for cold climates. In Vegas, it's comfort food with complexity.

What to Expect:

• Appearance: Cloudy brown/tan broth
• Texture: Thick, rich, substantial
• Flavor: Savory, slightly sweet, fermented complexity
• Noodles: Thick, chewy noodles that match broth weight
• Traditional Toppings: Corn, butter, bean sprouts, ground pork, negi

Best Vegas Miso: Ramen Hashi, Jinya (miso options)

Miso Variations:

• White Miso: Milder, sweeter, less fermented
• Red Miso: Bolder, saltier, more fermented
• Blended Miso: Most shops use combination for balance

Shio: The Delicate Original

Shio (salt) ramen is the oldest style, originating in Hakodate. It's the lightest, most delicate broth—often underappreciated because it seems simple. Done well, it's revelatory.

What to Expect:

• Appearance: Clear, pale yellow broth
• Texture: Light, almost delicate
• Flavor: Clean, allows toppings to shine, subtle salinity
• Noodles: Thin to medium, straight
• Traditional Toppings: Chashu, menma, kamaboko (fish cake), nori

Vegas Availability: Limited; Ramen Kobo and Fukumimi occasionally offer

Tsukemen: The Dipping Revolution

Tsukemen isn't technically a broth style but a serving method. Thick noodles served cold or room temperature with hot, concentrated dipping broth on the side. It's a completely different eating experience.

What to Expect:

• Presentation: Separate bowls for noodles and broth
• Noodle Texture: Much thicker, chewier than regular ramen
• Broth Intensity: Highly concentrated, meant for dipping not drinking
• Eating Method: Dip noodles, slurp, repeat
• Finish: Request soup-wari (hot water) to dilute and drink remaining broth

Best Vegas Tsukemen: Ramen Sora (specializes in this style)

Essential Ramen Toppings Explained

The Protein: Chashu and Beyond

Chashu (Braised Pork Belly)

• What It Is: Pork belly braised in soy sauce, mirin, sake until tender
• Quality Markers: Should melt in your mouth, not chewy
• Proper Preparation: Days-long marination, precise slicing
• Extra Chashu: Usually $3-5 for additional slices

Alternative Proteins

• Chicken Chashu: Lighter, leaner option
• Ground Pork: Common in miso and spicy ramen
• Seafood: Shrimp, scallops in premium bowls
• Tofu: For vegetarian options

The Egg: Ajitama Perfection

The marinated soft-boiled egg (ajitama or ramen egg) is crucial. Perfect execution means jammy yolk, tender white, and days of marination in soy-based liquid.

Quality Indicators:

• Yolk Texture: Jammy, not fully hard or runny
• Marination: Even brown color throughout white
• Flavor: Sweet-savory, enhances without overpowering
• Temperature: Should be room temp, not refrigerator-cold

Essential Vegetable Toppings

• Negi (Scallions): Fresh, sharp, cuts through richness
• Menma (Bamboo Shoots): Fermented, adds texture and umami
• Kikurage (Wood Ear Mushroom): Crunchy texture, mild flavor
• Bean Sprouts: Freshness and crunch
• Corn: Sweet element in miso ramen
• Nori (Seaweed): Oceanic umami, dissolves into broth

Flavor Enhancers

• Mayu (Black Garlic Oil): Adds smoky, intense garlic flavor
• Rayu (Chili Oil): Heat and aromatic spice
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty flavor and texture
• Beni Shoga (Pickled Ginger): Palate cleanser, especially in tonkotsu

Customization Strategy

First Visit to Any Shop: Order house special as-is to understand chef's vision

Subsequent Visits: Customize based on preferences:

• Extra richness if you loved the broth
• Extra toppings (chashu, egg, negi)
• Spice level adjustments
• Noodle firmness (many prefer kata/hard for better texture)

Vegetarian & Vegan Ramen Options

The Challenge: Traditional Ramen Isn't Plant-Based

Authentic ramen relies heavily on animal products—pork bones, chicken, fish-based dashi, eggs. But Vegas ramen shops increasingly offer legitimate vegetarian and vegan options, not just sad afterthoughts.

Best Vegetarian Ramen in Vegas

Jinya Ramen Bar - Vegan Options

• Offering: Dedicated vegan ramen with plant-based broth
• Broth Base: Vegetable and mushroom stock, miso-forward
• Toppings: Tofu, seasonal vegetables, corn, negi
• Noodles: Vegan noodles available (traditional contain egg)
• Price: $14-16
• Quality: Not an afterthought—genuinely delicious

Fukumimi - Vegetarian Broth Option

• Offering: Vegetable-based paitan (creamy broth)
• Technique: Blended vegetables create creaminess without animal fat
• Innovation: Proves ramen richness doesn't require pork

Making Ramen Vegetarian-Friendly

What to Request:

• Vegetable broth base (if available)
• No chashu, substitute extra vegetables or tofu
• No egg (or confirm if eggs are acceptable for your diet)
• Check noodles—some contain egg, ask for vegan noodles

Shops Most Accommodating:

• Jinya Ramen Bar (dedicated vegan menu)
• Fukumimi (creative with vegetables)
• Kaizen (willing to customize)

Vegetarian Ramen Toppings to Request

• Extra Mushrooms: Adds umami and meatiness
• Tofu: Protein source, absorbs broth flavor
• Extra Negi: Adds sharpness and freshness
• Corn: Sweetness and texture
• Bean Sprouts: Crunch and nutrition
• Sesame Seeds: Healthy fats and nutty flavor

Ramen Ordering & Etiquette Tips

How to Order Like a Regular

First-Time Visit Strategy

1. Order the house specialty: Usually labeled "original" or chef's name
2. Order it standard: Don't customize on first visit
3. Experience the chef's vision: Then customize future visits
4. Add gyoza or appetizer: Ramen alone often isn't filling enough

Customization Options Explained

Broth Richness:

• Assari: Light, less fatty
• Futsu: Normal (recommended for first-timers)
• Kotteri: Rich, extra fatty

Noodle Firmness:

• Yawa: Soft (avoid unless you specifically want this)
• Futsu: Normal
• Kata: Hard/firm (preferred by enthusiasts)
• Barikata: Extra hard (tonkotsu specialty)

Garlic Intensity (mainly for tonkotsu):

• None: Clean broth flavor
• Normal: Balanced garlic presence
• Extra: Strong garlic flavor
• Garlic Bomb: For true garlic lovers (prepare for aftermath)

Dining Etiquette

Slurping Is Expected:

• Not rude—it's how you're supposed to eat ramen
• Aerates noodles, enhances flavor perception
• Cools noodles as you slurp
• Shows appreciation to the chef

Eating Order:

1. Taste the broth first: One spoonful to appreciate it
2. Eat noodles quickly: They continue cooking in hot broth
3. Pace yourself with toppings: Don't save all for the end
4. Finish within 15-20 minutes: Quality degrades as noodles oversoak

Table Manners:

• Use provided spoon for broth, chopsticks for noodles/toppings
• Don't be afraid to lift bowl to drink broth
• Not required to finish all broth (it's salty, and a lot)
• At busy shops, don't linger after finishing—respect the line

Menu Add-Ons Worth Ordering

• Kaedama ($2-3): Extra noodle portion, brilliant for broth extension
• Extra Egg ($1.50-2): Always worth it if the ajitama is good
• Extra Chashu ($3-5): For protein lovers
• Gyoza (6-8 pieces, $6-8): Classic ramen companion
• Takoyaki ($6-8): Octopus balls, fun appetizer
• Chicken Karaage ($7-9): Japanese fried chicken, excellent with ramen

Late-Night Ramen: Vegas After Dark

Why Vegas Ramen Culture Thrives at Night

Ramen and late-night culture are inseparable in Japan—it's the traditional post-drinking meal. Vegas has embraced this perfectly, with most Chinatown ramen shops open until 2-3 AM.

Best Late-Night Ramen Spots

Monta Ramen (Open Until 2 AM)

• Peak Hours: Midnight to 2 AM on weekends
• Scene: Mix of industry workers, clubbers, locals
• Why It's Perfect: Rich tonkotsu absorbs alcohol, satisfies drunk cravings
• Pro Move: Order extra garlic for maximum hangover prevention

Ichiza (Open Until 3 AM Weekends)

• Advantage: Full izakaya menu plus ramen
• Best For: Groups wanting variety
• Atmosphere: Lively, bar-like, social
• Strategy: Share small plates, end with ramen

Jinya Ramen Bar (Hours Vary by Location)

• Latest Location: Chinatown until midnight-1 AM
• Upside: Better atmosphere than some late-night spots
• Good For: Date nights that ran late

Late-Night Ramen Strategy

After Clubbing:

• Choose rich tonkotsu to absorb alcohol
• Add extra egg for protein
• Request extra negi (scallions) for freshness
• Drink all the broth for hydration

After Shows:

• Lighter shoyu or shio won't make you uncomfortably full
• Better for conversation—not rushing to finish noodles

Industry Night (Usually Sunday-Tuesday):

• Restaurant workers flood ramen shops after service
• Best time to see what actual chefs eat
• Energy is high, wait times longer but vibe is worth it

Ramen Pricing Guide: What to Expect

Typical Vegas Ramen Pricing

Chinatown Standard ($12-18)

• Basic Bowl: $12-14 with standard toppings
• Premium Bowl: $15-18 with extra chashu or special toppings
• Add-Ons: $1.50-5 per item
• Appetizers: $6-10 for gyoza, karaage, etc.

Strip Hotel Premium ($17-25)

• Basic Bowl: $17-20
• Premium/Specialty: $22-25
• Why the Premium: Location, ambiance, service quality
• Worth It If: Convenience outweighs cost, or you value atmosphere

Budget Options ($9-12)

• Food Court Ramen: Nijiya Market, some casino food courts
• Quality Trade-Off: Still good, but less complex broths
• Best For: Quick lunch, budget travel

How to Maximize Value

1. Lunch Specials: Some shops offer $2-3 discounts at lunch
2. Kaedama Strategy: Order basic bowl, add $2 kaedama for more noodles vs $4+ for larger initial bowl
3. Skip Drinks: Free water is fine; drinks add $3-5
4. Happy Hour: Few ramen shops have this, but Jinya occasionally offers appetizer deals
5. Follow Social Media: Shops announce specials on Instagram

What You're Really Paying For

In Quality Ramen:

• 12-18 hours of broth simmering (labor and energy costs)
• Premium ingredients (imported noodles, quality pork)
• Skilled preparation (proper chashu requires days)
• Authentic technique (trained chefs, often from Japan)

Strip Premium Includes:

• Prime real estate costs
• Upscale atmosphere and service
• Convenience (no need to leave Strip)
• Sometimes celebrity chef name recognition

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best ramen shop in Las Vegas?

Monta Ramen consistently ranks highest for authentic tonkotsu ramen with 16-hour pork bone broth, proper Hakata-style preparation, and reasonable pricing ($12-18). For variety and upscale atmosphere, Jinya Ramen Bar offers excellent modern ramen with multiple broth styles.

Is Las Vegas ramen authentic or Americanized?

Chinatown ramen shops (Monta, Ramen Kobo, Ramen Sora) are authentically Japanese-owned and operated with traditional techniques. Strip locations trend more upscale but maintain quality. Vegas ramen authenticity rivals Los Angeles and rivals some Japanese cities.

How much does a bowl of ramen cost in Vegas?

Expect $12-18 per bowl in Chinatown, $17-25 on the Strip. Budget options start at $9-12 in food courts. This includes standard toppings; premium add-ons (extra chashu, additional egg) cost $1.50-5 extra.

Where is the best tonkotsu ramen in Las Vegas?

Monta Ramen specializes in authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu with customizable richness, noodle firmness, and garlic levels. Shokku Ramen (Henderson) and Jinya Ramen Bar also offer excellent tonkotsu with slightly different flavor profiles.

Are there vegan or vegetarian ramen options in Vegas?

Yes. Jinya Ramen Bar has dedicated vegan ramen with plant-based broth and vegan noodles. Fukumimi offers vegetable-based paitan broth. Most shops can accommodate by substituting tofu for meat and using vegetable broth when available.

What's the difference between ramen and pho?

Ramen is Japanese with wheat noodles, concentrated broths (pork, chicken, miso), and toppings like chashu and ajitama. Pho is Vietnamese with rice noodles, lighter beef or chicken broth, and herbs like basil and cilantro. Different countries, completely different flavor profiles.

Can you get good ramen on the Las Vegas Strip?

Momofuku at Cosmopolitan offers excellent ramen with premium ingredients and upscale atmosphere ($17-25 per bowl). However, Chinatown (10 minutes from Strip) provides better value and often more authentic experiences for half the price.

What are ramen eggs called and why are they special?

Called ajitama or ramen eggs—soft-boiled eggs marinated in soy sauce, mirin, and sake for 24-48 hours. Perfect ajitama has jammy yolk, tender white, and sweet-savory flavor that enhances the broth. Quality marker of a serious ramen shop.

Should you drink all the ramen broth?

Not required. Ramen broth is extremely salty and concentrated—finishing it all means consuming 3,000+ mg sodium. In Japan, many people don't finish all broth. Drink enough to enjoy it, but don't force yourself.

What does kaedama mean in ramen shops?

Kaedama is an extra portion of noodles ($2-3) added to your remaining broth. Popular in tonkotsu shops—lets you extend your meal without ordering full second bowl. Order when broth is about half-finished.

Is it rude to slurp ramen loudly?

No—slurping is encouraged and expected in ramen culture. It aerates the noodles, enhances flavor, cools them as you eat, and shows appreciation to the chef. Being quiet while eating ramen is actually more unusual.

What's tsukemen and how do you eat it?

Tsukemen is dipping ramen—thick noodles served separately from concentrated broth. Dip noodles in broth, slurp, repeat. When finished, request soup-wari (hot water) to dilute remaining broth and drink it. Ramen Sora specializes in this style.

Can you get ramen late at night in Vegas?

Absolutely. Monta Ramen (until 2 AM), Ichiza (until 3 AM weekends), and several Chinatown shops stay open late. Vegas ramen culture embraces post-drinking late-night eating, making it perfect for after-show or after-club meals.

Do Vegas ramen shops take reservations?

Most Chinatown ramen shops don't take reservations—expect to wait during peak hours (7-9 PM, late night weekends). Strip locations like Momofuku accept reservations. Weekday lunches and off-peak hours usually have minimal waits.

What should I order on my first visit to a ramen shop?

Order the house specialty or "original" ramen with standard toppings—don't customize on first visit. This lets you experience the chef's intended flavor profile. Add gyoza or appetizers if you want more food. Customize on subsequent visits based on preferences.