Kompiraya

Kompiraya opens at 5:00, welcoming diners as both a ramen shop and an izakaya where you can settle in for a full evening meal. With counter and table seating, it works for a solo stop after work or dinner with company.

Miso ramen is a favourite. Its fragrant miso aroma rises as soon as the bowl arrives, followed by a rich broth with a distinct garlic note. The hot soup comes with curly, medium-thick noodles, cooked just right, and crisp vegetables such as bean sprouts. Half a serving of fried rice is a popular accompaniment, its savoury saltiness and oily richness making a satisfying match between mouthfuls of noodles.

There’s plenty to enjoy before the noodles arrive, too. Order a draft beer or a sour and graze on juicy grilled gyoza, tofu topped with fried tofu and spring onion, stir-fried liver or salt-grilled gizzard. Starting with small plates and finishing with a warming bowl of ramen comes naturally at this late-opening spot.

Other choices include soy sauce ramen, spicy miso ramen and ramen generously topped with vegetables. Payment is cash only, so it’s worth checking you have cash before setting out.