RAMEN NOBU

The rather unlikely location of this wonderful canteen contributes to its total "Japanesenesses." Tucked away in a shopping arcade that can't quite decide between bourgeois and outdated, at the front of one of Brussels's Tagawa stores, you'll find this ramen counter that wraps around the kitchen where Nobutomo Ishii and his small team work their magic.

Juicy meat just as you'd want it, fatty, flavorful miso broth that hits the spot, quality noodles cooked to absolute perfection and an egg with a silky yolk... in short, a seriously excellent ramen executed with real skill and finesse. A big steaming bowl of umami nostalgia that makes you want to book a Brussels-Tokyo flight ASAP.