Daikokuya Little Tokyo

Daikokuya is a tiny place in Little Toyko, L.A.'s downtown enclave of Japanese immigrants. Looking more like an American diner than a classic noodle shop, nevertheless Daikokuya is one of the top spots in town to find a large, steaming bowl of tonkotsu soup, a combination of broth, tender Kurobuta pork, noodles, bean sprouts, scallions and a soft-boiled egg, all for under $10. It's such a popular place that you are likely to find a line out the door; even with three other locations in West L.A., Arcadia and Monterey Park, this outpost is always a busy place. They also serve up crispy gyoza dumplings, sushi rolls, teriyaki and an assortment of rice bowls, so come hungry. Note that this Daikokuya is cash only.