Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Back Bay

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s Back Bay shop is on Hereford Street, just off Newbury. Ramen is the focus, with pork-bone broth forming the base for the chain’s shio, shoyu and miso styles. The differences matter: salt, soy sauce and soybean paste lead the seasoning in each, giving you a useful starting point when choosing a bowl.

This is a meal to sit down with while the broth is hot, particularly after walking around Back Bay. The shop does not take reservations, so plan on joining the walk-in flow rather than holding a table in advance. Santouka also has Harvard Square and Allston restaurants, but this listing is for 66 Hereford Street. Check the Back Bay menu and hours when planning, since the branches have separate schedules.