"Sawtelle is home to plenty of pork-heavy ramen shops, but there aren’t many like Torisoba Sumiya, a chicken ramen specialist where cooks flip birds over open flames. This charcoal-grilled chicken adds a smoky depth to the house ramen, which comes with freshly made noodles and an intensely rich poultry broth with charred specks. Spoon on some of their green yuzu sauce for a peppery bite, and upgrade to the mini rice bowl combo for $5 more (we like the one topped with surprisingly light fried chicken tossed in the sweet and sour sauce). The space is tight, but if you come solo, head to the bar where you’ll sit front row to the grilling action, gaze at the Japanese calligraphy on the walls, and slurp your noodles in peace." - brant cox, sylvio martins, garrett snyder, cathy park