Taishoken’s tsukemen (dipping ramen) with thick housemade noodles should be in the dictionary under “chewy” and “flawless.” At this sleek Mission spot, it’s the centerpiece of every table since the wheaty noodles are the ideal pair to the rich, near-opaque chicken-and-pork-based soup. After gobbling down a bowl, someone on staff will pour dashi into any leftover broth so you can polish off the last of it. While this place specializes in tsukemen, there are five other types of ramen, and they’re worth getting jazzed about, too—particularly the spicy paitan with razor-thin noodles, chunky slices of chashu, and chili oil. Even on weeknights, this place is packed with coworkers and dates slurping back bowls, so book a table in advance or prepare to hop in line.