Not a pork eater? Find a ramen oasis at Tori 44 Ramen, a pork-free establishment with many options for vegetarian and vegan diners. Don’t think that means the soups lack flavor or depth, though. Try the Bali ramen, which features a thicker broth made with creamy tahini, spicy Szechuan pepper, delicate bites of seasoned ground chicken, and a soft-cooked egg, all atop tender noodles.

Though Masu’s sustainably-sourced sushi and small-bite robata are its claims to fame, don’t miss the ramen either. The tonkotsu curry ramen is a standout: It features slices of crispy pork tenderloin, steamed Chinese broccoli, and a hazy, porky broth with the added flavor spike of fragrant, spicy curry. Masu has locations in Northeast Minneapolis, Apple Valley, and the Mall of America. Play some Japanese arcade games after dinner, while you’re at it.

This cozy joint is known for Japanese comfort food — it’s a great spot to grab a meal before a show at the Guthrie. Be sure to try the kimchi ramen: Fermented cabbage adds a dose of heat and refreshing tartness to balance the luxurious heritage pork bone broth. Pinwheels of pork float atop chewy noodles, and ribbons of black mushrooms and a golden, gooey-centered egg round out this ramen.

Tenka is tucked away on Lake Street, right next to Stella’s Fish Cafe. The ramen here is built on densely flavorful broth. The spicy miso is a crowd favorite: It stars springy noodles, fiery pork miso broth with an extra dose of chili pepper flakes, and a little funk from fermented bean paste. It’s all topped off with crumbles of ground pork, corn, a soft-cooked egg, and scallions.

Owner and master sushi chef Kiminobu “Ichi” Ichikawa has been cooking Japanese food in the Twin Cities since 1990. Located in Uptown, Origami is known for its sushi, but don’t sleep on the ramen. The miso ramen’s complex broth is crowned with rings of sliced pork belly, a pile of chewy bamboo shoots, soft spinach, a pink-swirled fish cake, green onion, and juicy kernels of corn.

Warm wood paneling on Kyatchi’s exterior welcome diners to an unpretentious experience in Minneapolis’s Kingfield neighborhood. Another spot for sustainably sourced sushi, the handful of ramen offerings here are served piping-hot. Kyatchi’s signature ramen stock uses a light chicken broth — it’s topped with seared pork belly, a soft-cooked egg, green and yellow onion, and earthy bamboo shoots.

Ichhido, an affordable, quick-service spot, has one of the most varied ramen menus in the Twin Cities. Beyond the classics, it features curry ramen, crispy chicken ramen, seafood ramen, and dipping ramen, a dish that separates the noodles and toppings from the spicy, scallion-flecked broth. Find Ichhido on University Avenue in St. Paul, Dinkytown, or on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis.

St. Paul’s Ishita ramen sits on a restaurant-dense stretch of University Avenue. Brick walls, industrial decor, and a decorative wall of soup spoons keep the focus on the food. The crispy chicken ramen features a crunchy breaded cutlet, sliced cabbage, black mushrooms, pickled ginger, green onion, and corn. The shoyu broth is flecked with red pepper flakes and spicy chili oil for an extra boost of flavor.

Ramen Kawae is a newcomer to Minneapolis’s North Loop Galley. The restaurant describes itself as “A little noodle shop emerged out of a desire to keep pushing the creativity of Japanese cuisine” — chef Tuan Hoang’s broths are meaty and rich, an ideal base for fatty pork belly and umami-packed mushrooms. Some of the ramen selections even come with chewy dumplings floating in the broth. Pair a bowl with the crispy karaage, a must.