Unearth The Voyage
Illinois might be famous for deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but tucked away in its neighborhoods are noodle shops that locals swear by. From hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles to steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen, these hidden gems serve up authentic flavors that transport you straight to Asia. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl on a cold day or hunting for your next favorite spot, these noodle havens are calling your name.
1. Slurp Slurp Noodles – Chicago (Chinatown)
Hand-pulled noodles are an art form, and this Chinatown gem shows you exactly why. Watch the chefs stretch and spin dough into silky strands right before your eyes, then taste the magic in every bite.
Their Lanzhou-style approach keeps things refreshingly simple: rich broths, perfectly chewy noodles, and toppings that complement without overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where slurping isn’t just acceptable – it’s encouraged.
Prices hover around $10-$20, making it budget-friendly for students and families alike. The rhythmic noodle-pulling process alone is worth the visit, but the flavor keeps people coming back week after week.
2. Ichiddo Ramen – Naperville
Naperville isn’t exactly known as a ramen hotspot, but Ichiddo is changing that narrative one bowl at a time. Their miso and spicy miso options pack serious umami punch, while the tonkotsu broth delivers creamy richness that coats your palate.
Part of a small but growing chain, this location maintains quality and consistency that regulars appreciate. The cozy atmosphere invites you to settle in and savor every spoonful.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch between errands or meeting friends for dinner, Ichiddo makes suburban noodle cravings easy to satisfy. Slurping is absolutely par for the course here.
3. Penny’s Noodle Shop – Chicago
Sometimes you want options, and Penny’s delivers with a menu spanning Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese noodle traditions. It’s not strictly a ramen house, but noodle lovers find plenty to celebrate here.
Stir-fried noodles come tossed with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein, while soup bowls offer warming comfort on blustery Chicago days. The casual diner vibe makes it perfect for quick lunches or relaxed dinners.
Long-standing neighborhood reputation means locals trust Penny’s for reliable flavor and generous portions. When you can’t decide between pad thai and lo mein, this is your answer – order both and share.
4. PNS Noodle Shop – Northfield
Fusion done right means respecting traditions while exploring new combinations, and PNS nails this balance beautifully. Their pad thai sits alongside hot pepper noodles and wide rice noodles, creating a menu that travels across Asia.
Located in Northfield, this spot attracts adventurous eaters who appreciate bold flavors and aren’t afraid to mix culinary cultures. The hot pepper noodles deliver legitimate heat that spice lovers crave.
Families appreciate the variety since everyone can order something different yet equally satisfying. Slurping boldly across multiple Asian traditions becomes not just acceptable but expected at PNS.
5. Akahoshi Ramen – Chicago (Logan Square)
Chef-driven means attention to every detail, from broth clarity to noodle texture, and Akahoshi takes this mission seriously. Their newer presence in Logan Square has quickly earned buzz among ramen enthusiasts who recognize quality.
Reservations are recommended, hinting at the popularity this refined spot has achieved. The sleek presentation doesn’t sacrifice substance – each bowl delivers deep, complex flavors that reward slow appreciation.
Some ramen shops feel casual and chaotic; Akahoshi offers a more elevated experience without pretension. It’s where you go when you want your slurping to feel special, celebratory even.
6. Ramen-San (various locations) – Chicago
Multiple locations across Chicago mean Ramen-San has cracked the code on consistency while maintaining creativity. They’ve become one of the city’s most heralded ramen destinations for good reason.
Rich broths form the foundation, but playful modern touches keep the menu feeling fresh and exciting. Whether you choose classic tonkotsu or something more adventurous, fundamentals remain rock-solid.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy as diners slurp enthusiastically around you. Having several outposts makes it convenient no matter which Chicago neighborhood you’re exploring, ensuring your noodle fix is never far away.
7. Ramen House Shinchan – Palatine / suburbs
Family-run operations bring heart and tradition that chains can’t replicate, and Shinchan embodies this beautifully. Their tonkotsu broth simmers for 15 hours, developing layers of flavor that instant versions can only dream about.
Located in Palatine, it’s worth the suburban drive for serious ramen seekers. The unique Taiwanese ramen offerings add unexpected variety to an already impressive menu.
With a 4.6 rating from nearly 1,500 reviews, locals clearly trust Shinchan’s dedication to authentic technique. Traditional yet bold describes both their approach and their results, giving plenty of reasons to slurp happily.
8. Strings Ramen Shop – Chicago (Chinatown)
Reliability matters when you’re craving comfort, and Strings delivers consistently excellent ramen without unnecessary complications. Their Chinatown location makes it accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the neighborhood.
Clean bowls showcase proper technique rather than gimmicks – the broth speaks for itself. Flavor and accessibility combine to create an experience that satisfies without intimidating first-time ramen eaters.
The kind of broth that begs for a slurp is exactly what you’ll find here, steaming and inviting. Sometimes the best hidden gems are hiding in plain sight, waiting for you to discover their straightforward excellence.
9. Ramen Takeya – Chicago (West Loop)
Purists appreciate Takeya’s lighter broths that showcase subtlety over bombast, proving ramen doesn’t always need to be heavy. Their West Loop location puts them in one of Chicago’s hottest dining neighborhoods.
Frequent appearances in best-of roundups confirm what regulars already know: this place understands ramen at a fundamental level. Clean presentation reflects the careful construction happening in every bowl.
Slurpers who prefer refined flavors over overwhelming richness find their happy place here. The attention to balance and technique makes Takeya a favorite among those who’ve eaten enough ramen to recognize true craftsmanship.
10. High Five Ramen – Chicago
Cozy and intimate describe both the space and the experience at High Five, where concentrated flavors take center stage. Size limitations force focus, and that focus translates directly into carefully constructed bowls.
Ambition shows in every detail, from noodle selection to garnish placement, proving that small operations can compete with larger establishments. The intimate setting makes slurping feel like a shared ritual among fellow enthusiasts.
Given its size, calling ahead or arriving early helps avoid disappointment—this hidden gem attracts devoted followers. When a shop this small survives in Chicago’s competitive food scene, you know the slurping is very much worth it.
