Hakataya Noodle Shop
Shop 27B
Sunnybank Plaza
Cnr Mains Rd
McCullough St
Sunnybank, Brisbane
Daily 9-8.50
33441313

This tiny Japanese ramen eatery ensconced in Sunnybank Plaza is the real deal, which explains the permanent lengthy queue inhabiting the pavement out front.

And the ramen (noodle soup) served up here is a treat well worth queuing for, so gorgeously delicate is the infused flavour thanks to the traditional method of simmering the pork bones for 39 hours. Specializing in ramen with tonkatsu soup (or broth of pork bone), Hakataya keeps it authentic by importing the same ingredients used in its 18 outlets in Japan.

While the menu is mostly limited to the specialty noodle soups, there are also divine gyoza (dumplings), musubi (rice balls) and rice-based soup available. Extra noodles can be added on request.

So, grab a bundle of patience, look for the line-up and take a seat at the handful of pavement tables (or better still, at the action-packed kitchen counter), and sample the best pork ramen in town.