Dishes: Ankaka Veggie Tofu lunch plate; Tanmen Ramen

Source: Shigezo, SW Portland

Price: $12; $9

Portland loves ramen, ramen loves Portland. With a city with more rainy months I want to think about counting, it makes sense. There’s a growing number of vegan-friendly ramen options in town these days, not to mention carts (the best I’ve had lately being Wafu), and with Shigezo, you can add another option into the mix. Shigezo is very…business crowd, being on SW Salmon & 9th and all, and offers pricey vegan sushi rolls, ramen and a couple of vegetarian lunch plates. Be sure to skip the miso, define vegan/vegetarian, request their variety of hot sauce, chili powder and chili oil, and ask for a private booth. Get ready to remove your shoes.

On the downside, it’s expensive. On the plus side, maybe your boss is paying and you’re entertained at the thought of her or him removing their shoes and sitting uncomfortably cross-legged? Not that this happened, it really didn’t, but it makes me smile and think about a giant bowl of noodles with grilled corn.