Causeway Bay is never short of ramen shops. Be it the out-of-the-way Tamashii Japanese Noodle on Sharp Street West, global chain Ippudo on Russell Street, or the army ofplaces turning Tang Lung Street into a ramen battlefield, there are plenty of choices for the style you prefer.

Last month, tsukemen (dipped ramen) specialist Tetsu joined the fierce competition. Founded by Kazunori Komiya in 2005, Tetsu has 24 stores in Japan and this Hong Kong outlet is the first foray overseas. And after our visit, it is a contender if the food quality remains consistent.

We visited on a weekday afternoon and after a short wait on the narrow pavement next to a snaking bus queue, we were seated at the counter next to the open kitchen. The menu is simple and features three ramen options: tsukemen (HK$89), tonkotsu ramen (HK$79), and Sendagi ramen (HK$84 for regular, HK$94 for large).