Ramen Champ photo gallery

The ramen noodles at Ramen Champ, waiting to be cooked and steaming in the hot water.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

The chefs make a plate of kariage chicken at the new Ramen Champ.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

A bowl of Ramen Champ’s tonkotsu ramen, with a custardy egg.   (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

A half-bowl of the vegetable ramen at Ramen Champ.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Shiny new vats and pots at Ramen Champ, in which the ramen broths and various sauces are made.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

An order of the kariage, or fried chicken, at the new Ramen Champ.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Ramen Champ chef-owner at his new Chinatown restaurant.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

The interior of the new Ramen Champ ramen-ya in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

The vats for the ramen broth at Ramen Champ in Chinatown.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Ramen Champ celebrates the art scene in Chinatown with black-and-white murals by New York artist Mike Houston, whose ramen art has appeared in David Chang’s Lucky Peach magazine.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

The noodle bar at Ramen Champ in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza.   (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Alvin Cailan at the ramen counter at his new restaurant, Ramen Champ, in Chinatown.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Ramen Champ celebrates the art scene in Chinatown with black-and-white murals by New York artist Mike Houston, whose ramen art has appeared in David Chang’s Lucky Peach magazine.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Condiments at Ramen Champ include sherry vinegar, garlic oil and Sriracha oil.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Ramen Champ celebrates the art scene in Chinatown with black-and-white murals by New York artist Mike Houston, whose ramen art has appeared in David Chang’s Lucky Peach magazine.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

The interior of Ramen Champ, Alvin Cailan’s new Chinatown ramen shop.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)

Ramen Champ celebrates the art scene in Chinatown with black-and-white murals by New York artist Mike Houston, whose ramen art has appeared in David Chang’s Lucky Peach magazine.  (Amy Scattergood / Los Angeles Times)