Where one ramen shop falls, another ramen shop rises. At least that’s how it seems in the Valley, where ramen is seriously trending. Kai Ramen opened to start June in Sherman Oaks Plaza, building on Chef Tomo’s success in Alhambra. The glass-fronted space features eight cushioned chairs at a wood counter, and 12 two-tops. Tomo is from Sapporo, Japan, and named the restaurant for son Kai.

Just like the Khaleesi, Daenerys Targaryen, Kai Ramen has three dragons. Black Dragon features a pork broth made with base cooked for 12 hours, float of black sesame oil. Add Jumbo Noodle if you’re willing to pay an extra dollar. Red Dragon features chile paste, and White Dragon features a pat of butter and corn kernels.

They also serve Tsukemen, basic Original Kai Soy. Chicken broth comes either Butter Corn or Spicy. Lite Broth is veggie based, either Tokyo Negi with chashu, Spicy Beef or Veggie Popeye with konnyaku and gluten-free spinach noodles. Sides include rice bowls, fried chicken curry, beef curry, gyoza, spicy fried chicken, sesame fried chicken, takoyaki (fried octopus balls) or house salad.

15030 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-739-3944