Last weekend, we escaped to Arizona to explore the stunning red rocks of Sedona and see what Tempe had to offer. From the crystal clear, star-filled skies to the adventurous desert hikes, the trip was already a win. But the real surprise? A stop at Tampopo Ramen a spot that not only came highly recommended by locals, but also shares my first name. That had to be a sign, right?

When we arrived, the restaurant was pretty quiet just a few guests scattered across the cozy space. But once our food hit the table, the place quickly filled up. It was as if our ramen aura/energy summoned the crowd. The space itself was small yet modern, welcoming groups of all sizes with ease.

Now, to the bowl of ramen it looked amazing, and it tasted even better. The broth came out steaming, rich with depth and flavor. Every bite encouraged me to go back in for more noodles. There was a delicate balance between the springy noodles and tender pork belly that made the bowl incredibly satisfying. The wood ear mushrooms and bean sprouts added the perfect texture and freshness, a beautiful touch to round everything out. I did go ahead and order an extra serving of pork belly because why not?—but for reference, the bowl usually comes with two pieces.

What really stood out was the service. The staff both servers and cooks were incredibly warm and attentive, greeting us with genuine smiles and making sure we felt taken care of from the moment we sat down.

All in all, it was a memorable stop on an already incredible weekend. Arizona delivered more than just views, it served up soul-soothing noodles too.

Until next slurp Ramen Junkies :)