As a lover of all things ramen, I had to try the famous Ichiran Ramen during my recent trip to Japan. Known for their rich tonkotsu (pork-based broth) Hakata-style ramen, Ichiran has been serving up delicious bowls of noodles for over half a century. With its humble beginnings as a ramen stall called “Futaba Ramen” in Hakata in 1960, it’s no surprise that Ichiran has become a household name in the ramen world.
When we arrived at the restaurant around 10.30 am, we were pleasantly surprised to find that there was no queue. We had heard stories of visitors standing in long lines just to get a taste of Ichiran’s famous ramen, so we felt lucky to be able to walk right in. The interior of the restaurant was simple yet stylish, with a modern Japanese design and plenty of seating options.
How to Order and Enjoy Ichiran Ramen
1. Buy a ramen ticket with a vending machine
At first, you need to buy a ramen ticket with a ticket-vending machine. Once you have your ticket, you’ll be directed to a vending machine to choose your preferences.
The “Ichiran Select 5” is based on the regular ramen including additional toppings such as a boiled egg, kikurage (wood ear mushrooms), sheets of dried laver seaweed and Char-siu pork.
2. Personalize your ramen
A staff guides your to an individual seat which is partitioned by table dividers . You can customize your ramen by selecting the firmness of the noodles, richness of the broth, spiciness level, and the amount of garlic and green onions you want.
3. Press the little button on the table to hand in your sheet to staff after filling the sheet
Once you’ve made your selections, you’ll hand your ticket to the staff and be directed to a private booth to enjoy your meal.
While waiting, you can enjoy a cup of water which is provided.
THE UNIQUENESS
One unique aspect of Ichiran is that they offer individual booths for customers to dine in. This allows for a more personalized experience, as you can enjoy your ramen in peace without the distractions of others around you. The booths are separated by dividers, giving you a sense of privacy and comfort.
THE TASTE
The broth itself was a standout feature of the dish, with its deep, complex flavors that seemed to unfold with each sip. The soup was rich and creamy, but not overpowering, with just the right amount of seasoning. The addition of the spicy sauce added a welcome kick that elevated the dish to another level. The noodles were cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of chewiness and bite, and they paired perfectly with the broth. The thinly sliced pork was another highlight, perfectly complementing the flavors of the broth without overwhelming them. Overall, it was a truly memorable dining experience that left us feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
If you love ramen, perhaps you can try the ramen in Ichiran Ramen. It might not be the best ramen but the ramen is decently delicious.
Address: Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 1 Chome−1−16 ＨＫ浅草ビル B1F
Phone: +81 3-6674-8847
Opening Hours: 10 am- 10 pm
GPS Location : 35.7111828,139.7976164