I first saw Ichiran Ramen in a video and it was described as an “introvert’s paradise” because guests sit in a minimally decorated wooden booth, sheltered from other patrons on either side. The only few human interactions that you will be having are when one of the staff hands you a piece of paper (for your order) and ushers you to your seat once available. I am in no way an introvert but I wanted to try it out!

They’re also famous for their tonkotsu ramen and for that, friends who are local of Japan actually urged me to give it a try. I went at around 8:00 PM so I wasn’t surprised that there was a queue. It took 45 minutes for me to get seated.

TIP: Go during off-peak hours, to minimize having to queue.

Tonkotsu Ramen is a ramen dish that originated in Fukuoka. Traditional Tonkotsu broth is made from boiling pork bones in water for several hours. The result of this long boiling process is a creamy broth with a rich pork flavor.

How To Order at Ichiran Ramen

1. Purchase a ticket for your ramen from the vending machine. You pick the ramen base, and any additional items like egg, mushrooms and seaweed, then drinks, like tea or beer.

2. You’ll be assisted to an individual booth separated from your neighbors by dividers that can be folded if you’re in a group.

3. Then, you’ll be a given a piece of paper to personalize your order exactly how you like it. Want a richer broth or softer noodles, no problem. Want it spicy enough to make you cry (or not), you got it. Then press a button on your table when you’re ready – the staff will take your order. It comes in Japanese and English translation.

I ordered: “Ichiran Select 5” for ¥1,490 – That’s regular ramen with additional pork, seaweed and egg. Specs – Dashi: Medium, Richness: Rich, Green Onion: Green Onion, Chashu: With, Original Spicy: Medium, Noodle Texture: Medium

Matcha Pudding for ¥390

4. After 4-6 minutes, your  ramen’s delivered to your booth. Dig in! Also, you have a tap for water, and tissues are easily reachable from dispensers.

5. I’ll let you in on a secret… When you still have a bowl of broth left, just press the button again and say the magic word: “kae-dama” and voila! An extra bowl of noodles for your  leftover broth! Just be sure to order your extra bowl when you’re half way through your first bowl.

Fees & Other Charges

• Ramen (regular) – ¥890
• “Ichiran Select 5” – ¥1,490
• Matcha Pudding – ¥390
• Asahi Super Dry (Draft Beef) – ¥580

Overall

Ichiran Ramen opened its first shop in 1993 and have perfected their recipe over the years so it’s no surprise that it taste really good. Actually, beyond good. The noodles are handmade from a unique flour blend and the red spicy sauce is aged for days before serving. I can tell that they pay extra attention to the broth and as it truly was flavorful. I actually had no plans to order kae-dama but as I was eating, yeah… I had to. In fact, I went back the next day for breakfast!

Another thing about Ichiran Ramen

It comes in ‘instant’ form and can be purchased in any convenience stores, or konbini like 711 around Osaka. I also bought a box to take back home to the Philippines.

Rating

Location

DISCLAIMER: Stop guessing and start tasting! We are dedicated to making sure our readers get all the information they need, as well as an honest perspective on their dining experiences. Our reviews are entirely based on experience and paid for with our own money – so you can trust that we’re providing an accurate and reliable review each time.