A Review of Ichiran Ramen: The Best Ramen in Japan

Andrew Jung
Jan 3, 2019
4 min read

If there's one thing I'm passionate about, it's food. And one of my favorite foods?

Noodles.

I love 'em. I can't get enough of 'em. But, I'm not sure if the feeling is mutual.

Anyway at Ichiran there are only two things that prevent me from fulfilling my lust

An empty wallet
A belly that's on the cusp of total rupture

Maybe that's a little too graphic, but I'm serious. Ichiran ramen was an unforgettable experience, and anyone going to Japan MUST TRY IT.

In my patented F.A.V. style (Food, Atmosphere, Value) review, here's why Ichiran is the quintessential ramen experience in Japan.

The Food: 5/5

At first glance, this magnificent bowl of noodles pictured above doesn't look like anything you haven't seen before.

BUT, YOU ARE WRONG SIR.

Don't let your eyes deceive you. Ramen in Japan is nothing... NOTHING! like ramen in the United States.

Let me describe it for you.

Flavor Experience:

The very first slurp of broth.. oh that magical elixir, that amazing porky mana from heaven was the most flavorful experience I have ever had (in terms of noodle soup dishes). From the moment the broth touched my lips, I understood that I was not a complete person until that day.

The noodles were cooked to perfection, deliciously al dente and able to really grab on to the flavor of the broth perfectly. Each scrumptious bite of noodles sent me on a road trip with flavor town only being a pit stop. The destination? Flavor Universe.

The chashu wasn't the most melty pork I've ever had, but gosh darn it was it one of the most flavorful. Don't misunderstand though, the chashu was so tender, a toothless grandma could bite her way through it with ease.

But, enough with descriptions. Let's talk about the customization.

Menu Experience:

At Ichiran, you are able to customize your ramen in all the right ways. Like,

Flavor: Weak - Medium - Strong (This is the strength of the broth)

Richness: None - Light - Medium - Rich - Ultra Rich (This is the fattyness of the broth)

Garlic: None - Little - Regular - 1/2 Clove - 1 Clove

Green Onion: Without or With

Chashu: Without or With

Spice Level: 0 - 10 (There is a 10-20 option, but over 10 you have to pay extra)

Noodle Texture: Extra Firm - Firm - Medium - Soft - Extra Soft

And for those of you curious readers, my perfect order goes a little something like this:

Strong - Rich - 1 Clove - With - With - 8 - Firm

Now, I thought I would mention at the end here that Ichiran doesn't just have ramen it has some other side menu items like Matcha Pudding Dessert. (Don't skip out on that it's awesome).

The Atmosphere: 5/5

Ichiran has the most amazing atmosphere. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel like you've been transported back in time to a more simple time. Where everyone was nice to each other and food wasn't plagued with additives to make them tastier.

The ordering experience, was one of my favorites because you got to order at a vending machine. I know, many people assert the stereotype that Japan is all about vending machines and this is so true. But there's something so enjoyable about putting your money into a machine and pushing pretty pictures on big buttons to receive your meal tickets.

It just works for me.

Dining Experience:

At some locations you can choose to sit in the traditional cubby holes, or you can get an actual table where you can feel free to chat with whoever you're with. Normally, I'm all for having more space and freedom (since I'm a bigger guy). But for some reason, there's something so appealing about that little magical ramen window.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a secret agent? Or be a part of a secret society? Well that is exactly what you'll experience when going to Ichiran. At the touch of a button you hand a mysterious set of hands a slip of paper, and a few moments later a delicious meal appears before you.

No questions asked. No hesitation. A quick, clean, discrete exchange.

Whatever dining situations you prefer, you'll still get the most amazing bowl of ramen that will make you wish you lived in Japan.

The Value: An Easy 5/5

It would be impossible to give Ichiran anything but a full 5/5 for the value. For the price, which is usually for me around $13 USD per bowl, you can't beat it. Ichiran Ramen is like the Kobe Beef of Ramen.

Yeah, it's that good.

If I had a dollar for every time I fantasized about eating that delicious bowl of noodles since it's been graciously introduced into my life, I would be a very rich man. Rich enough to buy at least 30 bowls of ramen.

If you or anyone you know is going to depart on a journey to Japan, be sure to make several stops to Ichiran Ramen. They have plenty of locations all throughout Japan, and they all are excellent.