There are so many ramen shops throughout Japan, offering everything from classic shoyu and miso ramen to local favorites like tonkotsu ramen. If you’re traveling in Japan, you might wonder which ramen shop you should try.
Ichiran is definitely one to put on your list. It’s famous for its delicious tonkotsu ramen, but there’s something else that makes Ichiran special—the ordering system!
You get to customize your ramen just the way you like it, from the richness of the soup to the firmness of the noodles. It’s simple, but surprisingly fun.
In this article, I’ll share my experience at Ichiran, show you how to order your ramen, explain what Ichiran ramen tastes like, and show you how to make Ichiran ramen at home.
As I mentioned above, Japanese ramen is not limited to familiar flavors like shoyu and miso. In fact, there are many different styles of ramen throughout Japan. You might be surprised by how much variety you can find when you visit Japan!
Shoyu ramen is one of the most classic styles of Japanese ramen. It may look simple, but there is actually a lot of depth to its flavor.
Shio Ramen
Shio ramen has a lighter and cleaner taste. If you prefer a refreshing bowl of ramen, this might be the one for you.
Miso Ramen
Miso ramen is especially famous in Hokkaido, where I’m from. It has a rich, deep flavor and is especially comforting on a cold day.
Tonkotsu Ramen
Tonkotsu ramen is famous in Fukuoka, especially in the Hakata area. The soup is made by simmering pork bones, creating a rich and flavorful broth.
Tsukemen
With tsukemen, the noodles and soup are served separately. Instead of putting the noodles directly into the soup, you dip them into the rich dipping broth before eating.
Mazesoba
Mazesoba is ramen without soup. You mix the noodles and toppings together before eating, creating a completely different ramen experience.
We also have Jiro Ramen in Japan. It has become a unique ramen style of its own, known for its huge portion of noodles, vegetables, and garlic. It’s definitely a very Japanese ramen experience—and if you’re up for a challenge, you should give it a try!
Among these styles, Ichiran is best known for tonkotsu ramen.
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What Is Tonkotsu Ramen?
First, let’s talk about something many people associate with tonkotsu ramen: the smell.
Tonkotsu ramen is made from pork bone broth, so the soup can have a distinctive porky smell. However, not all tonkotsu ramen smells strong. These days, many ramen shops have found ways to reduce the smell while keeping the rich flavor of the pork broth.
But honestly, once you taste good tonkotsu ramen, you might forget all about the smell!
The soup is rich, creamy, and almost like a Japanese-style potage. It has a deep, satisfying flavor that makes you want to keep drinking it.
The noodles are also unique. They are thin and straight, and you can choose how firm you want them to be, from very soft to extremely firm. If you choose the hardest option, the noodles are cooked only briefly, so they still have a slightly firm, almost powdery texture at the center.
Another important thing to know is that tonkotsu ramen is especially famous in Fukuoka, in western Japan. Fukuoka is considered the home of Hakata ramen, a famous style of tonkotsu ramen known for its rich pork broth and thin, straight noodles.
So, what is it actually like to eat at Ichiran?
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How to Order Ichiran Ramen
I actually visit Ichiran Ramen with my family quite often for weekend lunch. It’s reasonably priced, the ramen is served quickly, and of course, it’s delicious!
By the way, many ramen shops in Japan have ticket machines. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, check out my guide to using a ramen ticket machine before you go!
Ichiran has two types of seating. One is a regular table where you can sit together with your family or friends. The other is the famous solo counter.
Each seat at the counter is separated by partitions, creating your own little space. Ichiran calls this the “Flavor Concentration Counter.” The idea is to help you focus on the ramen without distractions.
First, you buy a ramen ticket from a vending machine and take a seat.
And this is where the fun begins!
Ichiran gives you an order sheet that lets you customize your ramen exactly the way you like it.
You can choose the following:
Flavor Strength
Light
Medium
Strong
Richness of the Broth
None
Light
Medium
Rich
Extra Rich
Garlic
None
A Little
Medium
1/2 Clove
1 Clove
Green Onion
Without
White Onion
Green Onion
If you choose both white onion and green onion, you can get both.
Chashu (Sliced Pork)
Without
With
Original Spicy Red Sauce
None
Mild
Medium
Spicy
3–10 times spicy
Noodle Texture
Extra Firm
Firm
Medium
Soft
Extra Soft
This is the order I chose!
I went for 10 times the spicy red sauce, and wow—it was really hot! 🔥
If you like spicy food, I recommend trying at least 7 times the spicy level. But if you’re not used to spicy food, I’d recommend starting with a much lower level!
What Does Ichiran Ramen Taste Like?
First, I was surprised by how little Ichiran’s tonkotsu ramen smelled.
When I think of tonkotsu ramen, I often imagine a strong porky smell. But compared with some other tonkotsu ramen I’ve tried, Ichiran’s soup has a much milder smell.
I also felt that the portion of noodles was a little smaller than at some other ramen shops. Maybe that’s because Ichiran uses thin, straight noodles, which are very easy to eat. Before you know it, you’ve finished your noodles!
The soup is not overly oily, either. It has a deep, rich flavor, but it feels lighter and less creamy than some other tonkotsu ramen. I really like this balance.
And because I love spicy food, I really enjoy Ichiran’s system of letting you choose the level of their Original Spicy Red Sauce. I usually want a good kick of spice, so being able to customize it is perfect for me.
My husband ordered kaedama, which means an extra serving of noodles. After you finish your noodles, you can order another serving and add it to the soup you have left.
He actually ordered kaedama twice!
That shows you how good the soup is. Even after finishing the first serving of noodles, you don’t want to waste a drop of that delicious broth.
And honestly, I don’t think one visit to Ichiran is enough.
You can customize your ramen in so many ways that you’ll want to come back and try different combinations. Maybe the best part of Ichiran is that you can create your own perfect bowl of ramen—and then come back and create another one!
Are you curious about Japanese food, too? Have you ever tried homemade crispy tempura?
Japanese tempura is a little different from what you might expect. Crispy on the outside, light and delicate on the inside—it’s definitely worth trying!
If you love Ichiran, this ramen kit is a great way to enjoy the Ichiran experience at home.
The noodles are thin and straight, just like the noodles served at Ichiran restaurants. They have a pleasantly firm texture and a smooth, slippery feel that makes them easy to eat.
The tonkotsu soup has a much milder smell than some other pork bone broths, but you can still enjoy the deep, authentic flavor of tonkotsu ramen. It has a clean finish with a deep, lingering flavor.
And of course, the kit comes with Ichiran’s famous Original Spicy Red Sauce.
The sauce is made with a carefully selected blend of spices and adds a delicious kick to the rich tonkotsu broth. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, just like you can at an Ichiran restaurant.
So, how do you make it?
Let’s take a look!
How to Make Ichiran Ramen at Home
Step 1: Boil 450 ml of water
Step 2: Cook the noodles
Noodle texture
Cooking time
Firm
2 minutes
Regular
2 minutes 30 seconds
Soft
4 minutes
Step 3: Add the Soup
Turn off the heat, then add the soup packet to the pot. Stir well until it is completely mixed into the broth.
Step 4: Add the Original Spicy Red Seasoning
Don’t add it all at once! 🌶️
It can be quite spicy, so start with a small amount and add more if you want extra heat. Once it’s in your soup, you can’t take it out!
Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings
The ramen kit doesn’t include any toppings, but if you like, you can add your own.
Chashu, green onions, a soft-boiled egg, and nori are all great choices. Feel free to add whatever toppings you enjoy!
Choose the Right Ramen Bowl
If you’re going to make ramen at home, a good ramen bowl is a must. And the size, depth, and shape of the bowl all matter.
First, the bowl needs to be big enough to hold plenty of noodles and soup, with enough room for your favorite toppings. If the bowl is too small, everything can feel a little crowded.
The depth is important, too. A deeper bowl makes it much easier to carry your ramen without spilling the soup.
And the shape matters as well. A bowl with gently curved sides is comfortable to hold and makes it easier to enjoy every last drop of soup.
This HIBINO Japanese Ramen Bowl Set comes with not only two ramen bowls, but also spoons and chopsticks, making it a convenient set for enjoying ramen at home.
I especially like the spoons. If you use a regular spoon, it can easily slide down into the bowl. These ramen spoons have a curved edge that rests on the rim of the bowl, so they stay in place. It’s a small detail, but it’s really convenient when you’re eating ramen.
The bowls are made with Mino ware, one of the most famous types of Japanese ceramics. If you want to enjoy your homemade ramen in a more Japanese-style bowl, this set is a nice choice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to tonkotsu ramen, Ichiran is a great place to start. The soup has a mild smell, and you can customize your ramen just the way you like it.
If you want to try Ichiran ramen right now, check out the ramen kit. You can enjoy an authentic Ichiran ramen experience at home!
If you’re interested in Japanese food, take a look at my Amazon Storefront, where I share unique Japanese snacks and kitchen tools.
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