ICHIRAN Shinjuku Station Central East Exit — Restaurant in Tokyo

Situated in the lively neighborhood of Shinjuku, Ichiran Ramen provided me with a memorable dining experience. While the flavors were generally satisfying, I observed a slight tendency towards saltiness in their signature ramen bowls. Let's delve into the details of my visit to this renowned ramen establishment.

Upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The traditional Japanese decor and dim lighting created a soothing ambiance, perfect for savoring a comforting bowl of ramen. The seating arrangement, with individual booths and partitioned dividers, allowed for a private and focused dining experience.

Moving on to the star of the show, the ramen itself, I must admit that the flavors were rich and deeply satisfying. The broth had a robust umami taste, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The noodles were cooked to perfection, maintaining a delightful firmness that added to the overall texture of the dish. The toppings, such as tender slices of chashu pork and a perfectly cooked egg, complemented the flavors wonderfully.

However, it is worth mentioning that the ramen did have a slight tendency towards saltiness. While some may appreciate this bolder flavor profile, it's important to note that it may not suit everyone's taste preferences. For me personally, the saltiness was a bit overpowering, slightly overshadowing the other nuanced flavors present in the broth and toppings. However, I do believe this can be adjusted by customizing the order to individual preferences.

The service at Ichiran Ramen was efficient and attentive. Ordering was done through a ticketing system, allowing for a seamless and quick process. The staff members were polite and accommodating, providing a pleasant dining experience overall.

In conclusion, Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku offers a delightful dining experience with its rich and satisfying flavors. However, it's worth considering that the ramen leans towards the saltier side, which may not be suitable for those with a lower tolerance for saltiness. Nonetheless, the inviting ambiance, impeccable noodles, and attentive service make it a noteworthy destination for ramen enthusiasts looking to explore the flavors...

Just A fair warning, it’s probably best to come in a group of 2 or less as it’s very hard to get a seat together for larger parties unless you don’t mind sitting in separate rooms. When you first arrive, the worker at the front will give you a sheet with your number after you tell them your party size. You will be then prompted to take the elevator to the 6th floor and from there, you would lineup to use the vending machines to order your ramen.

There are English instructions and menu options on the machines. You first insert the bill, and then follow the instructions on how to order. After you’re done, select return to get whatever change you have left and there you will get your food tickets as well. Afterwards you will get a sheet inside to select your preference to go with your food tickets and then wait to sit inside the individual eating booths in the room. You put your sheet on the edge where a worker will take and give you the requested ramen and food. It’s very private as they close the curtains after, but if you need something or want to order extra food, there is an order sheet on the side and you just Press the button In the front to call them. It’s also nice they have a small fountain and Cups for you to get water yourself anytime.

The ramen took less then 5 min to come which is expected of the prompt service and how ramen is considered fast food. The broth was flavorful and wasn’t too salty overall. I also like how the noodles were thin, and portion size was just right. Once you’re finished, you just leave the room.

A very nice place to check out if it’s your first time in Japan (like me). They have a lot of other locations as well, so you can’t really miss...

There is no doubt that Ichiran Ramen's reputation precedes itself. Even before I set foot in Japan, I've already heard that it ranks as one of the most popular ramen chains in the country. I was this close to trying it with a friend during our trip to Taiwan in 2019, but the long lines made us reconsider our options.

Fast forward to 2020, I found myself standing in front of Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku after being invited by a friend to try out their famous ramen. If my memory serves me well, we didn't have to queue that long and were able to place our orders and be seated without any trouble.

The place offers rows of stools that are separated by wooden dividers for customers to enjoy their ramen in solitude. Quite fitting, considering that their dishes are worthy of uninterrupted attention. I opted for their classic ramen bowl with gyoza on the side. The first sip came and I knew in an instant that Ichiran's fame is well deserved. The spices, the al dente noodles, and the tender chashu all blended together into a delectable and savory dish. It is worth noting that their noodles are of the thinner variety; I personally prefer the thicker ones, but this didn't mar the whole experience.

There's an option for customers to ask for extra noodles, broth, and other add-ons for a small fee. I would have loved to ask for more noodles, but the serving that came with my order was so huge that I didn't really find the need to.

Overall, I loved the whole vibe of the place and of course, the pure gastronomic experience from that one bowl of ramen. If you are a ramen lover, Ichiran is your paradise. Otherwise, give this place a try and it might just change your mind.

Enjoy your Ichiran...