Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō Ikebukuro — Restaurant in Tokyo

Review from May 2023. We went to Kikanbo at the Ikebukuro branch at around 11:05am, and we manage to get seated after 10minutes.

Kikanbo is famous for their Oni or devil level spicy ramen but we didn't go for that since we don't want to get into any problem during vacation. So I chose the "Less chili, less sansho pepper" version on my "Special Ramen" while he went for the medium one for the "Big Pork Ramen". We regretted our level choices because mine is totally not even spicy and the medium one is more suited for my taste, while he could have had the high spiciness level. We are Malaysians so quite used to spicy food.

The star of the dish is actually the pork meat, it was so darn tasty and flavorful! Will definitely return for Kikanbo next time with the right level selections and add more meat. I usually don't like bean sprouts in my noodle soup, but this tasted okay though I prefer it in lesser amount. The soup is rich but because of the spices, we are able to finish it easily.

The interior is red and black dark theme, and has beating drums sound as background music to reflect on their identity.

Queue got quite long after we finished eating, but I think turnover time is pretty quick as they cook and serve really fast. People who cannot take spicy food can opt for None or Less spicy level (I think "Less" level is fine to at least get that...

Best Ramen I've had so far! No joke! The restaurant opened at 11AM, and I showed up with my wife about 20 min after. There was already a line forming outside, almost blocking the street. People were seated and eating. After placing our order through the vending machine, we had to wait about an hour to get seated. Just an FYI, this is a very small shop, and had about 10 - 12 seats total, but don't let that size and wait time turn you away! The wait is WORTH IT! Don't walk away because this might just be the best thing you had!

I ordered the Special Ramen and my wife got the Baby Corn Ramen. After getting seated, it barely took them 2 min to have our order served fresh, and looking mouth watering. I don't think the pictures or videos do it any justice. Taking that first sip of the soup was like drowning myself in a tsunami of flavor and richness. DELICIOUS! OISHI! SUGOI! The spice level was set to a medium which was perfect for me. The meat was so juicy and melts in your mouth! I haven't downed a bowl of Ramen that fast in my life. Even my wife, who has a smaller appetite than me, basically finished her entire Ramen without having me finish it for her. Honestly this is a 7 out of 5 stars in my book, and don't take it with a...

I went to the famous and viral Kikanbo in Ikkebukuro. A small place in a neighborhood full of restaurants and small shops. I went not at a peak hour and still had to queue in line for about 30 minutes. They have a machine with the menu. Mainly the specialty Ramen. You put your money in choose what your having. It will issue a ticket for food and beverage. As soon as you have your ticket move to the line. As you arrive they ask level of Spicy. I ordered the double pork Ramen medium. When your turn arrives they take you to the counter and you sit in a stool. The bowl is huge and the broth arrives piping hot. Knowing there is People waiting is Kind of stressful to try to eat without burning your mouth. The protein is pork belly braised low and slow resulting in a very soft Meat. For me medium was not that hot but mind I'm used to very spicy food. All in all is good but whenever something goes viral your expectations are high. I would not come at peak hours because the queue...