Ichitaru Ramen Carlsbad — Restaurant in Carlsbad

If memory serves correctly, we haven’t done a ramen review since our trip to Vancouver, B.C., way back in March. Clearly that needed to change, so I paid another visit to Ichitaru Ramen.

Since my last visit there have been a few minor changes (including no longer ordering at the counter, but rather from your table now).

I sampled the “Garlic Bomb Ramen” and it was as good as in prior visits. Although it was never an issue in the past, I appreciated that they now permit you to select your preferred level of spiciness.

While I found the broth to be a little salty, the noodles were buttery and the slices of pork were thick, tender, and flavorful.

For dessert I felt compelled to sample the “Cocoa Milky Jujube” and I was disappointed to learn that it was pre-packaged. While it doesn’t look like much once unwrapped, it does provide a spongy flavor fullness accented nicely by the crunchy almonds.

Although I didn’t partake during this visit, there are multiple hot/cold sake (as well as Vegan) options available.

No matter what you order I’d recommend trying a “Ramune” Japanese soft drink if for no other reason than the experience. I found it effervescent and flavorful, with a little less sweetness than a typical soda. What makes this beverage remarkable is the packaging. Personally I can’t recall another bottled beverage with detailed and multi-step opening instructions. I’ll be honest and admit that after the first few steps I surrendered and requested assistance to cross the bottle opening finish line. 🏁 Thankfully my server was friendly and attentive!

The culprit in this happy conundrum is a glass marble at the top of the bottle that needs to be dislodged upon opening. You’ll know once that occurs when you hear the associated fizz commencing. The glass marble rattles around while you enjoy the soda and somehow conjures comparisons to baby bottles and rattles. 🤷‍♂️

If you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps you should consider their “Challenge The Spice Rules” Competition. If you can down “20 degrees of spicy” in a 30 minute period you’ll be entitled to “a permanent free topping.” I counted 20+ brave men and women who have proudly ascended this mountain of spiciness. Will you be next?

And that’s…Henry’s...

Located in a shopping center off Poinsettia and Aviara in Carlsbad, Ichitaru took over the former Ramen Factory location. They have some unique offerings, but most of the soups you can choose your broth - salt, miso, or spicy miso. Today we both chose spicy miso, but I got the garlic bomb and Stephen got the curry fried chicken. WOW! They weren't kidding with that garlic bomb- it was full of fresh garlic and deep fried garlic chips, and combined with the spicy miso that broth will cure whatever ails you. That was some of the richest ramen broth I've ever had. If you like ramen egg, don't forget to order it as an add-on; I did after the fact when I realized it isn't included and they have a really good soft egg that soaks up that broth nicely. Stephen's curry ramen was so good too - the karaage (fried chicken) came separately so you can add it yourself so it won't be too soggy. The curry combined so well with the spicy miso broth for so much rich flavor. The noodles they use are great too - nice chewy texture that holds up well in the broth. We also split the stuffed mushrooms appetizer - mushroom caps stuffed full with cream cheese and imitation crab, then battered in tempura and fried to a crisp. We were too full this time, but they had some unique dessert items we'll have to check out next time. #foodiesofsd #sdfoodie #socalfoodie #japanesefood...

First time and last time at this place. WORST ramen I've ever had in my life!!! Food absolutely terrible, 0 stars. Service terrible, 0 stars. Interior, very dirty 0 stars. I got major stomachache from eating here.

Ordered a regular miso ramen and the pork buns. The miso ramen was super salty and had no flavor except salt. I asked for the regular tonkatsu broth, and the server didn't even know what that is. Never order from a Ramen place that doesn't even know what the word Tonkatsu means. The Ramen and the pork buns came out and the bun was something you get an discount grocery store where the items have expired six months ago, and not at all fresh. The noodles or worse. Absolutely taste like trash. Looks like trash also, see photo. I ate a few bites and throw the rest away, and I was starving.

Oh server also got a bad attitude. The interior of the place is absolutely greasy filthy and disgusting. Doesn't look like any cleaning has been done in a long time. Makes one wonder about the cleanliness of the food.

Save yourself some money and stomach pain and go to Poke Moon in Encinitas for the best ramen in North County! Even Ichiban chain is significantly better...