Why is Ichiran Ramen so famous? Ichiran began as a humble ramen stall named Futaba Ramen in Fukuoka in 1960. It specialized in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen. This ramen features a rich pork bone broth.
Futaba Ramen was exclusive. You needed a membership to dine there. In 1966, Futaba Ramen became Ichiran. For three decades, Ichiran had only one location. In 1993, a second location opened. This store became the template for future shops. Now, over 65 Ichiran shops dot Japan.
Ichiran restaurants focus on ramen appreciation. Only counter seating is available. Each seat is compartmentalized. Dividers are on each side. Bamboo curtains are in front. You barely see the wait staff. Traditionally, customers ordered without seeing anyone.
The solo dining experience is unique. Customers sit in solo booths. Ramen is served from behind a curtain. The curtain closes, allowing diners to focus on the ramen. You can order refills without speaking. Fill out a paper form and press a button. Each booth has a self-service water tap. Groups can sit side by side. The booth layout still provides a solo experience.
Ichiran lets you customize your ramen. Use a paper form to specify your preferences. Choose the broth intensity. Select the richness or amount of fat. Specify the amount of garlic. Decide on green or white onions. Choose pork slices. Adjust the spice level. Pick your noodle consistency. All options are the same price. An exception exists for extra garlic and spice.
Buy a meal ticket from a vending machine. Fill out the form. Then, take a seat. Place the ticket and form on the table. An employee takes them and closes the curtain. The food is served from behind the curtain.
Ichiran also offers ready-made kits. You can make their signature ramen at home. Some Ichiran branches are “No Pork” locations. These cater to customers who cannot eat pork. They use chicken-based broth. The dashi does not use alcohol-based soy sauce or mirin. However, the ramen is not halal.
Ichiran is known nationwide for its tonkotsu ramen. The Ichiran Nanokawa store is considered the birthplace of Ichiran. This flagship store is in Minami Ward, Fukuoka City. It is a single-story wooden building. A large noren curtain marks the front. It reads “Founded in Showa 35”, “Birthplace of the Store”, and “First Store.”
The current operator opened the Nanokawa store in 1993. This was after being granted the Ichiran brand. The term “natural tonkotsu” means they use 100% pork bones for the soup. No instant pork bone extracts are used.
The signature partitioned “Taste-Concentration Counter” is unique. The original order sheet is also special. At the Nanokawa store, the restroom has many rolls of toilet paper. The large number of toilet paper rolls started here. The record is 28 rolls at the Fukuoka Shingu store.
Ichiran’s noodles are thin. They soften quickly. Eat them promptly if you like them firm. The thinly sliced chashu comes in two pieces. The secret spicy sauce changes the flavor. Mix it in gradually. This is the official eating method.