Japanese style ramen has seen a swift rise in popularity in a number of large American and European cities although there remains some key differences between Ramen in Japan and abroad. Ramen outside of Japan is sometimes treated as a slow eaten meal and is in some cases expensive, which would be considered almost sacrilegious in the Tokyo ramen scene.
One thing is clear, at least originally ramen was not meant to be eaten slowly. Most chefs say it shouldn’t take more than five minutes until you greet the bottom of the bowl. This is not due to impatience or manners, it is simply utilitarian. If the noodles are left too long they will soak up too much of the broth and the taste and texture will change. For stores themselves it is also better that ramen be consumed quickly, as the economics of ramen are quite tight. On each bowl only a small profit is made, thus if patrons take too much time, by the end of the day less profit will come into the store. Knowing thi, don’t blame the staff for trying to get you in and out as quickly as possible.
I personally have never been a huge fan of ramen chain stores, but in this case I will admit Ichiran serves up some delicious noodles. One of the best things about Ichiran is that your bowl is easily customizable. On an order form, you can choose the level of richness, light to heavy soup stock, garlic, firmness of the noodles and level of spiciness.The most unique part of the store is that when you sit at the bar to eat there is a wall between you and the chefs, and you can never see the face of the staff. You simply just hand them your ticket through a tiny window and then proceed to filling out your desired options. On top of this, there is also a small shutter between you and the person sitting next to you. The message is simple, order your ramen, enjoy the beautiful flavors, and move back into the bustle of Tokyo.
Ichiran began back in the 1960s in Fukuoka, which many Japanese see as the mecca of ramen. For many years the store had only one location. It wasn’t until 2001 that the first store was opened in the Tokyo region. The most popular style ramen in Fukuoka is tonkotsu (pork bone base), but to the locals it is simply referred as Hakata ramen.
If you have time I also highly recommend the Tenka-Ippin ramen chain. This store has an incredibly thick tonkotsu broth. Although filled with more fat than its soy sauce and salt based peers, sometimes going unhealthy is just plain delicious.
On a busy day eating a meal has to be efficient and fast. If that is the case there is really nothing better than Ichiran. But if your life is filled with too many ramen bowls not only is this bad for your physical health it may be a sign you are overworked. Definitely taking a break and enjoying a two to three hour meal can be just what the doctor ordered if you need reprieve from the always fast pace of Tokyo.
Name: Ichiran Shibuya
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya-Ku, Jinnan 1-22-7
Hours: Open 24 Hours
☎︎ +81 03-3463-3667