Discover Ichiran: A Unique Ramen Experience in New York City

As a food lover, I always seek distinctive culinary experiences that satisfy my palate and give me a unique cultural perspective. My recent visit to Ichiran in Times Square, New York City, a famous Japanese Ramen restaurant, caught my attention with its intriguing solo dining concept and the long queues outside its outlets.

Ichiran: More Than Just a Ramen Restaurant

The concept of Ichiran goes beyond serving delicious bowls of Tonkotsu Ramen. It offers a unique dining experience that encourages customers to focus solely on the flavors of their ramen, free from distractions. This is achieved through their innovative solo dining booths and customizable order forms.

Flavorful Tonkotsu Broth

I ordered their classic Tonkotsu Ramen. Ichiran takes no shortcuts in creating its aromatic Tonkotsu broth. The broth is slowly simmered with pork bones, resulting in a rich, flavorful liquid that forms the base of their ramen.

 

Solo Dining Booths

I often dine on my own. Ichiran's solo dining booths are designed to minimize distractions, allowing customers to concentrate solely on the sensory experience of enjoying their ramen.

 

Customizable Order Forms

At Ichiran, you have complete control over the specifics of your ramen, thanks to their customizable order forms. From the firmness of your noodles to the richness of your broth, you can tailor your ramen to your preference.

 

Kae-Dama Ordering System

 The Kae-Dama system is a unique feature of Ichiran, where customers can request noodle refills without uttering a word, ensuring a seamless dining experience. This was a unique experience as an introvert, and it was nice not having to speak. 

 

Crafting Your Own Ramen Experience 

One of the most exciting aspects of dining at Ichiran is the ability to customize your bowl of ramen. The sheer variety of options can be overwhelming at first. Nevertheless, do not worry. Ichiran offers a "recommended set" for those who prefer a curated experience.

  

My choice was the recommended set, which included chashu (pork), dried seaweed, soft-boiled egg, scallion, and mushrooms. The balance of flavors was exceptional, with the spicy red sauce perfectly contrasting the rich, savory broth. The cha shu pork was tender and flavorful, and the noodles were firm.

Ichiran Locations in New York City 

Ichiran currently operates three outlets in New York City, with its latest addition near Times Square. Here are the locations for your reference:

 

TIMES SQUARE

 

152 W 49th Street, New York, NY 10019

 

BROOKLYN

 

374 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206

 

MIDTOWN

 

132 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001