Ichiran 一蘭

For those who do not know the name "Ichiran", you are seriously missing out. Ichiran is the BEST tonkotsu ramen a person will EVER have. In fact, the owner has dedicated his life to the mastery of tonkotsu and is the only thing on the menu.

What is tonkotsu? This is tonkotsu. It is a big bowl of delicious ramen noodles with pork slices, green onions, garlic, and broth filled with special sauce and seasonings. SO GOOD!

Tonkotsu is a Fukuoka specialty and even though Ichiran is now a big chain with locations all around Japan (and even New York), it has maintained the highest quality and consistency across locations. I can only speak of 2 locations I've been to (Nagoya and flagship restaurant in Fukuoka) and they taste the same.

As like almost everything else in Japan, there is a process to follow:

1. Buy a ticket at the vending machine (like what these girls are doing):

 

2. Walk in and check the board for vacancy:

 

 

3. You will be seated in a little booth. The owner believed the only way to taste tonkotsu is to concentrate on the flavor. Hence, no talking, no texting, no playing with the phone. Just eat. 

 

3. Customize your tonkotsu.

 

 and voila - it will appear! Now pay attention to your food and enjoy!

 



 

4. Not enough ramen noodles? No problem, just order more by filling out what you want, put down the money, and press the button. Be sure to leave at least half a bowl of broth.



 

 

 

 

 

5. And just like that, more noodles come. Put it in your broth and enjoy (once again). 



 

And that's how you eat delicious tonkotsu at Ichiran.