The Ultimate Guide to ICHIRAN! How to Order, Recommended Customizations, Kae-Dama Culture, and More

ICHIRAN's goal is always to serve an even more delicious bowl.
Rather than viewing its current flavor as the finished product, the company continues to evolve through ongoing daily research.
To provide the same quality at every location across Japan, all ICHIRAN restaurants are directly operated.
Along with its signature Classic Tonkotsu Ramen -Since 1960-, the Hiden no Tare (Spicy Red Sauce) placed in the center of the bowl is another essential element supporting ICHIRAN's distinctive flavor.

One of ICHIRAN's most iconic features is its Flavor Concentration Booths.
Partitions to the left, right, and front of each seat create a space where diners can focus solely on the ramen in front of them without being distracted by other people's glances or conversations.
This style, however, did not exist when ICHIRAN first opened.
At the first location, the kitchen and seating area were simply divided by noren.
With the desire for customers to savor the true deliciousness of ramen without distraction, ICHIRAN continued making improvements and introduced the prototype of the current system at its fifth location.
It continued to evolve from there into the style used today.
Although the booths have become a familiar sight in Japan, for overseas travelers they offer a unique dining experience that can only be enjoyed at ICHIRAN.

Another major feature is the ramen order sheet.
You can fine-tune your bowl to your preferences by selecting the noodle texture, flavor strength, richness, amount of garlic, type of green onion, and amount of Hiden no Tare (Spicy Red Sauce), among other options.
The number of choices may seem overwhelming at first, but there is no need to worry.
The sheet also shows ICHIRAN's recommended settings, so first-time visitors can simply order those as they are.
On your next visit, of course, you can gradually experiment by making the noodles a little firmer or adding slightly more Hiden no Tare.
Discovering a new flavor with each bowl is one of the reasons ICHIRAN attracts so many repeat customers.

After entering the restaurant, first purchase a meal ticket from the ticket vending machine.
Along with ramen, you can also purchase Kae-Dama, toppings, drinks, and other items.
Depending on the location, you may need to line up before entering, but simply follow the instructions when your turn comes.
Inside the restaurant is a vacant seat information panel, allowing you to sit directly at a seat marked as vacant.
This distinctive ICHIRAN system lets you proceed smoothly to your seat without having to interact face-to-face with a staff member.
If you plan to order Kae-Dama, purchase a Kae-Dama meal ticket at this point as well. Submitting the Kae-Dama meal ticket together with your order sheet allows you to order smoothly later using the Kae-Dama plate.

Once seated, fill in the ramen order sheet with your preferences.
There are seven items to choose from.

At first glance, the number of choices may seem overwhelming.
But there is no need to worry.
The sheet also indicates ICHIRAN's recommended settings.
First-time visitors should start with these standard settings to experience ICHIRAN's signature flavor.
Of course, one of the pleasures of ICHIRAN is being able to customize your bowl to your liking, whether you prefer firmer noodles or a stronger garlic flavor.
Try different combinations to discover just how many variations you can create.

Once you submit your order sheet and meal ticket, your ramen will arrive shortly afterward.
One of ICHIRAN's signature features is the Hiden no Tare (Spicy Red Sauce) placed in the center of the bowl.
Try a sip of the soup before mixing in much of the sauce, then gradually blend it into the soup and enjoy the changing flavors.
As you eat, notice how the preferences you selected on the order sheet are reflected in the bowl, and you will gain an even greater appreciation for the fun of customizing ramen at ICHIRAN.

If you still have soup left after finishing the noodles, be sure to try Kae-Dama.
Kae-Dama is a Hakata ramen tradition in which only additional noodles are added to the remaining soup.
At ICHIRAN, place the Kae-Dama plate over the button at the back of your table, and the Charumela Melody will play to let staff know you would like to order.
It is a unique ICHIRAN system that lets you order without saying a word.
You can also choose a different noodle texture for your Kae-Dama from the one you selected for your first serving.
For example, try Medium for your first bowl and Firm for your Kae-Dama to enjoy the difference in texture.
Because cooking times vary depending on noodle texture, order your Kae-Dama slightly later for Extra Firm noodles and slightly earlier for Extra Soft noodles so that your refill arrives at just the right time.

If this is your first visit to ICHIRAN, start with the recommended order shown on the ramen order sheet.

Centered on the richness and umami of the Classic Tonkotsu Soup, this combination brings together the flavor of the Hiden no Tare, the refreshing aroma of green onion, and the savory taste of chashu for a well-balanced introduction to ICHIRAN.
Start with this standard bowl, then gradually adjust elements such as noodle texture and the amount of Hiden no Tare on future visits to discover your own favorite combination.

This customization is recommended for anyone who wants to fully enjoy the heat.

Increasing the Hiden no Tare to 3x, setting Flavor Strength to Strong, and Richness to Rich brings out enough body and umami in the soup to stand up to the heat.
Choosing Extra Firm noodles helps maintain the sharp character of the soup and lets you feel the kick of the Hiden no Tare directly from the first bite.
The result is not simply spicy, but a deep flavor balanced by the sweetness and umami of the tonkotsu soup.
For an even greater kick, adding Osukaran Vinegar as a topping is also recommended.

This satisfying order is perfect for anyone planning to enjoy Kae-Dama as well.

Setting Flavor Strength to Strong and Garlic to 1/2 Clove creates a satisfying bowl without making it feel overly heavy.
Changing the noodle texture between your initial serving and Kae-Dama is also recommended.
Firm noodles offer a crisp bite, while Soft noodles let you appreciate more of the sweetness and flavor of the wheat as they blend with the soup.
Being able to enjoy different textures and flavors within a single bowl of ramen is another distinctive pleasure of ICHIRAN.

Keep Flavor Strength at Medium and set Richness to Light.
Reducing the amount of Hiden no Tare also creates a lighter finish while preserving the umami of the tonkotsu soup.

The combination of the white part of the green onion and chashu is also worth noting.
The white part of the green onion is said to support the absorption of the vitamin B1 in chashu, creating a satisfying yet easy-to-eat combination for a finishing bowl after drinks.
Choosing Soft noodles also helps them blend more closely with the soup, creating a gentle mouthfeel.

Located in Fukuoka City, ICHIRAN Souhonten -Headshop & Office- is one of the brand's most representative locations.
In addition to enjoying Classic Tonkotsu Ramen -Since 1960- in Fukuoka, where ICHIRAN was founded, visitors can see a performance by ICHIRAN Wagakudan, a traditional music ensemble, every night at 8:00 pm.
The combination of ramen and distinctly Japanese entertainment makes this a popular destination for travelers from Japan and abroad.

ICHIRAN no Mori Itoshima in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a special location and the only one in Japan where an ICHIRAN production facility and restaurant operate side by side.
In addition to getting a closer feel for how ICHIRAN ramen is made, visitors can enjoy a leisurely meal on the expansive grounds surrounded by nature.
Many people visit it as a travel destination because it offers a chance not only to enjoy the ramen but also to experience ICHIRAN's craftsmanship and dedication to quality.

Tenjin Nishidori in Fukuoka's Tenjin area is the only ICHIRAN location serving Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen.
Many fans visit specifically for this exclusive menu item, making it a worthwhile stop while sightseeing in Fukuoka.
It is also recommended to compare it with the standard Classic Tonkotsu Ramen -Since 1960-.

This location is inside Canal City Hakata, a large commercial complex.
It is the only ICHIRAN location serving Wafuu Tonkotsu Ramen.
It is easy to stop by while shopping or sightseeing, making it a convenient addition to a visit to Hakata.
This unique flavor makes the restaurant well worth visiting.

Located in the heart of Osaka's Minami area, Namba Midosuji (Osaka) is the only ICHIRAN location serving 100% Tonkotsu-Free Ramen.
This highly distinctive location lets you experience how ICHIRAN expresses its signature style in a bowl made without tonkotsu. It is well worth a stop while sightseeing in Osaka.

Some locations feature designs unique to their region, allowing travelers to enjoy region-themed noren curtains that can only be seen at destinations such as Sapporo Susukino and Naha Kokusaidori.

The thin noodles characteristic of Hakata ramen pair well with the soup but also tend to soften quickly over time.
This gave rise to the tradition of Kae-Dama, in which fresh noodles are added while the remaining soup stays in the bowl.
At ICHIRAN, ordering Kae-Dama as you work your way through the ramen lets you enjoy freshly prepared noodles right through to the end.

At ICHIRAN, you can choose from five levels of noodle texture, ranging from Extra Firm to Extra Soft.
Each level offers a different way to enjoy the noodles.
Firm noodles offer a satisfying bite, while Soft noodles let you appreciate the sweetness and flavor of the wheat, allowing you to experience different sides of the noodles within a single bowl.
At ICHIRAN, you can also try a different texture with your Kae-Dama, letting you enjoy changes in both texture and flavor within the same bowl of ramen.
Because Extra Firm noodles are served more quickly while Extra Soft noodles take longer, it is worth adjusting when you order your Kae-Dama according to your preferred noodle texture.