Well ive bever been but have seen maaany youtubers there and in new york ones and they all say the same spectaculer!!! Maybe one day ill be fortunite enough to visit...untill then its shin ramyun instant for me haha
Ichiran is a great quality chain that stands up to the quality of many indie shops. Appreciate that you are able to share that with us while some ramen people will make a big deal about liking ichiran.
Agreed with you that it is more of a nostalgia feeling eating it. Once you have had the many excellent bowls in japan, theirs is probably an elementary pork bone ramen!!
We're of the same mind 😃. Ichiran gets the job done when you're in a late night pinch, and it's nostalgic. But we also know what else is really out there, ramen-wise.
Hey, Frank! I found your channel from Ryan at Way of Ramen and Shinichi and Satoshi on theirs. Great content! Thanks, and I am making my ramen list for our trip to Japan.
Reminds me of when I first tried Ichiran ramen. I'd been out partying with some random japanese people I'd met that night and they invited me for some food and we all went to ichiran!
Happy to hear you liked it! It's harder to do these "on the spot" reviews at places in Tokyo (there's pressure to eat quickly and leave)...but luckily, this Ichiran is so big and I had the place to myself 😊
Frank you gotta come to California bro there's amazing spots in the Bay area too. I had great ramen in Fukuoka, and I'm pretty sure I went to the the Ichiran located in Osaka off of the river when I was there near all the Takoyaki vendors.
I need to make it over there once travel is back...haven't been to the Bay area in a looong time. Great you enjoyed some bowls over in Fukuoka, and some Ichiran by the water there. Thanks for watching!!
I loved all the places you took us to when I was there last. But Ichiran is my favorite I think. I love the individual booths and all the sounds. The ramen is great too ;)
Right on - it's the whole experience that makes it fun. I was genuinely enjoying myself in the video 😃 Growing up eating it, it's just as nostalgic as McDonald's to me.
Nostalgia is wonderful when the repeat visits confirm your memories! I heard that once you place your order, the server has two min? To get the order to you... in NYC. Not sure about Japan. Either way, it is always great to go back to the oke stomping grounds....👍🏿😀. More nostalgia pls! I am surr ramen has come far, yet stuck in time....😉
As you said, I think some great ramen bowls are right smack in the middle of that - between being stuck in time and also pushing the boundaries! I think in Japan they do try and maintain that 2 min window but they don't advertise it as much. Yes, I was genuinely excited to be back there in the video 😃
I think I'd visit Ichiran to set the bar for good ramen - I have no idea how authentic the ramen has been that I've tried here in England, so it would be good to have a bowl to get my bearings, as it were. Plus it sounds delicious and I like the simple customisation options and the water on tap :-D
Definitely - I would recommend trying Ichiran and some other bowls in Fukuoka. Full tonkotsu ramen bearings! As you highlighted, the customisation and cozy booths with your own water faucet make it a really fun experience 😃
oh wow man , i have been there in ichiran but the thing is i didnt eat the pork-bone broth, i went with the beef one, it was not bad, i bet the pork one is better since its making all the noise out there, nice videos , keep it up ! seriously, Ramen is my life... never found a guy thats so dedicated like that to Ramen like that!! :) , oh btw, do you know any local websites in Japan that can show me every single ramen shop in the area im visiting with a feature of filtering the shops? like for example, i want to see all the chicken broth ramen shops in osaka/ tokyo ? or vegeterian etc etc.. Thank you so much :)
I haven't yet tried their beef bone ramen...but definitely plan to do a future video about that bowl. Will compare and see if I feel the same as you did (it not being bad). Thanks for watching the videos and I'm happy you like them! With "Ramen Database" (only in Japanese) you're able to filter (just not down to vegetarian ramen): ramendb.supleks.jp/ I'm working on something like this now for my ramen websites too 😃
I still have yet to eat Ichiran, despite having gone to Japan a few times. Really want to though. I've only eaten ramen at smaller shops, which were amazing, but chain ones tend to have their own flavors (for better or worse).
I tried Ichiran once the last time I was in Ueno. Wasn’t too impressed…but since it’s usually open 24 hours and by hotels I’ll be staying at I’ll probably try it again.
The best I got for you is a pack of Shin Black Ramen with a couple of eggs poached in the broth. Not bad for a package; but what I wouldn't give to have the authentic, real deal.
Haha, well I cheated...those pictures weren't from too long ago...about 5-10 years back. So that's the only reason why I don't look that different. I was going through some older photos (like from High School) to use...but the photo quality wasn't the best 😅
Would love for you to go back and get the set. Without the set you didn’t get the wood ear mushrooms, the extra chasu, the bamboo shoots, etc. it’s not the real experience! Next time get the whole ramen set - not necessarily the other sides.
Maybe in a future video 😊. I've had the set before - is always nice to have extras....but if memory serves, Ichiran was my fifth bowl of the day so I was quite stuffed then.
Ichiran is the flavor I always go back to when I think of Tonkotsu ramen, there were better ramens I've had all over Japan but when it's 2am and I'm jet lagged Ichiran was always there for me.
Definitely up there in terms of no. of branches, revenue, etc. There are cheaper chains with more branches though, which I plan to feature in another video 😃
@@5AMRamen really wow can't wait! I have to eat at another tsukemen spot here in Hawaii then I'll make my quick lil vid comparing the two. Keep up the great work 🤙you're my ramen idol 😂
It’s thicker and less homogenous. When ramen is made by hand, the noodles are firmer and have better texture. I’d say a ramen bowl is about 2.5x better than its packaged version.
@@kohsuzuki1438 thank you :] I bought it about a year ago and it was meh to me. It was so thick. But also, I bought it on Amazon and it was probably sitting around for who knows how long.
I've bought but haven't yet tried Ichiran's newest premium instant ramen. Unlike the packets, I think they're using non-flash fried noodles. This will make a big difference with the noodle quality. Will see how it stacks up and make a video about it too!
@@5AMRamen awesome! Can’t wait to see what you think. They have two different kinds. One is more typical instant ramen that comes in a square, and then there is the one I bought that has noodles packed separately from the broth and powder, and it comes in a bigger box.
When I went to new York I went to ichiran but compared to the ramen places around San Francisco it was very generic tasting like not good not bad just gimmick of the environment....I'm sure japan will have better ichiran
Not sure how much it is in their other locations outside of Japan but here in their NY locations the prices are more than double for the Tonkotsu ramen.
@@5AMRamen That's one thing I was glad was wrong about what I was told before my first trip to Japan, everyone kept telling me food was so expensive there but when I got there I was like wow everything is so reasonably priced, like I spend less on food in Tokyo than my day to day life in NYC. I also think Ichiran charges so much because they're the well known brand from Japan but there are plenty of better ramen shops here that are cheaper.
What do you think of Ichiran?
Well ive bever been but have seen maaany youtubers there and in new york ones and they all say the same spectaculer!!! Maybe one day ill be fortunite enough to visit...untill then its shin ramyun instant for me haha
I always wanted to eat there.
@@michaelphelps7153 One day YOU WILL visit Ichiran! Shin ramyun is great in its own way 😃
@@ElbertTreble It's a fun experience, one for the ramen scrapbook 😃
Ichiran is a good bowl.
Ichiran is a great quality chain that stands up to the quality of many indie shops. Appreciate that you are able to share that with us while some ramen people will make a big deal about liking ichiran.
Thank you for saying that. Indeed - there are two factions when it comes to Ichiran. I think it's important to highlight their strengths!
Agreed with you that it is more of a nostalgia feeling eating it. Once you have had the many excellent bowls in japan, theirs is probably an elementary pork bone ramen!!
We're of the same mind 😃. Ichiran gets the job done when you're in a late night pinch, and it's nostalgic. But we also know what else is really out there, ramen-wise.
Definitely brings back good hazy memories! 😂
"Hazy" is the keyword lol
I love Ichiran ramen. You're always making me hungry! I enjoyed this video very much. I never get tired watching Ichiran ramen videos. Lol 😊
Haha, glad to hear it! There's a lot of them out there too (Ichiran Ramen videos)
@@5AMRamen Yes, I think I've watched most of those videos. Lol. 😅
Hey, Frank! I found your channel from Ryan at Way of Ramen and Shinichi and Satoshi on theirs. Great content! Thanks, and I am making my ramen list for our trip to Japan.
Welcome aboard and thanks for watching! I'll keep putting out ramen content for you to add to that list 😃
Reminds me of when I first tried Ichiran ramen. I'd been out partying with some random japanese people I'd met that night and they invited me for some food and we all went to ichiran!
That's a very Ichiran story 😃. For many, it's that reliable late night bowl after partying!
Glad that you did this “on the spot” reviews. Really feels like an authentic reaction and review. Hope to see more videos ✌🏻
Happy to hear you liked it! It's harder to do these "on the spot" reviews at places in Tokyo (there's pressure to eat quickly and leave)...but luckily, this Ichiran is so big and I had the place to myself 😊
this was fun.
I had more fun there than I expected I'd have
There are even restaurants in the Northeastern United States, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Yes, they've done well!
Frank you gotta come to California bro there's amazing spots in the Bay area too. I had great ramen in Fukuoka, and I'm pretty sure I went to the the Ichiran located in Osaka off of the river when I was there near all the Takoyaki vendors.
I need to make it over there once travel is back...haven't been to the Bay area in a looong time. Great you enjoyed some bowls over in Fukuoka, and some Ichiran by the water there. Thanks for watching!!
definitely on my bucket list to go there one day
And you will one day 😃
I loved all the places you took us to when I was there last. But Ichiran is my favorite I think. I love the individual booths and all the sounds. The ramen is great too ;)
Right on - it's the whole experience that makes it fun. I was genuinely enjoying myself in the video 😃
Growing up eating it, it's just as nostalgic as McDonald's to me.
You’re a legend keep up the good work🤝😤💯
Thanks!! Haha, I'm just a humble ramen eater 😊. Will keep it up tho 👍
Nostalgia is wonderful when the repeat visits confirm your memories! I heard that once you place your order, the server has two min? To get the order to you... in NYC. Not sure about Japan. Either way, it is always great to go back to the oke stomping grounds....👍🏿😀. More nostalgia pls! I am surr ramen has come far, yet stuck in time....😉
As you said, I think some great ramen bowls are right smack in the middle of that - between being stuck in time and also pushing the boundaries! I think in Japan they do try and maintain that 2 min window but they don't advertise it as much. Yes, I was genuinely excited to be back there in the video 😃
This channel needs to blow up onegaishimasu.
😊😊😊
I think I'd visit Ichiran to set the bar for good ramen - I have no idea how authentic the ramen has been that I've tried here in England, so it would be good to have a bowl to get my bearings, as it were. Plus it sounds delicious and I like the simple customisation options and the water on tap :-D
Definitely - I would recommend trying Ichiran and some other bowls in Fukuoka. Full tonkotsu ramen bearings! As you highlighted, the customisation and cozy booths with your own water faucet make it a really fun experience 😃
@@5AMRamen Ah yes, setting the bar for *tonkotsu* ramen. 😅
oh wow man , i have been there in ichiran but the thing is i didnt eat the pork-bone broth, i went with the beef one, it was not bad, i bet the pork one is better since its making all the noise out there, nice videos , keep it up ! seriously, Ramen is my life... never found a guy thats so dedicated like that to Ramen like that!! :) , oh btw, do you know any local websites in Japan that can show me every single ramen shop in the area im visiting with a feature of filtering the shops? like for example, i want to see all the chicken broth ramen shops in osaka/ tokyo ? or vegeterian etc etc.. Thank you so much :)
I haven't yet tried their beef bone ramen...but definitely plan to do a future video about that bowl. Will compare and see if I feel the same as you did (it not being bad). Thanks for watching the videos and I'm happy you like them! With "Ramen Database" (only in Japanese) you're able to filter (just not down to vegetarian ramen): ramendb.supleks.jp/
I'm working on something like this now for my ramen websites too 😃
@@5AMRamen oh thats amazing, Thank you so much, let us know when you have your own website cuz i already watched all of your videos hahaha ;)
I still have yet to eat Ichiran, despite having gone to Japan a few times. Really want to though. I've only eaten ramen at smaller shops, which were amazing, but chain ones tend to have their own flavors (for better or worse).
I tend to do the small shops 99.9% of the time. When travel is back, Ichiran will be waiting for you! Definitely a ramen experience you don't forget.
I tried Ichiran once the last time I was in Ueno. Wasn’t too impressed…but since it’s usually open 24 hours and by hotels I’ll be staying at I’ll probably try it again.
Ichiran def gets top points for convenience! I gotcha - as a ramen hunter I don't eat there much anymore, but it def can scratch the tonkotsu itch.
my first ichiran was in hk!
Nice! I haven't been to HK in years
The best I got for you is a pack of Shin Black Ramen with a couple of eggs poached in the broth. Not bad for a package; but what I wouldn't give to have the authentic, real deal.
And one day again you shall have the real deal! I miss certain things over there you can't get here - proper Mexican food, for instance.
You are a true politician....lol
Lol...you know it. It's like I'm giving speeches to 2 ramen camps separated by a river.
Have you tried kakiya ramen in nagaoka niiga pref.. If not.. Please try it. Its very delicious.
I haven't been there! Was just in Nagaoka last Feb too.
@@5AMRamen if you have a chance to comeback please try kakiya ramen.. It is located beside donke hote
Have to play at 1.25 - 1.5x speed. His voice sounds slooooowed doooooown if I don't. Love the content though!
Maybe I should practice speaking faster 😅. Thanks for watching and loving the content!
*Sees your face in those pictures of long ago...* Do you... not age?? You look like you haven't aged a day! Tell us your secret! :D
Haha, well I cheated...those pictures weren't from too long ago...about 5-10 years back. So that's the only reason why I don't look that different. I was going through some older photos (like from High School) to use...but the photo quality wasn't the best 😅
@@5AMRamen I'll have to keep looking for that illustrious elixer of eternal youth then :(
@@AynenMakino clearly the rest of us aren't eating enough ramen
Would love for you to go back and get the set. Without the set you didn’t get the wood ear mushrooms, the extra chasu, the bamboo shoots, etc. it’s not the real experience! Next time get the whole ramen set - not necessarily the other sides.
Maybe in a future video 😊. I've had the set before - is always nice to have extras....but if memory serves, Ichiran was my fifth bowl of the day so I was quite stuffed then.
Ichiran is the flavor I always go back to when I think of Tonkotsu ramen, there were better ramens I've had all over Japan but when it's 2am and I'm jet lagged Ichiran was always there for me.
You summed it up nicely 😃. It's there for you when you need it at 2 am.
Best ramen chain in Japan? 🤙
Definitely up there in terms of no. of branches, revenue, etc. There are cheaper chains with more branches though, which I plan to feature in another video 😃
@@5AMRamen really wow can't wait! I have to eat at another tsukemen spot here in Hawaii then I'll make my quick lil vid comparing the two. Keep up the great work 🤙you're my ramen idol 😂
How does it taste compared to the packaged soup they sell in the store?
It’s thicker and less homogenous. When ramen is made by hand, the noodles are firmer and have better texture. I’d say a ramen bowl is about 2.5x better than its packaged version.
@@kohsuzuki1438 thank you :] I bought it about a year ago and it was meh to me. It was so thick. But also, I bought it on Amazon and it was probably sitting around for who knows how long.
I've bought but haven't yet tried Ichiran's newest premium instant ramen. Unlike the packets, I think they're using non-flash fried noodles. This will make a big difference with the noodle quality. Will see how it stacks up and make a video about it too!
@@5AMRamen awesome! Can’t wait to see what you think. They have two different kinds. One is more typical instant ramen that comes in a square, and then there is the one I bought that has noodles packed separately from the broth and powder, and it comes in a bigger box.
When I went to new York I went to ichiran but compared to the ramen places around San Francisco it was very generic tasting like not good not bad just gimmick of the environment....I'm sure japan will have better ichiran
It's probably indeed better here but even here it is a mass produced ramen. I enjoy it was for it is 😃
Plain tonkotsu for 980 yen is way overpriced.
It is on the higher side...that's 200 Yen more than when I was last there
Not sure how much it is in their other locations outside of Japan but here in their NY locations the prices are more than double for the Tonkotsu ramen.
@@JuzNyc I've heard that...wow. My weekly ramen expenses would be very high in a city like NYC.
@@5AMRamen That's one thing I was glad was wrong about what I was told before my first trip to Japan, everyone kept telling me food was so expensive there but when I got there I was like wow everything is so reasonably priced, like I spend less on food in Tokyo than my day to day life in NYC. I also think Ichiran charges so much because they're the well known brand from Japan but there are plenty of better ramen shops here that are cheaper.