I see the quality of Ichiran is still consistent, which is always good to know. By the way, maybe you should try going to Ippudo and see how the Japan version compares to Singapore.
Ichiran is a safe place to introduce someone new to Tokyo wanting to try some good ramen without expectations of finding the best, plus the booth concept is unique and part of Ichiran's charm/experience. I have no issue with going there alone or with a partner for a quick meal. Long queues at certain outlets at certain timings, and while it's good, I wouldn't queue more than 20mins to eat because you are in Tokyo after all and good chance you can google for another good ramen place nearby.
I still rate Ichiran highly based on my first experience of it back in 2017. Remembered me and friends were just done with a full day of fun at USJ in Osaka, and it was already 9pm-ish and we were thinking of where to go grab dinner. Ichiran came to mind and man it was one of the best choices that could be made at that time. Just as you described, really good tonkotsu broth that is literally food for the soul. Add to the fact you can get Kaedama 2nd servings and the toppings being elevated by the broth, it makes for a very satisfying late night dinner/supper. Granted, i agree that it is nowhere near the 'best' ramen that could be had in JP, but the thing about Ichiran is you always know what you're going to get each time you walk into their outlets and that is its taste consistency, no-frills and fuss-free experience, and flavourful tonkotsu broth. It is available throughout most times of the day, and you needn't worry about getting seats be it solo dining or in groups with the availability of the focus booths or dining area. But yes, you're right that it certainly isn't a 'peaceful' environment, the constant ringing and greetings by their staffs are a constant throughout. And for these reasons, ichiran will still be up there as one of the best ramens i can turn to without regrets and hesitancy whenever the ramen craving calls. If anything, it is the perfect (yet sinful) way to cap off your day(s) in JP with a late night bowl which was what i did back in 2017! (almost every other day in Tokyo, JP)
When you said best ramen in SG, I thought they had finally opened a branch here 😅 I don't know about other branches, but the flagship store in Fukuoka was the first i've visited last year. It was superb. I probably would only eat ichiran in Kyushu
@Alderic You're probably long back to SG but the next time you go, you MUST try Ramen Tatsunoya's spicy tonkotsu. Its my favourite one in Tokyo. Ichiran's broth is not bad, but Tatsunoya's makes it taste like milky drain water. People seem to rate their tsukemen higher, but for me their tonkotsu is the best. When they take your order, remember to order the noodles bari kata (AKA extra hard). Or maybe.....its appearing in one of the future episodes??? Finger crossed, and interested to see your review of it, if it does indeed appear.
Based on what i tried at ichiran a few years ago, it’s not that great. Just a novelty idea that people like to see the booths, but i find it meh, nothing much to really miss or make me want to go back if i go back to Japan. But can we pause for a second? Why is alderic in Japan?? He’s basically ballin’! Will he be going to the source of each dish in the series??? 😱😱😱 Jokes and fun aside, looking forward to the future videos!!! I’ll be in Japan soon, so looking forward to what Alderic has to say!
We have Ramen Focus Booth at home too - tapau your mee pok back to the office for lunch at your own work cubicle. Surrounding you are people typing away at their noisy keyboards, colleagues still talking about work during lunch and somebody playing mobile legends with the phone speaker volume turned up.
Could you also consider benchmarking the “mass market” ones like Takagi and Ajisen? I am curious how you would evaluate them - they don’t seem to lack their supporters. And I wonder why.
yummy! I didn't get to try any tonkotsu ramen in Japan unfortunately. But the michelin starred afuri yuzu chicken ramen was super super good and perfectly balanced to me.
I’ve tried this before but for the trouble u go through to make a reservation here, literally burning half a day it’s not that worth it imo. I had a very good shoyu ramen at iruca tokyo
The egg is not meant to be eaten with the ramen imo, there is actually salt below the smaller saucer in the bowl of egg, you can actually see it in the part when you are hitting and cracking it in the video. It’s way more delicious eating that way. I didn’t know the first time as well 🤣
I came across another Travel video the other day about Hakata food and culture. Hakata is the birth place of Ichiran and Tokotsu Ramen. Peeling the egg yourself before dunking into the noodle soup is the traditional Hakata way. If you never make a pilgrimage to Hakata or Fukuoka for your Ramen exploration journey, you have never truly experienced Tonkotsu ramen in its original form like how the locals enjoy it. Skip to 7.08 of this video ua-cam.com/video/GqP6CmHrEZU/v-deo.html to see how locals enjoy 290 yen ramen.
thanks for letting me know and linking the video! although, it doesn't mention about the tradition behind the egg. And just perusing the many ramen places in Hakata via Google Maps, it seems that most places peel their eggs for their customers. If you come across a source on the egg, do let me know!
@@Alderic. My apologies I should have fact checked deeper about the eggs. I do observe that locals in Fukuoka do not eat their traditional Tonkotsu ramen with eggs though, from this documentary from NHK. Is it some sort of given in the locals? ua-cam.com/video/RDaKK5RslYE/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/OdusM46PEH8/v-deo.html
"The best ramen in singapore" , but your review is in Japan lol, made me excited for a second because I thought this chain is finally in SG 💀 reword your title bruh
cant believe you rated them 2 bowls...taste is really so subjective. ichiran to me is literally 0 bowls. tried once in shinjuku and have never gone back to that monstrosity, so many other better options around
Ichiran definitely isn't the best ramen in Japan (contrary to the opinion of many tourists), it is a consistent and dependable bowl of ramen which can be found conveniently. But to rate Brothers Ramen above Ichiran? LOL Bro has got some fine tuning to do with his tastebuds
Here's an overrated ramen: Kikanbo (in Kanda and Ikebukuro) 4.4 on Google out of 4,500 reviews! Huge chunks of meat, 麻 and 辣 levels, and super thick broth. Heard a foreigner lady commenting "omg, this is legit!" and I'm thinking "Nawh, it really isn't" 😂
@@Alderic. I personally enjoyed Kikanbo when I went in Oct '23. Yes it has the base mala spices, but malaxiangguo has a lot more spices that give it its unique taste profile (as i'm sure you know), and the bowl i had at Kikanbo did not taste like mala. I really liked the broth; a potent mix of tonkotsu and tori paitan as a base with a miso tare and the mala spices. Its a flavourbomb, and to me in the best possible way, though others might find it too strong. My main criticism was the pork belly kakuni - incredible on its own in all departments, but it didn't complement the bowl. The experience is also quite unique as the place is dark, and they flash-fry the spices in small batches, so the aroma fills your nostrils before the food comes. I found it quite appetising personally, though YMMV. You do come out smelling a bit of toasted spices. No disrespect to the OP, but it seems more reasonable to explain why you think its overrated rather than just claiming it is. Would love to hear what you found overrated about it and what you consider to constitute a good ramen.
Really appreciate your vids, scripting and storytelling always on point
Alderic: I don't like beer
Also Alderic: skulls the whole cup in 3 seconds
I see the quality of Ichiran is still consistent, which is always good to know. By the way, maybe you should try going to Ippudo and see how the Japan version compares to Singapore.
Yea consistently shit
Ichiran is a safe place to introduce someone new to Tokyo wanting to try some good ramen without expectations of finding the best, plus the booth concept is unique and part of Ichiran's charm/experience. I have no issue with going there alone or with a partner for a quick meal. Long queues at certain outlets at certain timings, and while it's good, I wouldn't queue more than 20mins to eat because you are in Tokyo after all and good chance you can google for another good ramen place nearby.
Love this series man, very invested haha
cant wait to see ur next shop. i love the booth, cause.. i can dump my kids in the other booths and focus on my ramen.
I still rate Ichiran highly based on my first experience of it back in 2017. Remembered me and friends were just done with a full day of fun at USJ in Osaka, and it was already 9pm-ish and we were thinking of where to go grab dinner. Ichiran came to mind and man it was one of the best choices that could be made at that time. Just as you described, really good tonkotsu broth that is literally food for the soul. Add to the fact you can get Kaedama 2nd servings and the toppings being elevated by the broth, it makes for a very satisfying late night dinner/supper.
Granted, i agree that it is nowhere near the 'best' ramen that could be had in JP, but the thing about Ichiran is you always know what you're going to get each time you walk into their outlets and that is its taste consistency, no-frills and fuss-free experience, and flavourful tonkotsu broth. It is available throughout most times of the day, and you needn't worry about getting seats be it solo dining or in groups with the availability of the focus booths or dining area. But yes, you're right that it certainly isn't a 'peaceful' environment, the constant ringing and greetings by their staffs are a constant throughout.
And for these reasons, ichiran will still be up there as one of the best ramens i can turn to without regrets and hesitancy whenever the ramen craving calls. If anything, it is the perfect (yet sinful) way to cap off your day(s) in JP with a late night bowl which was what i did back in 2017! (almost every other day in Tokyo, JP)
i think another hit is that u can get it literally any time of the day, if you're hungry at 3am u can just go to ichiran for supper
managing expectation I see. haha
Ichiran is still a good go to ramen. However, no Japanese eat ichiran.
It’s similar to most Singaporean don’t eat Tian Tian.
Never stop making these bro
Bro, next time you’re there, leave a bit of soup at the end and order a bowl of rice to mix in. Life changing!
When you said best ramen in SG, I thought they had finally opened a branch here 😅
I don't know about other branches, but the flagship store in Fukuoka was the first i've visited last year. It was superb. I probably would only eat ichiran in Kyushu
@Alderic You're probably long back to SG but the next time you go, you MUST try Ramen Tatsunoya's spicy tonkotsu. Its my favourite one in Tokyo. Ichiran's broth is not bad, but Tatsunoya's makes it taste like milky drain water. People seem to rate their tsukemen higher, but for me their tonkotsu is the best. When they take your order, remember to order the noodles bari kata (AKA extra hard).
Or maybe.....its appearing in one of the future episodes??? Finger crossed, and interested to see your review of it, if it does indeed appear.
Based on what i tried at ichiran a few years ago, it’s not that great. Just a novelty idea that people like to see the booths, but i find it meh, nothing much to really miss or make me want to go back if i go back to Japan.
But can we pause for a second? Why is alderic in Japan?? He’s basically ballin’! Will he be going to the source of each dish in the series??? 😱😱😱
Jokes and fun aside, looking forward to the future videos!!! I’ll be in Japan soon, so looking forward to what Alderic has to say!
we're in the Tokyo arc babyyy. will be focusing on mostly ramen this time round.
enjoy your trip!
Going to Ginza Hachigou? Trying Ramen Jiro? Let's goooooo......
you can buy a shot of ichiran vinegar to add to the soup, adds a kick to it!
We have Ramen Focus Booth at home too - tapau your mee pok back to the office for lunch at your own work cubicle.
Surrounding you are people typing away at their noisy keyboards, colleagues still talking about work during lunch and somebody playing mobile legends with the phone speaker volume turned up.
Since you are in Tokyo, please try out Kikanbo Ramen if you have the chance to do so!
Try it with the special vinegar next time!
bro just down an entire glass of beer and went: meh not for me 😭😭
not a beer person :/
Could you also consider benchmarking the “mass market” ones like Takagi and Ajisen? I am curious how you would evaluate them - they don’t seem to lack their supporters. And I wonder why.
Cheap and mass
Ajisen combine with Osaka Ohsho which is nice for gyoza
"Maybe it's Tokyo that it's a bit tighter" - Alderic
was surprised u give 2 plates, will straight give this 1 plate.
This title made me sad, I thought they finally opened in Singapore, then watched. Sadness :(
changed it!
yummy! I didn't get to try any tonkotsu ramen in Japan unfortunately. But the michelin starred afuri yuzu chicken ramen was super super good and perfectly balanced to me.
Damn bro I'm in Japan right now as well
👍💜👍
bro i needa learn japanese on god
I see expensive ichiran ramen packets every time I go to donki, so this was interesting
Dont buy them, super salty tbh
And they taste nowhere similar to the ones you get in the restaurant.
the your name reference made me snort
Ramenya Shima should be next. No. 2 in Tabelog, used to be No. 1
I’ve tried this before but for the trouble u go through to make a reservation here, literally burning half a day it’s not that worth it imo. I had a very good shoyu ramen at iruca tokyo
please make a pizza video series next
The egg is not meant to be eaten with the ramen imo, there is actually salt below the smaller saucer in the bowl of egg, you can actually see it in the part when you are hitting and cracking it in the video. It’s way more delicious eating that way. I didn’t know the first time as well 🤣
Yeah he missed that. He's got much too learn outside singapore
thanks for letting me know! I still don't buy it though. I'd rather have a properly marinated ramen egg than an unseasoned one served with salt.
Ichiran is a 1 plater (by sg standard) or 0 plater (by japan standard) for me. There is so many other better options. 😢
Some ichiran is way better than others. I had one in fukuoka, nearly the best ramen I've ever had.
❤🎉😊👌🇯🇵🍜 😎
I came across another Travel video the other day about Hakata food and culture. Hakata is the birth place of Ichiran and Tokotsu Ramen. Peeling the egg yourself before dunking into the noodle soup is the traditional Hakata way. If you never make a pilgrimage to Hakata or Fukuoka for your Ramen exploration journey, you have never truly experienced Tonkotsu ramen in its original form like how the locals enjoy it. Skip to 7.08 of this video ua-cam.com/video/GqP6CmHrEZU/v-deo.html to see how locals enjoy 290 yen ramen.
thanks for letting me know and linking the video! although, it doesn't mention about the tradition behind the egg. And just perusing the many ramen places in Hakata via Google Maps, it seems that most places peel their eggs for their customers. If you come across a source on the egg, do let me know!
@@Alderic. My apologies I should have fact checked deeper about the eggs. I do observe that locals in Fukuoka do not eat their traditional Tonkotsu ramen with eggs though, from this documentary from NHK. Is it some sort of given in the locals? ua-cam.com/video/RDaKK5RslYE/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/OdusM46PEH8/v-deo.html
alderic nihongo jyouzu?
zen zen.
How does this compare to ramen ya?
pretty far apart. broth is comparable but everything else loses by a mile.
@@Alderic. 😯😯
Bro the mistake is going there solo and not wearing earphones
totally agree...its over rated. i skip ichiran everytime i go japan...not sure wats the long queues all abt
Wow, we went to this outlet also.
they I thought this was in SG :(
"The best ramen in singapore" , but your review is in Japan lol, made me excited for a second because I thought this chain is finally in SG 💀 reword your title bruh
asakusa branch is not recommendes
cant believe you rated them 2 bowls...taste is really so subjective. ichiran to me is literally 0 bowls. tried once in shinjuku and have never gone back to that monstrosity, so many other better options around
Go to the one in fukuoka.
so called best ramen in Tokyo no meh?
Ichiran definitely isn't the best ramen in Japan (contrary to the opinion of many tourists), it is a consistent and dependable bowl of ramen which can be found conveniently. But to rate Brothers Ramen above Ichiran? LOL Bro has got some fine tuning to do with his tastebuds
oh what did you not like about Brothers Ramen?
i tried it before, super expensive, taste is quite mid too
Here's an overrated ramen: Kikanbo (in Kanda and Ikebukuro)
4.4 on Google out of 4,500 reviews!
Huge chunks of meat, 麻 and 辣 levels, and super thick broth.
Heard a foreigner lady commenting "omg, this is legit!" and I'm thinking "Nawh, it really isn't" 😂
ohh I heard a lot of good things about Kikanbo actually. but I won't be covering them this trip!
@@Alderic. I personally enjoyed Kikanbo when I went in Oct '23. Yes it has the base mala spices, but malaxiangguo has a lot more spices that give it its unique taste profile (as i'm sure you know), and the bowl i had at Kikanbo did not taste like mala. I really liked the broth; a potent mix of tonkotsu and tori paitan as a base with a miso tare and the mala spices. Its a flavourbomb, and to me in the best possible way, though others might find it too strong. My main criticism was the pork belly kakuni - incredible on its own in all departments, but it didn't complement the bowl.
The experience is also quite unique as the place is dark, and they flash-fry the spices in small batches, so the aroma fills your nostrils before the food comes. I found it quite appetising personally, though YMMV. You do come out smelling a bit of toasted spices.
No disrespect to the OP, but it seems more reasonable to explain why you think its overrated rather than just claiming it is. Would love to hear what you found overrated about it and what you consider to constitute a good ramen.
all i hear is complaining. the food, the place, the service... 🤦
oh service was great. so was the tonkotsu broth.
Ichiran is overrated
Ichiran is super over rated