Ichiran is like shake shak or in-and-out. They are a chain now but still a solid burger. People in Hakata, which is the ramen capital of Japan is still proud of Ichiran. I noticed that Tokyo people in general doesn’t like Ichiran as the flavor is too strong.
I'm autistic and this seems like a dream. Not having to speak if I don't want to/if I'm nonverbal at the time, having a private booth, having cards available to indicate if it's too loud, etc. I'd love to see more places similar to this, it just seems so nice.
My little brother is autistic he’s afraid to order to❤ he just turned 4 :) he loves trains ☺️ my birthday was yesterday and my dad forgot but my little brother remember the day to a T ❤❤❤ hes my gift from God 😭❤️ I know he’s only 4 haha but for real man no one in my family really remembers stuff like that lmao only Joshua ❤️ that’s why he’s the most special to me 😂❤ lol he’s the best! I bet ur family adores you too Maybe its autistic part of his brain or maybe he’s just like that who knows ❤ either way I’m thankful haha he’s so much better at compassion then anyone I have ever seen ❤❤❤ 👏👏
You guys need to stop using this mental illness bs as an excuse to be subpar. You need to communicate with others to get some where in life or even get what you want. Quit pulling yourself down and grow up
I think its definitely Ichiran's services that makes it so good, being able to go there without having to communicate verbally and eat in private is great
It's honestly so mid though. Most ramen shops have a ticket machine where you just order what you want and hand the paper to one of the cooks, just stop by any random ramen shop you find and 9/10 times it'll be much better than ichiran. The pork is so sad too
You'd be happy to know, most chain restaurants in Japan you order from a tablet. Choose English on the first screen and you don't have to speak a lick of Japanese. Some restaurants even have a server robot so there's only communication when you pay. Conveyor belt sushi are the easiest for tourists I think, order from the tablet and the conveyor belt brings it to your table. Of course chains aren't gonna be mind blowingly good, but for the average tourist they're going to be a solid hassle-free meal.
Ichiran would be my first 'ramen stop' in Japan to establish a baseline. It's a good bowl, but nothing magical, so it acts as a very good starting point for exploring real-deal ramen.
@@tuannguyen927 I was thinking the same thing but I guess it's just his personality to praise things and make it more entertaining to the viewers that way. Same with Mark Wiens. I like watching their videos but sometimes the over the top excitement feels a bit tiring.
@@tuannguyen927 compared to the usual noodles that i eat that mikey chen video looks so good i remember rewatching it several times everytime i eat instant noodles i wish i could try them in near future
just wanted to add here, for anyone with food allergies, ichiran has their whole allergen chart available online!! even though this place maybe isn’t the best ramen ever (I still thought it was pretty good), it was a super valuable option for me in terms of places I knew I could safely eat at in japan
oh that is a game changer, thank you !! as someone with a shellfish allergy, i’ve worried for years that i may never be able to go to japan. i’ve heard even milk sometimes has shellfish in it (shell powder for protein), and that takes a lot of baked goods and other foods off the table as well. i’m glad to know there are places that take allergies this seriously!
I think I know why the flavor is just okay, it's because most ramen places have been perfecting ramen recipes for years, decades, or even centuries. With Ichiran Ramen however, you basically create your own variant, so it's impossible to ensure the best taste possible. If you want an absolutely amazing bowl of ramen, or any food really, then go to a place that's had the same menu for like the last 50 years, the quality is guaranteed.
First, Ichian is a very basic and unoriginal Hakata ramen, and there are better Hakata ramen restaurants. And usually, Ramen restaurants tends to be relatively new. There are very few restaurants with more than few decades of experiences.
@@bingobongo1615 From the Japanese standard, Ichiran is just Okay and definitely expensive for the quality. The only real advantage Ichiran have is that the taste is the same in every restaurants and is not that heavy, which make Ichiran a very good end of drinking/hangover meal, especially if you are in a area that you don't know very well.
I gave up 2 decades ago lol. Now I just watch or read whatever Japan has to offer online. If I want to eat Japanese food I'll go to local konbini to purchase imported stuff. That's as far as my budget can allow me to experience Japanese culture.
@@MollyHJohns sorry it’s like that for you fam. Hopefully someday you’ll get the opportunity to move. Just incase I’d suggest studying the language and norms if you ever get lucky enough to move there
Ichiran has a lot of overseas branches so it's quite nice to get to try some good, baseline quality Japanese ramen when you live in a place that doesn't typically serve very high quality Japanese ramen.
I was quite lucky w ichiran in shibuya, it was before lunchtime, so the place was still empty. Was a nice experience. Looking forward to go back to Japan and try more food.
I went to Ichiran here in NYC and it was honestly a cool experience to have. The ramen is pretty okay, not basic but not an incredible feat of culinary art. The whole point is for the businessmen of Japan to get in and out with a good bowl of ramen. In today's world, I think this style is great for people who have trouble with public dining. Not a single word was said, even ordering extra stuff after the initial sheet. It was very relaxing and even the busy kitchen sounds were calming.
I went to try out Ichiran in NYC, mentally preparing myself to spend close to $20 for a bowl of ramen. When I saw even the cheapest bowl was more than that, I walked right out in shock.
I wish there is a restaurant like that in my place. I hate eating in public because I can sometimes that someone will be looking at me eating and that gets me really anxious
Ichiran gave me so much confidence to be able to explore Tokyo on my own. The staff was so nice and so helpful. Maybe not the best ramen but agree it’s great for beginners!
As someone with a disorder that makes speaking almost impossible sometimes, especially when I'm stressed or nervous, I wish more places would do this. I get that it might seem impersonal, but for people like me, this is the dream. I also have a learning disability that makes learning new languages very difficult, so this would probably be one of the few places I wouldn't feel super embarrassed eating in. Win win.
Finally! Someone with the same sentiments. I'm a tourist myself. Went there for the experience but if you're thinking of coming back for the flavors then you're missing out on a lot of better ramen places.
@@silverstory1118 Oh gosh. I can't remember for the life of me the name of the ramen shops. I typically just enter ramen shops with Japanese-looking people inside. Sometimes I enter shops with menus that don't even have any English on them, just pictures. I remember a shop I ate at in Akihabara. We were just walking through this alley and randomly entered a ramen shop. The chashu there was hella good. I don't think I'd be able to go there again even if I tried 🥲
@@silverstory1118 It depends on the area but there's so much out there. There are chains that are much better flavor-wise than Ichiran. There's a Michelin star chain called Tsuta which is really good and is slightly more expensive than Ichiran. The best ramen though will always be at smaller independent places.
@@olliecoke same! Every video I see of people talking about how accessible Japan is always show loads of stairs and huge curbs and I have to giggle. I know the cities are much better than most places but it's still funny 😄
Yes that would be a bit of a problem unfortunately. Some of the places i go to only has a small corridor for you to pass through not to mention the table is actually quite high.
That was my first ramen when I came first time to Japan. And I agree with you, it was just ok but whole process was easy and good introduction how to order from machines and how these type of restaurants work. Overall good experience!
I respect your opinion. I was and have always been an Ichiran fan since I went to Japan in 2019. Yes they are a chain, but they just do it differently than other chains. There take home version of Ichiran is also very tasty and very close to sitting in the booth yourself which I appreciate.
I lived in Japan for many years and I am also an ichiran fan. Their ramen are 9.5/10 to me. I love garlic tonkatsu ramen and here they rule. I rarely eat spicy ramen so it might be that their spicy version isn’t great
Try getting it with Strong dashi and extra rich flavour. It's honestly the only way to get their ramen imho. And those firm noodles are great. Not saying it's the most amazing but getting it made that way makes it really good
Thank you. Been telling my fellow New Yorkers the same. Your pay for the experience and while not bad (we have 3 Ichirans in NYC), you could get better for less elsewhere
can you give good ramen restaurant recommendations in nyc, bc I've been trying to find better ones than ichiran in nyc and have tried a few but it's been hard
can you give good ramen restaurant recommendations in nyc, bc I've been trying to find better ones than ichiran in nyc and have tried a few but it's been hard
i went to japan a few months ago and this place was awesome. hes right, not the best bowl, but the atmosphere and unique ordering style made it memorable as a tourist
Nice video, I left Japan wondering how good that ramen place was with all the hype. I’m glad I didn’t wait 90 minutes to eat here. Moved on and ate at another ramen house by my hotel and it was great.
It depends on the timing. I had it twice in the same branch in Tokyo. The first time was so crowded that we queued even at the staircase. During my solo trip the next year, I waltzed in. Just a family of tourists before me.
It can be hype, but you won’t ever know until you try for yourself. Everyone has a different opinion after all. Unless it’s unanimously bad, then for sure give it try first. Prime example is movies and rotten tomatoes.
@@EliteHenz They didn't say it was bad, it was just okay. Among locals, they're average at best, you can search 5 AM Ramen Ichiran and read the review.
I had it twice out there last two weeks. Still very good even though I had it before 5 years ago. Definitely recommend for newbies. But yes, there are others and so many more establishments and a lot of them also have their machines to order translated to English. So don’t worry to try this and others.
There's an Ichiran here In Brooklyn and it's always so packed. I tried waiting in line and gave up. Ordered delivery and it took 2 hours then canceled lmfaooo
@jyhina there's PLENTY of amazing ramen all over the city, Ichiran is just SO OVERHYPED to the point where it makes NO sense. I FINALLY GOT THE RAMEN and I was so annoyed that I even waited for it. Too expensive for it to not be as good as my regular daily spot for lunch. I've tried 3 places way better than Ichiran since going. 😂 if anything, I'm mad I didn't listen lmao
You are in NYC? Why not go to Hell's Kitchen? You have one of the best ramen shops in the planet, made by the legendary Ivan Orkin himself. The same Ivan Ramen that made it into NHK back when he opened a restaurant in Tokyo.
I don't think there should be any hate. The place is likely more accessible to those with no knowledge of the Japanese language, since it has English to help them order. That being said, I'm sure that there are other chains that do that as well. They likely don't advertise as much though. Any suggestions, perhaps?
You succinctly wrap up what's a really irritating thing about shorts like this; they speak lesser of something in preference of another thing, but then don't have the time or room to elaborate or even mention the name of the "better" thing. Like damn, I get that Ichiran is over-hyped and has its pros and cons, but care to share which "waaay better bowls" you're lauding, dude?
Seems like the ideal place for an introvert like me! I can speak Japanese but I am so shy to actually try to speak with a Japanese person. I think I will trip on my words. haha
Ichiran makes good ramen, dont let anyone tell you different, they are popular with locals and iconic for a reason. That being said, you can definitely find better ramen at a cheaper price from a more local, artisan shop. Nothing wrong with ichiran and perfect for a fuss free order. I do recommend just braving it and trying a local shop though
They're not popular because of locals, they're popular because of tourists, among locals, they're average at best. Locals don't go to Ichiran, tourists do. You can search 5 AM Ramen Ichiran and read it.
My dumbass didn’t realize I had to pay as I ordered another item at the table (genuinely thought I would have to pay right after I ate, oops) so I got extremely embarrassed when the worker tried to explain in Japanese as it took me more than a second to comprehend on what he said🗿
Really? I went to one, in Taiwan tho, and they just leave the receipt next to you, then we just took it to the end where the register was. i thought they were all like that 😂
@@murtaza6464 was only in town for a day and the Manhattan one was near Penn Station. The wait didn't bother me as much as the price. I ended up in Brooklyn later in the day though. Visited Prospect park which was beautiful.
I’ve heard they’re on a different level than regular instant noodles. I saw a 5 pack for $35 which comes out to $7 per serving, which isn’t bad considering how much it costs to eat out nowadays.
Pls don't get it. And pls get ppl, who want to get it, to not get it It's just empty hype Just eat shin ramen. Or if you want that tonkotsu broth then visit some local ramen shop as ass as it may be it'll be worth more for the same amount you spend If you're spending 5-10 per pack, then at the shop you'd get way more in toppings and ingredients So pls. Don't buy into the hype. Spread the msg
In ichirans defense, i went to many smaller places in osaka for ramen and NONE OF THEM tasted as good to me as ichiran. Maybe i have to go to tomita in tokyo to really have an experience but ichiran is NOT overrated imo. It is REALLY f*cking good.
Heck no... I was in Japan for 3 months and Ichiran was the worst I had. It wasn't bad by any means, it was just average but the pork they give is so sad!!! I was in Shinjuku and Kyoto most of the time though so there were plenty of good ramen places to try. Just go on google maps and look for ramen shops around your area, any with 4 stars will be excellent (besides ichiran)
I agree, it’s nothing special. In fact, I’ve gone to at least 5 famous or Michelin starr ramen shops in Tokyo, some required 1-2 hr waiting, and none of them blew me away. The only ramen that I keep going back is Ichigen shrimp ramen, a chain.
@@VTWS European mac donald quality has decreased anyhow, just not as much as for example, burger king. I remembered whooper on day 1 was very delicious. Lots of sauce, but now it become dry
Ive been twice to Japan and this was my favorite place to eat. Not because i didnt need to speak Japanese but because of the taste. It was and still is the best ramen ive ever ate! 🤩
@@NewMandarinichiran is truly mid level ramen - it doesn't even compare to an ACTUAL ramen shop. Hototogisu, Jinrui, Nakiryu, Sakura Josui are all miles better than ichiran. Type in "ramendb" into google search and thank me later.
We too tried elsewhere, and it was cheaper in few places. We didn't risk visiting ichiran. But always will want to try the solo counter eating system ..
My one trip to Tokyo, this was the first place we had ramen. I'm definitely on the camp of folks saying it's a good starting point because it's accessible, but the best part about it is going into a place like this makes finding and eating at the smaller, hole-in-the-wall spots with way better ramen an even better experience, because you start off at a serviceable baseline to compare them to.
To each their own but Ichiran is not even one of the best. There are other, more delicious ramen shops in Japan. Any ramen shop you find nearby Akihabara or Kanda stations, for example, are way better. Also, see his other videos of ramen shops in Osaka.
Japan is a heaven for introverts . If you've never been to countries like especially S.korea, Singapore , Japan & if ya ever go you'll find out most people are generally very shy and they usually don't talk to strangers unlike in the west where everyone talks and express themselves in a much open manner a short conversation with people around you and just a casual hi Naa nothing of that sort.
I agree with you. I went to Ichiran so excited cuz it was always on my fyp but once i got there the experience was nice but you could def have better ramen for that price! Not saying the ramen sucked but it was just good.
I have been living in Japan for half a year now and since ramen is one of my favorite foods of course I've tried it in a lot of places. As your first ramen this is a really good choice for taste price and experience. After trying other popular places I can say that ichiran is still really good and it always hits the spot when you want a good comforting bowl. You could get better ramen but not in a chainstore big like this. Also they have good locations in every central place in Tokyo and the line is usually not that horrible. If you want to try other good ramen places I'd recommend: 1. Ramen Kamo to negi (Ueno and Sugamo) 2. Oreryu shio ramen (it's also a chain with several locations in Tokyo) 3.kikanbo in ikebukuro (a special taste of ramen, reminded me of Yemenite soup) 4. Yoshimuraya (Yokohama)
Went to Ichiran in Shibuya and it was packed, and the ramen was very delicious. However, we didn’t have opportunities to go eat at other Ramen places outside of Tokyo (well we did eat at this one oil ramen place in Akihabara which was amazing!!!) because this trip was more centered on going to theme parks and museums. Next time Im in japan im going to try out some of your recommended places!
I visited an ichiran in New York with my cousins, and I really enjoyed the unique interior! the privacy booths, written orders, etc were all quite nice. I'd love to visit again on my own ❤️
I find Ichiran as my confort Ramen. I go there to remember previous trips and chat with my friends (The ichiran I go to has tables not booths). I'm not the biggest Ramen fan (though Chanpon is awesome) so I don't go too often when I'm there.
same sentiments! my family and i love visiting japan but we have always just found their ramen just okay. the ramen is not bad though! it’s still really good and good to have during late nights. but i believe it’s a good starting point and experience for first time visitors :D but there are a lot of better ramen places to try out! mutekiya in tokyo is my personal fave!
I actually havent had ichiran at the shop. Their instant ramen sets are one of my favorites. Theres so much good food in japan that i dont find myself eating ramen often. I over eat when it comes to coco ichibanya and yakiniku.
“Why is it so popular with tourists?”
“You don’t have to speak Japanese”
“Aah”
Everyone agree with your comment, there is no reply at all....lmao
I’ll be your second reply :3
Ichiran is like shake shak or in-and-out. They are a chain now but still a solid burger. People in Hakata, which is the ramen capital of Japan is still proud of Ichiran. I noticed that Tokyo people in general doesn’t like Ichiran as the flavor is too strong.
Ah yes finally a dumbass like me could go to Japan without worrying about language barrier
its customizable to ur liking. i think its a good way to ease in picky eaters.
I'm autistic and this seems like a dream. Not having to speak if I don't want to/if I'm nonverbal at the time, having a private booth, having cards available to indicate if it's too loud, etc. I'd love to see more places similar to this, it just seems so nice.
As a person who has ADHD and can be socially awkward, stumble on words, and not a big fan of unenjoyable noise. I can relate with you 100%
My little brother is autistic he’s afraid to order to❤ he just turned 4 :) he loves trains ☺️ my birthday was yesterday and my dad forgot but my little brother remember the day to a T ❤❤❤ hes my gift from God 😭❤️ I know he’s only 4 haha but for real man no one in my family really remembers stuff like that lmao only Joshua ❤️ that’s why he’s the most special to me 😂❤ lol he’s the best! I bet ur family adores you too
Maybe its autistic part of his brain or maybe he’s just like that who knows ❤ either way I’m thankful haha he’s so much better at compassion then anyone I have ever seen ❤❤❤ 👏👏
You guys need to stop using this mental illness bs as an excuse to be subpar. You need to communicate with others to get some where in life or even get what you want. Quit pulling yourself down and grow up
@@lyssgoddess he's really sweet!! 🥺 my little brother also loves trains, so they can be train buddies
Same here
I think its definitely Ichiran's services that makes it so good, being able to go there without having to communicate verbally and eat in private is great
Thats so lame, you lame introverts ruined society
It's honestly so mid though. Most ramen shops have a ticket machine where you just order what you want and hand the paper to one of the cooks, just stop by any random ramen shop you find and 9/10 times it'll be much better than ichiran. The pork is so sad too
to be fair it tastes good, but compared to all the other ramen i ate in japan it was just alright. In most of the stores you dont have to talk anyway
That's honestly most places in Japan though
You'd be happy to know, most chain restaurants in Japan you order from a tablet. Choose English on the first screen and you don't have to speak a lick of Japanese. Some restaurants even have a server robot so there's only communication when you pay. Conveyor belt sushi are the easiest for tourists I think, order from the tablet and the conveyor belt brings it to your table.
Of course chains aren't gonna be mind blowingly good, but for the average tourist they're going to be a solid hassle-free meal.
Japan sounds like heaven for introverts
it is, these people understand delicacy and respects privacy unlike murican medical staff yelling your name and shit across the room
Yeah, so heaven that it become its own hell
Wait until you have to catch a train in Tokyo, it's an introverts worst nightmare
@@lilliad8835sooo effin' trueee 😆
That's why they have the highest suicide rates every year?
Ichiran would be my first 'ramen stop' in Japan to establish a baseline. It's a good bowl, but nothing magical, so it acts as a very good starting point for exploring real-deal ramen.
MIke Chen made it look like it's from heaven LOL
@@tuannguyen927 I was thinking the same thing but I guess it's just his personality to praise things and make it more entertaining to the viewers that way. Same with Mark Wiens. I like watching their videos but sometimes the over the top excitement feels a bit tiring.
I think this is totally fair and makes sense to me. I just don't want Ichiran to be the only ramen people eat on a Japan trip!
@@japaneat Oh definitely not. Anyone doing so is doing themselves a true disservice.
@@tuannguyen927 compared to the usual noodles that i eat that mikey chen video looks so good i remember rewatching it several times everytime i eat instant noodles i wish i could try them in near future
just wanted to add here, for anyone with food allergies, ichiran has their whole allergen chart available online!! even though this place maybe isn’t the best ramen ever (I still thought it was pretty good), it was a super valuable option for me in terms of places I knew I could safely eat at in japan
oh that is a game changer, thank you !! as someone with a shellfish allergy, i’ve worried for years that i may never be able to go to japan. i’ve heard even milk sometimes has shellfish in it (shell powder for protein), and that takes a lot of baked goods and other foods off the table as well. i’m glad to know there are places that take allergies this seriously!
This is the number one attraction for me.. Travelling in Japan with multiple food allergies is going to be a huge challenge.
My introvert, socially terrified ass.
“Is this heaven?”
I think we need this concept for almost every restaurants out there for ppl who don’t/can’t speak for any reason.
This concept already exists, it's called point at the menu
I think I know why the flavor is just okay, it's because most ramen places have been perfecting ramen recipes for years, decades, or even centuries. With Ichiran Ramen however, you basically create your own variant, so it's impossible to ensure the best taste possible. If you want an absolutely amazing bowl of ramen, or any food really, then go to a place that's had the same menu for like the last 50 years, the quality is guaranteed.
Godly places use a much more specific and wider variety of ingredients to create exquisite flavors that Ichiran can't match.
But the flavor isn’t just "ok“. Ichiran ramen are amazing.
Their garlic game is absolutely on point.
@@bingobongo1615 Nah Ichiran is meh
First, Ichian is a very basic and unoriginal Hakata ramen, and there are better Hakata ramen restaurants.
And usually, Ramen restaurants tends to be relatively new. There are very few restaurants with more than few decades of experiences.
@@bingobongo1615
From the Japanese standard, Ichiran is just Okay and definitely expensive for the quality.
The only real advantage Ichiran have is that the taste is the same in every restaurants and is not that heavy, which make Ichiran a very good end of drinking/hangover meal, especially if you are in a area that you don't know very well.
I just wanna be in Japan ... but my bank balance cries in corner..! 😂
Read the richest man in Babylon.
I gave up 2 decades ago lol. Now I just watch or read whatever Japan has to offer online. If I want to eat Japanese food I'll go to local konbini to purchase imported stuff. That's as far as my budget can allow me to experience Japanese culture.
@@MollyHJohns yea you definitely need to read the book above. You can still go
@@MollyHJohns sorry it’s like that for you fam. Hopefully someday you’ll get the opportunity to move. Just incase I’d suggest studying the language and norms if you ever get lucky enough to move there
@@yogismokes1628 I'm the poorest man in Babylon 💀
Ichiran has a lot of overseas branches so it's quite nice to get to try some good, baseline quality Japanese ramen when you live in a place that doesn't typically serve very high quality Japanese ramen.
what do you recommend?
I love the idea.
I enjoy eating alone cause its very calming and relaxing plus I sometimes just want people to leave me alone
I was quite lucky w ichiran in shibuya, it was before lunchtime, so the place was still empty. Was a nice experience. Looking forward to go back to Japan and try more food.
At night it’s pretty crowded I waited so long for a table I should have gone at the same time as u
I went to Ichiran here in NYC and it was honestly a cool experience to have. The ramen is pretty okay, not basic but not an incredible feat of culinary art. The whole point is for the businessmen of Japan to get in and out with a good bowl of ramen. In today's world, I think this style is great for people who have trouble with public dining. Not a single word was said, even ordering extra stuff after the initial sheet. It was very relaxing and even the busy kitchen sounds were calming.
I went to try out Ichiran in NYC, mentally preparing myself to spend close to $20 for a bowl of ramen. When I saw even the cheapest bowl was more than that, I walked right out in shock.
I wish there is a restaurant like that in my place. I hate eating in public because I can sometimes that someone will be looking at me eating and that gets me really anxious
I love your vids keep ‘‘em coming ❤🎉
I swear you're voice relaxing and calm 😌
Your*
This makes me realize just how little America doesn't accommodate introverts.
Poor keke. Whatever will you do with the whole internet in the palm of your hands.
Social anxiety isn't introversion
Agreed. We have to be loud and direct with everything we do. It’s exhausting
Ong, everyone just berate us to adapt in this extroverted hellscape
@@TheOnlyKontrol I'm sorry, do you expect them to just flee America and run off into the internet?
Ichiran gave me so much confidence to be able to explore Tokyo on my own. The staff was so nice and so helpful. Maybe not the best ramen but agree it’s great for beginners!
As someone with a disorder that makes speaking almost impossible sometimes, especially when I'm stressed or nervous, I wish more places would do this. I get that it might seem impersonal, but for people like me, this is the dream.
I also have a learning disability that makes learning new languages very difficult, so this would probably be one of the few places I wouldn't feel super embarrassed eating in. Win win.
Finally! Someone with the same sentiments.
I'm a tourist myself. Went there for the experience but if you're thinking of coming back for the flavors then you're missing out on a lot of better ramen places.
Ditto! I've always thought it was "meh" or just okay. Definitely had better ramen from other stores, whether pop-ups or chain stores!
Do you have any suggestions for the better ramen around the same pricing?
@@silverstory1118 Oh gosh. I can't remember for the life of me the name of the ramen shops. I typically just enter ramen shops with Japanese-looking people inside. Sometimes I enter shops with menus that don't even have any English on them, just pictures.
I remember a shop I ate at in Akihabara. We were just walking through this alley and randomly entered a ramen shop. The chashu there was hella good. I don't think I'd be able to go there again even if I tried 🥲
@@ebiifuraaido aww... Well that's ok! Thank you for taking the time to reply.
@@silverstory1118 It depends on the area but there's so much out there. There are chains that are much better flavor-wise than Ichiran. There's a Michelin star chain called Tsuta which is really good and is slightly more expensive than Ichiran.
The best ramen though will always be at smaller independent places.
As a wheelchair user I feel the accessibility might be slightly off 😂😋
You have such a soothing voice. Looking forward to seeing more yummy stuff!
I was thinking the exact same! I use a big clunky electric wheelchair and it doesn't look even slightly accessible
Don't worry, in Japan you will be equipped with your own mech suit to pilot as soon as you get off the plane!
@@olliecoke same! Every video I see of people talking about how accessible Japan is always show loads of stairs and huge curbs and I have to giggle. I know the cities are much better than most places but it's still funny 😄
I’ve been to Japan several times, and accessibility is a problem across the country.
Yes that would be a bit of a problem unfortunately. Some of the places i go to only has a small corridor for you to pass through not to mention the table is actually quite high.
Japan is so beautiful and the food there is drop dead good
Those blocks are genius. I love features that accommodate different people in places, especially restaurantsz
That was my first ramen when I came first time to Japan. And I agree with you, it was just ok but whole process was easy and good introduction how to order from machines and how these type of restaurants work. Overall good experience!
The pork is so sad
I've tried their instant ramen and its hands down the best instant ramen I've ever had, it made me want to try real deal.
Its shit
Compared to what they sell in the actual shop
I absolutely love Ichiran! And Ippudo.
Ichiran ramen is one of my top 3 reasons why I wish I could visit Japan.
I respect your opinion. I was and have always been an Ichiran fan since I went to Japan in 2019. Yes they are a chain, but they just do it differently than other chains. There take home version of Ichiran is also very tasty and very close to sitting in the booth yourself which I appreciate.
I lived in Japan for many years and I am also an ichiran fan. Their ramen are 9.5/10 to me.
I love garlic tonkatsu ramen and here they rule.
I rarely eat spicy ramen so it might be that their spicy version isn’t great
I second this. So what if they are a chain. Delicious imo and must try when you go to Japan.
Try getting it with Strong dashi and extra rich flavour. It's honestly the only way to get their ramen imho. And those firm noodles are great. Not saying it's the most amazing but getting it made that way makes it really good
Yeah, that’s the way for me too.
ITS THE BEST !!! On a 6 day trip ate ichiran a minimum of 3 times, just arrived back today and miss it already
To each their own but Ichiran is not even one of the best. There are other, more delicious ramen shops in Japan.
Thank you for the honest review
Every introvert's dream restaurant 😋
Thank you. Been telling my fellow New Yorkers the same. Your pay for the experience and while not bad (we have 3 Ichirans in NYC), you could get better for less elsewhere
can you give good ramen restaurant recommendations in nyc, bc I've been trying to find better ones than ichiran in nyc and have tried a few but it's been hard
can you give good ramen restaurant recommendations in nyc, bc I've been trying to find better ones than ichiran in nyc and have tried a few but it's been hard
Ty for the honest tips 🙏🦋
That's a top level of introvert-friendly service for you all! As expected from Japan!
It’s fine as a starting point, but don’t let it be the peak of your ramen experience
As someone with social anxiety, I really wish to visit this restaurant one day
The food looked 👌 simply fabulous 👌.
i went to japan a few months ago and this place was awesome. hes right, not the best bowl, but the atmosphere and unique ordering style made it memorable as a tourist
Nice video, I left Japan wondering how good that ramen place was with all the hype. I’m glad I didn’t wait 90 minutes to eat here. Moved on and ate at another ramen house by my hotel and it was great.
It depends on the timing. I had it twice in the same branch in Tokyo. The first time was so crowded that we queued even at the staircase. During my solo trip the next year, I waltzed in. Just a family of tourists before me.
You missed out 😂
@@rushgg3494 nah that’s all hype.
It can be hype, but you won’t ever know until you try for yourself. Everyone has a different opinion after all. Unless it’s unanimously bad, then for sure give it try first. Prime example is movies and rotten tomatoes.
@@EliteHenz They didn't say it was bad, it was just okay. Among locals, they're average at best, you can search 5 AM Ramen Ichiran and read the review.
The respect for privacy at this place is stellar
This is an introvert’s paradise. I wish we had restaurants like this in the US
I tried the ichiran in New York and I agree, the small ramen shops you find at some places are much better imo
the Ichiran in Brooklyn, NY is pretty damn good and would highly recommend it
my social anxiety is soothed just by watching this video 😅
I had it twice out there last two weeks. Still very good even though I had it before 5 years ago. Definitely recommend for newbies. But yes, there are others and so many more establishments and a lot of them also have their machines to order translated to English. So don’t worry to try this and others.
the ichiran in shibuya was my go-to spot after a night out partying. definitely the best in the area i could find open at stupid o’ clock 😂
There's an Ichiran here In Brooklyn and it's always so packed. I tried waiting in line and gave up. Ordered delivery and it took 2 hours then canceled lmfaooo
Just do the wait lol. Been there multiple times myself…
Not worth the wait, there should probably be ramen that is actually good in New York
@jyhina there's PLENTY of amazing ramen all over the city, Ichiran is just SO OVERHYPED to the point where it makes NO sense. I FINALLY GOT THE RAMEN and I was so annoyed that I even waited for it. Too expensive for it to not be as good as my regular daily spot for lunch. I've tried 3 places way better than Ichiran since going. 😂 if anything, I'm mad I didn't listen lmao
You are in NYC? Why not go to Hell's Kitchen?
You have one of the best ramen shops in the planet, made by the legendary Ivan Orkin himself. The same Ivan Ramen that made it into NHK back when he opened a restaurant in Tokyo.
I don't think there should be any hate. The place is likely more accessible to those with no knowledge of the Japanese language, since it has English to help them order.
That being said, I'm sure that there are other chains that do that as well. They likely don't advertise as much though.
Any suggestions, perhaps?
You succinctly wrap up what's a really irritating thing about shorts like this; they speak lesser of something in preference of another thing, but then don't have the time or room to elaborate or even mention the name of the "better" thing.
Like damn, I get that Ichiran is over-hyped and has its pros and cons, but care to share which "waaay better bowls" you're lauding, dude?
My advice is just try asking if they have english menu. Some places have them.
Seems like the ideal place for an introvert like me! I can speak Japanese but I am so shy to actually try to speak with a Japanese person. I think I will trip on my words. haha
This is an introverts paradise. Love it. I have to go before i die
Ichiran makes good ramen, dont let anyone tell you different, they are popular with locals and iconic for a reason. That being said, you can definitely find better ramen at a cheaper price from a more local, artisan shop. Nothing wrong with ichiran and perfect for a fuss free order. I do recommend just braving it and trying a local shop though
They're not popular because of locals, they're popular because of tourists, among locals, they're average at best. Locals don't go to Ichiran, tourists do. You can search 5 AM Ramen Ichiran and read it.
3/10 ramen and overpriced. Would have been worth it if it was 50% of the price
Lot of people know it because of Strictly Dumpling, who massively praises the ramen
My dumbass didn’t realize I had to pay as I ordered another item at the table (genuinely thought I would have to pay right after I ate, oops) so I got extremely embarrassed when the worker tried to explain in Japanese as it took me more than a second to comprehend on what he said🗿
Really? I went to one, in Taiwan tho, and they just leave the receipt next to you, then we just took it to the end where the register was. i thought they were all like that 😂
@@beached1093 there’s no register in a place like that :x
Omg i need to go there just cus we dont have to speak to people❤ that sounds great
This would be such a interesting experience!
The NYC location is crazy. Was $30 for a bowl of ramen and there's a long line lmao
We just got one in Miami and it’s the same thing lmaooo
Go to the Brooklyn one, much less wait
@@murtaza6464 was only in town for a day and the Manhattan one was near Penn Station. The wait didn't bother me as much as the price. I ended up in Brooklyn later in the day though. Visited Prospect park which was beautiful.
There are waaaaaaay better ramen spots in Manhattan for similar prices. Like chef stuff that would have a line if they went to Japan
for this junk? 30? damn
Oh dude, they were selling Ichiran instant noodles, a pack of 3 for $29.99 USD at my local Japanese store.
30 dollars. For instant noodles.
Faaaaaaaaaancy instant noodles
I’ve heard they’re on a different level than regular instant noodles. I saw a 5 pack for $35 which comes out to $7 per serving, which isn’t bad considering how much it costs to eat out nowadays.
Pls don't get it. And pls get ppl, who want to get it, to not get it
It's just empty hype
Just eat shin ramen. Or if you want that tonkotsu broth then visit some local ramen shop as ass as it may be it'll be worth more for the same amount you spend
If you're spending 5-10 per pack, then at the shop you'd get way more in toppings and ingredients
So pls. Don't buy into the hype. Spread the msg
Or just cook for yourself after you buy the necessary ingredients
Bruh I buy them for cheap at the store
I can't wait to go to Japan. #1 Bucket list destination
Wow, that’s a very informative restaurant. Good service too🫶😆💛
No one talking about how close the booths are. You would still be shoulder to shoulder with people.
In ichirans defense, i went to many smaller places in osaka for ramen and NONE OF THEM tasted as good to me as ichiran. Maybe i have to go to tomita in tokyo to really have an experience but ichiran is NOT overrated imo. It is REALLY f*cking good.
Ichiran is above average
@@Artemis29 Thank you. Not saying its the best in ALL Japan, but its not overrated.
Its right there with the best ones
Exactly. I always order strong dashi and extra rich broth and it’s never a disappointment.
Heck no... I was in Japan for 3 months and Ichiran was the worst I had. It wasn't bad by any means, it was just average but the pork they give is so sad!!! I was in Shinjuku and Kyoto most of the time though so there were plenty of good ramen places to try. Just go on google maps and look for ramen shops around your area, any with 4 stars will be excellent (besides ichiran)
You are absolutely right.
It’s okay but not great.
I appreciate your honesty on the taste cause other videos just say it's nice and don't actually mean it
Fun fact: You don't have to go to Japan for Ichiran. There are 3 seperate locations in New York.
I don't have the money to go to NY either 💀
Wouldn't catch me dead in New York, screw that place. (I say as I'm in California, absolutely a "pot calls kettle black" moment)
I agree, it’s nothing special. In fact, I’ve gone to at least 5 famous or Michelin starr ramen shops in Tokyo, some required 1-2 hr waiting, and none of them blew me away. The only ramen that I keep going back is Ichigen shrimp ramen, a chain.
It's also a matter of your personal taste/palate.
That looks amazing I wish I could taste it looks just amazing thank you for posting keep posting please thank you
I’ve been in Japan for 2 years. Definitely top 5 ramen joints.
So it’s like the McDonald’s of Ramen shops? Reliable and not too bad
I would say the mac donals of the past, not of nowadays as it became too expensive and food quality is became worse
Yeah pretty much that. But like European McDonalds, which is actually good quality food, not Americas McDonalds, which got pretty bad over time.
@@VTWS European mac donald quality has decreased anyhow, just not as much as for example, burger king. I remembered whooper on day 1 was very delicious. Lots of sauce, but now it become dry
@@conget that’s a pity, lived in France for a while and loved McDo
What country do you live in? McDonalds is the worst tasting food I have ever eaten.
How they bow after bringing it. Gosh bro. What an amazing culture. I am addicted to watching korean & Japanese videos.
Looks great tho. Trying one of their restaurants is on my bucket list.
Thats an excellent point, help with ordering.🙏
If you’re too nervous too talk to people in public thats way more serious than being introverted.
Ive been twice to Japan and this was my favorite place to eat. Not because i didnt need to speak Japanese but because of the taste. It was and still is the best ramen ive ever ate! 🤩
great video, it would be nice if you made a video about what each block means and what it says 😊, thank you
This is so helpful for people with social anxiety
Thank you! Ichiran is mid at best. Too many UA-camrs claim this place is next level when it really isn't.
You and this channel's owner just don't have any food culture. 😅
@@NewMandarinichiran is truly mid level ramen - it doesn't even compare to an ACTUAL ramen shop. Hototogisu, Jinrui, Nakiryu, Sakura Josui are all miles better than ichiran. Type in "ramendb" into google search and thank me later.
The ramen was pretty good but the stewed pork meat was straight GAS
We too tried elsewhere, and it was cheaper in few places. We didn't risk visiting ichiran. But always will want to try the solo counter eating system ..
My one trip to Tokyo, this was the first place we had ramen. I'm definitely on the camp of folks saying it's a good starting point because it's accessible, but the best part about it is going into a place like this makes finding and eating at the smaller, hole-in-the-wall spots with way better ramen an even better experience, because you start off at a serviceable baseline to compare them to.
“there are way better bowls out there for 980 yen”
where?? the best tasting ramen ive ever had was ichiran
To each their own but Ichiran is not even one of the best. There are other, more delicious ramen shops in Japan.
Any ramen shop you find nearby Akihabara or Kanda stations, for example, are way better.
Also, see his other videos of ramen shops in Osaka.
I love how they have so many different ways to communicate, the US should be taking notes.
You should be more confident and just go with it. The burden of worrying about talking to someone is bigger than anything that could arise out of it.
......
@@geoDB. ever heard of social anxiety or autism which can cause you to be non verbal? 💀
Just go for it man and if it doesn't work He'll be there for you
@@geoDB. I don't think you understand how disabilities work. Go back to school ❤️
Thanks for being honest about the taste!
I’ve only been to the nyc locations, which are better than most places in the states, so this gives me hope for other ramen places in Japan
Japan is a heaven for introverts . If you've never been to countries like especially S.korea, Singapore , Japan & if ya ever go you'll find out most people are generally very shy and they usually don't talk to strangers unlike in the west where everyone talks and express themselves in a much open manner a short conversation with people around you and just a casual hi Naa nothing of that sort.
Overpriced and overrated
The Japanese people are so considerate. Love their culture ❤. Can't wait to visit🙏🏽
I really hope this type of dining experience spreads bc I really want to experience it
also the most overrated and overhyped ramen in all of japan
I agree with you. I went to Ichiran so excited cuz it was always on my fyp but once i got there the experience was nice but you could def have better ramen for that price! Not saying the ramen sucked but it was just good.
I have been living in Japan for half a year now and since ramen is one of my favorite foods of course I've tried it in a lot of places. As your first ramen this is a really good choice for taste price and experience. After trying other popular places I can say that ichiran is still really good and it always hits the spot when you want a good comforting bowl. You could get better ramen but not in a chainstore big like this. Also they have good locations in every central place in Tokyo and the line is usually not that horrible.
If you want to try other good ramen places I'd recommend:
1. Ramen Kamo to negi (Ueno and Sugamo)
2. Oreryu shio ramen (it's also a chain with several locations in Tokyo)
3.kikanbo in ikebukuro (a special taste of ramen, reminded me of Yemenite soup)
4. Yoshimuraya (Yokohama)
Went to Ichiran in Shibuya and it was packed, and the ramen was very delicious. However, we didn’t have opportunities to go eat at other Ramen places outside of Tokyo (well we did eat at this one oil ramen place in Akihabara which was amazing!!!) because this trip was more centered on going to theme parks and museums. Next time Im in japan im going to try out some of your recommended places!
I visited an ichiran in New York with my cousins, and I really enjoyed the unique interior! the privacy booths, written orders, etc were all quite nice. I'd love to visit again on my own ❤️
I really want to try the Ichiran in NY so I can compare and do """research"""
I went to the one in New York City, it was AMAZING. Best ramen I've ever had. And good matcha pudding too.
I like the hand slap to the paper " yea that's dank customer,one sec"
“Ordered a whole clove cuz I’m a gentleman.” So real😂
I find Ichiran as my confort Ramen. I go there to remember previous trips and chat with my friends (The ichiran I go to has tables not booths). I'm not the biggest Ramen fan (though Chanpon is awesome) so I don't go too often when I'm there.
same sentiments! my family and i love visiting japan but we have always just found their ramen just okay. the ramen is not bad though! it’s still really good and good to have during late nights. but i believe it’s a good starting point and experience for first time visitors :D but there are a lot of better ramen places to try out! mutekiya in tokyo is my personal fave!
Eaten here many a time. One of the best experiences!
I actually havent had ichiran at the shop. Their instant ramen sets are one of my favorites. Theres so much good food in japan that i dont find myself eating ramen often. I over eat when it comes to coco ichibanya and yakiniku.