Eating at Ichiran. The Most Unique Ramen Experience in NYC!

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  • Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
  • I eat at and review the famous Japanese ramen chain Ichiran. The restaurant has numerous locations in Japan and throughout Asia. They currently have 3 restaurants in New York City. I went to the Times Square location and ate in their signature solo dining booths while feasting on their classic tonkotsu ramen.
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    About Me: I live in NYC and I’m about food, travel and work.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 88

  • @rubycheese-yelli
    @rubycheese-yelli 9 місяців тому +19

    I went there twice, loved every minute of it. The experience is very peaceful.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому +2

      Awesome! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

  • @SwanseaBoi
    @SwanseaBoi 10 місяців тому +13

    Nice change of pace. Love New York and its food scene however a ramen review reminds everyone there are other options to pizza, steak and hotdogs when planning a visit to the Big Apple. Looked delicious - another great review.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +2

      Thank you! Yeah, when it comes to food in NYC the city has a ton to offer besides the usual options.

  • @s_przybylowicz
    @s_przybylowicz 10 місяців тому +9

    The ramen looks great! I'm sure your soft-boiled egg addition tasted even better after the diligent work you put into peeling it.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +2

      It was great ramen for sure! Yeah, I did feel a bit proud of myself after peeling that egg!

  • @missmadelinerenee
    @missmadelinerenee 6 місяців тому +3

    I completely agree! Great food is awesome of course, but a memorable and pleasant experience is what will bring me back.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  6 місяців тому

      Definitely!

  • @PatriciaRoggero
    @PatriciaRoggero 10 місяців тому +2

    Looked amazing love your reviews thank you.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +1

      It was delicious! Thank you so much!

  • @brandonwaagan2096
    @brandonwaagan2096 10 місяців тому +8

    Wow. Amazing experience. With the Study Hall type of interior setting, this dining experience is truly "Japanese". I feel like I am back in school, but instead of hitting the books, I will get to enjoy a nice scolding bowl of delicious ramen and thin slices of pork. I am glad that this video was sponsored. I am happy that you are finally getting the recognition that you deserve, and look forward to future adventures and life experiences. Thank you my Friend. Please continue to produce the wonderful and excellent content each week. It is greatly appreciated.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +2

      Thank you! I really appreciate it! And I'm always happy to share my experiences. I'm just glad that some watch along. Yeah, I'm pleased the opportunity emerged. I definitely see the school desk vibes. But a nice bowl of ramen sure beats homework!

  • @philsipad
    @philsipad 17 днів тому +2

    Some Americans spent decades eating Japanese instant ramen without knowing what real fresh ramen is like. Go visit Ichiran.

  • @michaeldavis-riley6290
    @michaeldavis-riley6290 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing what looked like a great experience. Next time I'm in the city I'll be dining here!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  7 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching! It's a great place and I hope you enjoy it!

  • @BSON900
    @BSON900 7 місяців тому +2

    The introverts dream! ❤. That bowl of Ramen looked amazing!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  7 місяців тому +1

      Absolutely! It was such a neat eating experience and a great bowl of ramen!

  • @hazalyuksel1875
    @hazalyuksel1875 10 місяців тому +1

    Congratulations on your offer! It's cool to watch your progress :)

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

  • @tomahern8967
    @tomahern8967 10 місяців тому +2

    A sold review! I like how you have your own booth to enjoy the ramen. If it tastes as good as Japan’s I’m definitely there!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Thank you! Yeah, it was such a cool experience and I loved the ramen!

  • @TwoTicketsToAdventure
    @TwoTicketsToAdventure 7 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for the wonderful review. We just came back from a two week trip to Japan and never got a chance to try Ichiran over there due to our schedules of being up to early for our destinations! We even had a chance to try it at its home base of Fukuoka but never did. Heading into the city later on this month for a concert and there's one right outside of Madison Square. While we didn't get to try ichiran in Japan, we did pick up instant ichiran at the Don Quixote and it was really good so I'm excited to try the real thing.
    Speaking of instant, did you see that they sold merch there or the instant to go ramen kits?
    Great video, very helpful! I love your honesty of being lazy 😂😅

  • @Ratatosk19374
    @Ratatosk19374 7 місяців тому +1

    I went there once back in January, and it was absolutely amazing.

  • @yanelyjimenez6578
    @yanelyjimenez6578 4 місяці тому +1

    I tried this place when I went to NYC and loved it!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  4 місяці тому +1

      Nice! I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

  • @HumbleHarvardGrad781
    @HumbleHarvardGrad781 5 місяців тому +1

    The experience was cool! I feel so special going

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  5 місяців тому

      Absolutely!

  • @couloir1
    @couloir1 Місяць тому +1

    Love Ichiran...Great food and experience. Highly recommend.

  • @DM_your_bootycheeks
    @DM_your_bootycheeks 10 місяців тому +2

    Amazing review! What's your favorite ramen spot in NYC? One of the best bowls I've ever had was at Susuru in Astoria!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Thank you! I actually live in Astoria and haven't tried that one yet, but I'll definitely be going there in the future. Thanks for the recommendation. I've definitely had a lot of great ramen in NYC. Ichiran easily provided the most unique dining experience and their ramen was very satisfying. Okiboru, without a doubt, serves the best tsukemen ramen in NYC and I enjoyed their tontori ramen too. Jeju Noodle Bar is one of my favorites as well.

  • @2Wheels_NYC
    @2Wheels_NYC 10 місяців тому +4

    Very awesome review as always! I have the first week of August off, so I'll just have to pop in! I love those solo booths as I eat out alone often. The pork broth sounds great, however I'd be hesitant for a spice level 10 😳😳 Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group are mostly no tipping, and it's working for him. The Modern is one of my favorite local spots, and you can't even tip at the bar (Note: I haven't been post covid) but all the employees have always seemed happy! Now, off to my leftover takeout spring rolls😂!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +2

      Thank you! Haha, I enjoy a good spring roll too! Yeah, it's such a unique dining experience, but that ramen hit the spot too! The number 10 spice level just sounds crazy to me, especially since I was pretty satisfied with a 2. Indeed, I've always had great service at Danny Meyer's restaurants. I know that no tipping policies at restaurants can be controversial, but it seems like at some places that policy can work better than others.

    • @2Wheels_NYC
      @2Wheels_NYC 10 місяців тому +1

      @@Jamesnu So if I go that week, I'll ask for a level 10 broth and do an IG live so you can watch me die🤣

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +1

      @@2Wheels_NYC Haha!

  • @philipnorton8171
    @philipnorton8171 3 місяці тому +1

    The japense food looked sooo authentic wow! Really good food blog review 🎉❤ #food #foodie

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  3 місяці тому

      Thank you! It was delicious!

  • @LordLOC
    @LordLOC 6 місяців тому +2

    Oh man, I was finally, finally able to have Ichiran the last time I was in Japan back in the late 90s. Needless to say, it's been a hot minute since then. I loved it back then for sure, though I don't remember how many spice levels they had back then (I don't think they had all the spice levels they have now but I could be wrong) but as a chili head I got the highest level and char su and it was delicious. I'd give anything to get to NYC to be able to eat that ramen again.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  6 місяців тому

      Nice! Yeah that pork was amazing and I really appreciate the fact that one can pretty much make the ramen as spicy as you want.

  • @nikip9161
    @nikip9161 9 місяців тому +1

    A rich and hearty ramen bowl is such a delicious treat... 😋👍🌻🍜❤

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  8 місяців тому

      Exactly! Ramen will always be one of my favorite things!

  • @EdSmed20
    @EdSmed20 7 місяців тому +1

    went here nearly everyday during my trip in japan, now im back in chicago and my god, i need one of these in chicago

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  7 місяців тому +1

      Nice! Yeah, Chicago could definitely use an Ichiran!

  • @NoahEats
    @NoahEats 10 місяців тому +1

    Glad you got to go!

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Yeah, I've been wanting to go to this restaurant for awhile now.

  • @t0rnt0pieces
    @t0rnt0pieces 8 місяців тому +1

    I've been to the original Ichiran in Tokyo (in the Shibuya neighborhood, I think) and yes it is almost identical to this. From what I recall you pre-pay at a machine and then they give you that form to customize your spice level, etc. I don't remember thinking it was expensive. The quality was very good, not life-changing though. The better ramen places in NYC can hang with them for sure.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  8 місяців тому +1

      Yeah, the pre-pay machine seems like it's the biggest difference. Indeed, Ichiran serves good ramen, but it's the dining experience that makes them stand out.

  • @brodypilcher3643
    @brodypilcher3643 10 місяців тому +1

    Oh man does that look good…would love to eat there in my own lil cubicle and get bout 2 massive bowls😂😂…good job man really like this one

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +1

      Thank you! It was delicious and such a cool experience!

  • @kaligupta2749
    @kaligupta2749 9 місяців тому +1

    Do they like give you extra broth if you need it? Cuz that amount of broth definitely doesn't look enough

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому

      Unfortunately, I don't think so, but I'm not positive on that. I know you can get more noodles. For me the broth they gave was enough, but I personally like a larger proportion of noodles and toppings.

  • @sann5146
    @sann5146 7 місяців тому +1

    Wow, I happened to eat there just a couple of weeks back. I agree that it's a unique dining experience given the setup. But overall, I found myself not being a fan of the broth :/, actually found it too porky! Also, the bowl I got had the tare sunk to the bottom so it wasnt visually appealing like yours. At first too I thought they forgot the tare but later read that it's possible for it to have sunk. I also felt the menu was a little confusing - I thought the bowl itself had no toppings and so proceeded to order the topping set for the +$7.5. And then was surprised to see the bowl come with 2 (3?) pieces of chashu plus the other items. That would've been perfectly enough for me, so left feeling that I was tricked into an upsell. I know it doesn't make much sense since typically bowls include *some* toppings by default. But the way the menu was laid out I was left thinking the bowl by itself came with no toppings! Anyway, agree though perfect for a single dining experience. But I'll stick to E.A.K. Ramen, my fave in NYC now 😊

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  7 місяців тому

      Yeah, the menu can be a little confusing and I would've been satisfied without the extra toppings as well. I've still got to try E.A.K. Ramen, it looks amazing!

  • @les5309
    @les5309 10 місяців тому +1

    Just curious, but have you tried Ivan's place yet?

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +1

      I have! That's definitely a great spot for ramen! I might make a video about it sometime.

  • @Worldgonemad
    @Worldgonemad 10 місяців тому +1

    Idk if it’s out of your budget, but you should try Atomix. 2 Michelin and they were just awarded #8 best restaurant in the world

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Absolutely! It's one of the restaurants in NYC that I want to check out the most, but it is something that I would have to budget for since it is pretty expensive. Plus, getting a reservation would probably be a challenge as well. Still, I hope to one day dine there.

  • @japanblue5816
    @japanblue5816 6 місяців тому +1

    一蘭!!! 🤩🍜 Hakata’s very very delicious ramen!!! Thank you! ARIGATO- !! 🍜
    🍜🗾

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @dominiopublicomx6138
    @dominiopublicomx6138 10 місяців тому +1

    Honestly i think birria ramen 🍜 is the best ramen in the world 😋 Mmmmmmmm birria

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      I really enjoy birria ramen too!

  • @Salan1
    @Salan1 10 місяців тому

    Nice video! Please try more Ramen shops in New York as Ichiran kinda is the McDonalds of Ramen. I bet you can find better places if you loved this one :)

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Haha! I know what you mean. Yes, I will definitely be going to more ramen shops that are a bit more unique to NYC.

  • @unicornpower8975
    @unicornpower8975 9 місяців тому +2

    How much is that?

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому +2

      The ramen by itself was $22, the toppings set was $7 and the matcha pudding dessert was $9.50. It definitely wasn't cheap, but at least it was very good.

    • @unicornpower8975
      @unicornpower8975 9 місяців тому +1

      @@Jamesnu thank you very much for the response!.

    • @unicornpower8975
      @unicornpower8975 9 місяців тому +2

      @@Jamesnu almost 40$ 😮😮😮🤦🏾‍♀️😂
      at least it was good 😊

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому +1

      @@unicornpower8975 Yeah, it was very good. Plus the whole experience was pretty fun and unique too!

  • @jesseyuan
    @jesseyuan 10 місяців тому +1

    I love Ichiran and personally I do believe they are the best Ramen chain in the world however, they’re really overpriced. Now don’t get me wrong. The experience is like none other but if you jazz up your bowl with all the fixings, it could easily be over $30 and to me, no matter how good a bowl of noodles is, it’s not worth that much.
    You must visit the original Ichiran in Japan. Bigger, better tasting imo and cheaper.
    Kudos for them reaching out to you. Anytime you can get a free meal at Ichiran is a win win 👍🏼

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      It's incredible ramen for sure! Yeah, the price of it is probably the only real negative. Although, I still didn't like peeling the egg. I definitely want to try Ichiran in Japan someday, especially since they have those sort of ramen vending machines at the restaurants.

  • @shaun7126
    @shaun7126 11 днів тому +1

    Bro, the soup wasn’t that good no man just one bowl of noodles

  • @liamlee8422
    @liamlee8422 10 місяців тому

    this place is so expensive. that bowl of Ramen in NYC is $22... while in Japan, its $10 lol

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому +1

      Yeah, I'm happy that the restaurant has a lot of the aspects that made the Japan locations so special. Unfortunately, the price difference is not a welcome change.

  • @msbrownbeast
    @msbrownbeast 5 місяців тому +9

    Absolute rip off prices for a very ordinary ramen. Price for Ichiran ramen is already expensive in Japan compared to their competition, but in NYC, it is almost double that price! Only in a place like New York City can they get away with those prices.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  5 місяців тому +2

      Yeah, it's definitely expensive.

  • @jletterpbpp8259
    @jletterpbpp8259 9 місяців тому

    Ramen was honestly ok, the pork was poor quality, it melts immediately on broth. There are better places if you downtown. For $30 not worth it.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  9 місяців тому

      The high price is definitely the most negative aspect of the restaurant.

  • @TheZacman2
    @TheZacman2 10 місяців тому +1

    You are basically Reviewbrah except for two key differences:
    1.) You actually seem like a normal guy in your videos and not some alien trying to act like a human in a costume.
    2.) You review high-quality food, not fast food (mostly).

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  10 місяців тому

      Thank you! I appreciate it! I just like sharing what I enjoy and I hope that others get value out of it as well.

  • @lwwwwl
    @lwwwwl 3 місяці тому +1

    高くね?

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  3 місяці тому

      It's definitely more expensive than most ramen places in NYC.

  • @SacredPDK
    @SacredPDK 2 місяці тому +1

    great review james.

    • @Jamesnu
      @Jamesnu  2 місяці тому

      Thank you!