Written on: 1/24/2025
Name: Ichiran Asakusa Rokku
While this review focuses on a specific location, many of the comments apply to all Ichiran branches, as the chain is incredibly consistent and well-organized.
Ratings and Comments
Exterior – 4/5
The entrance features cool Noren (curtains) and music that really sets the mood, making you excited to head in.
Interior – 5/5
One of the key features of Ichiran is its unique dining cubicles. It’s a concept that’s very hard to find anywhere else in the world. The design of your cubicle is intentional down to the last detail. The interior layout is truly one of a kind.
Menu/Price – 3.5/5
The menu here is pretty limited—you get a single bowl of ramen with options for sides and drinks. On its own, the menu might not deserve a high score, but the quality of the ramen makes up for it. The pricing is quite reasonable, with a base ramen bowl priced at around $7, which is lower than the market average.
Drinks – 3/5
Here’s what they had on offer at this location: Cola, orange juice, and bottled Asahi beer.
Food – 4.5/5
It’s tough to know where to start, especially because so much of the ramen experience here is customizable to your taste. Let me explain in general terms, so it’s not skewed by how I personally order. Starting with a slight negative—the sliced pork isn’t as impressive as the other elements, but everything else is fantastic. The broth is flavorful, rich, but not overly fatty. The noodles are top-tier quality and a real joy to eat. One standout is their Hiden no tare—Ichiran’s original spicy red sauce. It’s unlike any other spicy sauce I’ve had in ramen, with a secret recipe that only four people at Ichiran know. I always get a soft-boiled egg, and it’s always perfectly cooked—easy to peel with a wonderfully runny yolk. Everything blends together beautifully, making for an amazing bowl of ramen. The overall experience is definitely a factor in my rating, but I think it’s fair to give it credit, as the restaurant is designed to help you enjoy your food in the best possible way.
Staff – 4.5/5
The staff is efficient, polite, and most importantly, precise and dedicated to the restaurant’s mission. They never cut corners, whether in preparing your meal or maintaining the atmosphere.
Restroom – 3.5/5
The restroom is on the smaller side, which seems to be a consistent feature across locations. However, the amount of toilet paper in there always makes me chuckle, so that’s a fun little detail.
Conclusion – 5/5
Ichiran has never let me down. It’s one of my favorite dining experiences. Sure, I’ve had ramen bowls that were more complex or flavorful, but no other restaurant offers the experience that Ichiran does. I implore you to make visiting an Ichiran one of your top dining priorities in Japan!
