P L E A S E
To say Filipinos love ramen would be an understatement.
To date, there are over 30 restaurants in Manila specializing in the dish alone. The last few years saw the trend really explode with international franchises like Ramen Nagi, Ippudo, and Hanamaruken coming to our country to stake their claim.
Even in 2018, ramen joints are still popping up all over the Metro— the most recent addition being Michelin-starred Tsuta Ramen. But there’s still one ramen house that we are patiently waiting with bated breath for…
Ichiran Ramen
Since the 60’s, Ichiran Ramen has been a popular destination in Japan for tourists and locals alike. They’re famous for serving one thing, and one thing only— their classic tonkotsu ramen.
Also known as the Ichiran special, this warming bowl of thin, Hakata-style noodles and pork-bone broth has slices of tender, melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, two sheets of nori, kikurage mushrooms, green onion, and a perfectly soft boiled egg. Who needs a diverse menu when the ramen is this good?
Ichiran prides itself in using only the finest ingredients and mastering the art of ramen making. Today, the franchise can be found all over The Land of the Rising Sun as well as New York, Hong Kong, and Taipei. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Manila next. Until then, allow us to walk you though the process.
First, you need to order your meal tickets on their vending machine. This is where you will need to make crucial decisions like extra noodles, add on tamago, and other ramen toppings. Don’t worry, there are English labels on the machine so you won’t get lost in translation.
Next, find your way to a vacant seat. This is where you’ll realize that this is really a place for quiet meals and ramen appreciation (read: worship).
The stalls are designed for individual diners, so “groupfies” are not recommended if you don’t want to look like total tourists. You can, however, fold the dividers between stalls if you want a more interactive dining experience.
Fun Fact: They even have individual water dispensers for each stall
After taking your seat, you’ll be welcomed by the familiar order sheet of ramen restaurants where you can customize your perfect bowl. We highly recommend ordering extra firm noodles so you can really enjoy the Ichiran experience as their noodles are made in such a way that it softens the longer it sits in piping hot broth.
Once you’ve filled out your form, press the button in front of you so their staff can take your order. You’ll spot them on the other side attending to the orders of your neighbors.
Once your order is complete, they’ll roll down the blinds in front of you so you can finally enjoy one of Japan’s greatest contributions to the ramen world.
Oh, did we mention that all their branches are open 24/7? If you’re the pasalubong type of tourist, you’ll be pleased to learn that they also sell their noodles in packs so you can bring home the magical experience that is Ichiran.
Help spread the word, maybe someone will decide to bring it to the Philippines!
*Photos courtesy of Aileen Ang unless stated otherwise
