So when we passed by the Ichiran outlet in Umeda, we decided that it was time to finally check this famous ramen off the bucket list.
The queue wasn't long this evening.
When you reach the front of the queue, you will be greeted by an ordering and payment machine (often called a "vending machine" though it isn't). It has various language options, including English.
For a top chain, I was surprised by the limited menu options. Only tonkotsu (pork) soup ramen and limited sides. But, it's good for ramen newbies as it makes ordering very simple.
The payment receipt and ticket. I opted for the most expensive set with all the optional sides included.
Slight price premium over independent ramen shops.
While waiting for a seat, the staff handed out the preference form.
Just 23 individual booth seats, separated by wooden folding partitions (the partitions can be folded, if you come as a couple or group). They have a simple but effective seat allocation system and machine.
A staff guides you to your booth seat.
Welcome to Ichiran's famous individual booth seat.
This is not a Covid-19 legacy but an Ichiran trademark since its founding in 1993 (33 years ago). The idea was for the customer to fully concentrate and enjoy the noodles and soup.
Hand the kitchen your receipt and option / preference sheet.
Some requests you can make by using these wooden tags.
Order is ready. A standard bowl of tonkotsu soup noodle, charsiu pork slices, wood ear fungus, seaweed in a packet, a tamago egg.
Noodles half submerged in tonkotsu or pork soup with two slices of charsiu, splash of chili and chopped scallion.
Since I intended to indulge myself, I opted for no holds barred extra rich soup.
It was the right decision 👍
The heavy full bodied soup was amazingly smooth, rich with natural porcine savoury and sweet flavours.
Addictive.
The noodles were medium gauge (no option for more slender or thicker).
The noodles were done soft al dente. I opted for firm but it wasn't as al dente as I like. Next time, I will opt for extra firm.
Wet and slick with oily tonkotsu soup, the noodles were slurpingly delicious.
The charsiu slices were excellent - just the right soft tenderness, quite fatty, but the natural porcine sweetness was so good.
Only two slices.
Glad that my set came with four more slices.
So yummy.
Kikurage or wood ear fungus added crunch to the bowl.
The dried seafood tasted alright.
But, having to tear open a plastic packet to get them detracted a little from the experience, in my humble opinion.
I mean, if the ramen was served with dried seaweed inside the bowl, it would have less of a "fast food" feel.
We had to shell the egg ourselves but it was quite delicious though not runny 🤔
Major bucket list checked.
I won't mind repeat visits though Ichiran is an ubiquitous chain like McDonalds.
Don't believe those who say you can get a lucky draw number at the bottom of the bowl 🙄
Restaurant name: ICHIRAN Umeda Hankyu Higashidori
Address: 3-13 Doyamacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0027, Japan
Nearest subway: Osaka-Umeda station
Tel: +815018082490
Hours: 12 midnight – 6am | 11am - 12 midnight
Written by Tony Boey on 30 Jun 2026
Who is Tony Johor Kaki?
I like this chain, they’re everywhere and many open 24 hr , pretty tasty too
ReplyDeleteVisited them in 2008 in Tokyo when still 1 shop. Photo on my wall hehe. I don't go anymore for some time lol. Ok la go see what the fuss is about lo.
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