ICHIRAN has 86 global locations with 3 in NYC. They're known for Tonkotsu Ramen (ramen with pork bone soup) and their "Five Originals":
1. Aromatic Tonkotsu Soup. The traditional method to make pork bone soup produces a very strong smell and they developed a method that removes that aroma for a creamy, savory soup.
2. Ramen Focused Booth. Individual booth seating is unique to ICHIRAN and is designed to allow diners to focus on the flavors of the ramen with minimal distractions of diners and staff. These booths are hidden behind curtains and inside the booths, servers are only seen through a window at the booth for semi-private eating.
3. Original Spicy Red Sauce. ICHIRAN was the first to introduce the now popular concept of serving ramen with a thick, red sauce. The secret togarashi pepper blend of their Original Spicy Red Sauce is made from combining over 30 different spices and slowly aged to perfection.
4. Order Form. The written order system allows guests to customize their ramen and order without speaking to a server. There are 7 components of the ramen for guests to customize: Dashi (the strength in flavor of the broth), Richness (how fatty to make the broth), Garlic (how much garlic to add to the broth), Scallions (whether or not to add scallions to the ramen), Chashu (whether or not to add slices of pork as a topping), level of spice to make the ramen, and Noodle Texture (how firm or soft to cook the noodles). This creates a unique bowl of ramen that meets their exact preferences.
5. Kae-Dama Ordering System. As a way for diners to ask for their Kae-Dama (noodle refill) or dessert without the need to speak to their server, ICHIRAN added sensors to the corner of every booth. They are given a small metal plate that corresponds to their order. Whenever the diner is ready he/she will place the plate on top of the sensor, which triggers a brief melody to play. This informs the team to go to that booth to receive the order and they will be served - all without the diner having to say a word.
We suggest ordering their Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, their Recommended Toppings Set (assorted toppings) that includes a little bit of all of their toppings, and their Matcha Pudding for a refreshingly creamy end to your meal. If you're still hungry, order a plate of Premium Yakibuta - smoky and sweet marinated pork cut in thick slices.
If you're in the US, ICHIRAN, can ship a Take-Home Ramen Kit. It's a ramen set that includes all the basic ingredients to make ramen at home in under 3 minutes. Each kit includes three servings of noodles, their tonkotsu soup concentrate, and Original Spicy Red Seasoning (red pepper mix).
ICHIRAN RAMEN NY TSQ
152 W 49th St
New York, NY 10020
ichiranusa.com
IG @ichiran_ny
PHOTOS COURTESY | ICHIRAN
Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | ICHIRAN RAMEN in mag.