JPN: Ichiran (一蘭)
A good ramen place for introverted customers and staff! :P
Ichiran is a renowned chain of ramen eateries that had its humble beginning in Fukuoka, Japan in 1960. Originally named Futaba Ramen (屋台双葉ラーメン), it was changed to its current name in 1966. Since we were in Fukuoka, my BFFs and I purposely went to patronise the original eatery in the Nanokawa area.
Before entering the eatery, you need to purchase your meal ticket(s) from the sole vending machine in both Japanese and English. Following which, you need to check whether there are any of the 15 booth seats available by looking at the panel above the entrance.
The dish is really simply written as ラーメン on the vending machine. The recommended richness and seasonings were just nice for me as the pork bone broth didn't end up to being cloying or too salty. Half a clove of garlic made it even more aromatic. Apart from that, the sliced pork was nicely tender. I chose firm for my noodle texture, which was actually not as firm as expected. I should've gone for extra firm instead.
Ichiran is a renowned chain of ramen eateries that had its humble beginning in Fukuoka, Japan in 1960. Originally named Futaba Ramen (屋台双葉ラーメン), it was changed to its current name in 1966. Since we were in Fukuoka, my BFFs and I purposely went to patronise the original eatery in the Nanokawa area.
Before entering the eatery, you need to purchase your meal ticket(s) from the sole vending machine in both Japanese and English. Following which, you need to check whether there are any of the 15 booth seats available by looking at the panel above the entrance.
Once you're seated, you need to fill up the customisation sheet for your ramen. Simply follow the recommendations if you can't decide.
When you're done, press the button on your seat for the staff to collect your meal ticket(s) and the customisation sheet that you've filled up.
Ramen ¥890 (~S$11.10)
Taste: 8.5/10
The dish is really simply written as ラーメン on the vending machine. The recommended richness and seasonings were just nice for me as the pork bone broth didn't end up to being cloying or too salty. Half a clove of garlic made it even more aromatic. Apart from that, the sliced pork was nicely tender. I chose firm for my noodle texture, which was actually not as firm as expected. I should've gone for extra firm instead.
Smoke-Flavoured Stewed Pork ¥490 (~S$6.10)
Taste: 9/10
The Japanese name of the dish is 煮こみ焼豚皿. I really enjoyed the stewed pork, which was topped with a generous amount of spring onions, for the smoke aroma was so heady that I just couldn't stop eating. There was a good mix of lean and fatty parts of the red meat.
Matcha Almond Pudding ¥390 (~S$4.85)
Taste: 8/10
The Japanese name of the dish is 抹茶杏仁豆腐. Topped with a wolfberry, the pudding was a sweet ending to the meal indeed as it wasn't only jiggly and velvety, but also full of almond goodness. The green tea sauce, which was adequately rich, was provided separately at first.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8.5/10
Ambience: 7.5/10
Overall: 8/10
Did you know that you could open the partitions of the booth seats? Pika's advice: Should you wish to order more items after you're seated, there's no need to go out to the vending machine. Simply take one of the order chits placed in a pocket at your desk.
Ichiran
(一蘭)
2-2-10 Nanokawa
Minami, Fukuoka
Japan
(Twenty Four / Seven)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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