Ichiran ramen at Hakata.

Hakata ramen originated in the Hakata district of Fukuoka, Japan, and is renowned for its rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. This broth is made by boiling pork bones for hours, resulting in a thick, milky consistency packed with umami flavor. The noodles are thin and straight, typically served firm

We initially planned to eat raw squid sashimi, but since we couldn’t get a seat, we decided to try Ichiran Ramen instead. 

Upon arrival, we were shocked by the long queue and had to wait for another 45 minutes before it was our turn.

The restaurant features individual dining booths, allowing for a private dining experience. The ordering process is streamlined with a vending machine at the entrance where you can customize your ramen to your liking, from the richness of the broth to the firmness of the noodles. 

We tailored our ramen to our taste preferences, choosing the level of spiciness, garlic, and even the type of onions, and added a ramen egg. The food was promptly served, and every drop of the ramen sauce was incredibly delicious.

I enjoyed the ramen so much that I finished the soup to the very last drop.

Despite the wait, the experience at Ichiran Ramen was worth it. The unique dining booths and the flavorful, customizable ramen made it a memorable meal. If you’re in Hakata and have some time to spare, Ichiran Ramen is definitely worth the visit.