ICHIRAN Shinsaibashi

I hope I have got the right outlet as this one is unique in the chain of Ichirans in Osaka being a no pork restaurant. This is great news for us as ramen tends to be pork based by default. We had just returned from Universal Studios so the last thing we wanted to do was line up in yet another queue...! But the craving was too strong so we went for it. At first we saw that the queue started on the stairs which did not seem so bad. But then we realised there was more waiting inside the restaurant and the main reason for the backlog was that there were only 16 seats for serving. Be prepared to wait for up to an hour before finally being seated but once in, you will be served very quickly. Everyone is sat in individual booths so this is not a sociable setting nor should you hang around for long to be considerate to others who are still waiting. Do bring cash as you have to pre-pay for your food using a vending machine.

Visited December 2022

After their “individual booths” concept went viral, we decided to add Ichiran Ramen to our trip’s bucket list, just to see what the fuss was about. We’ve also seen their brand in quite a lot of stores so we were excited to try their ramen. Maybe because the individual booths don’t allow for much s...ervice, it was concentrated at the front of the house where we were greeted by enthusiastic staff who taught us how to use the vending machine-like ticketing system and use the tickets. From there on, we were guided to a seating area. Because there weren’t too many people around, we were able to pick our choice of seats. We never saw the server who took our ticket but it didn’t take long (about 5-10 minutes) for them to return with our order. The ramen was… meh While it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t anything to write home about. What I believe is the most important component of ramen - the broth - turned out underwhelming and disappointing. For the most part, it was just salty and one-dimensional. The noodles themselves were barely chewy and the chashu was forgettable. All in all, it paled in comparison to the other ramen broths I’ve had, both in Japan and in my home country, Canada. The price was reasonable enough; however, I feel like it would be better spent at a different establishment. While the individual booths were interesting, when it’s paired with barely adequate ramen, it just feels gimmicky. I won’t dissuade you from going for the ‘gram, but personally, I won’t be going again.

Visited February 2021

I can't say a word because it tastes really amazing and I feel really good ramen I've ever felt and I will also recommend it to my relatives or friends that I really had an amazing experience

Visited January 2020

Everytime I went to Japan I always go back to Ichiran Ramen, it tasted good, worth it to queing. The stock always kept me coming back, the pork so tender, and the spicyness level so tempting, everything so tasty and so good

Visited December 2019

We have to queue for more than 40 minutes to get a seat for a family of three. Variety of choices you would like your no pork ramen and its very tasty with a quick service. One of the best meals you should try in Osaka.

Visited January 2020