After watching a movie in Shibuya, I felt like having ramen on my way back. I visited IPPUDO Ebisu branch and ordered the Akamaru Shinaji ramen for 920 yen. I used a premium coupon and got a discount, paying only 550 yen. The staff's service was more polite compared to other branches, making it a nice place. It was a bit disappointing that it was a little far from the station.

I ordered the Spicy Miso Ramen (medium spiciness) for 960 yen around 5 pm on a weekday. It had been probably 12 to 3 years since I last visited the Ebisu branch. The menu is now on a tablet for ordering. But no matter which Ippudo branch I go to, I always end up ordering this recently. Payment is made near the entrance with the receipt. They accept various cashless payment methods.

When it's crowded, it may be full, but if you go during off-peak hours like late lunch, you can get a seat right away. You can ask the staff to serve condiments like pickled mustard greens, red ginger, and garlic in small dishes. It's convenient to order using the touch panel. The ramen and extra noodles (kaedama) were served quickly, which was great.

Ebisu, Ippudo, starting from December 1st, the winter limited edition ramen is here! Miso ramen! "Miso Shirumaru" for 950 yen. Ippudo's winter staple! Perfect for the cold season. The soup combines Ippudo's smooth tonkotsu soup with 3 types of miso, ginger, onions, garlic-infused aromatic oil, and caramel sauce for depth of flavor. The soup is layered with richness, umami, sweetness, and aroma. Topped with char siu and plenty of vegetables on flat medium-thick noodles. The vegetables are seasoned with "Seven Spice" blend of 7 spices to enhance the flavor. Grated ginger is also provided to add a wintery taste. Delicious! Plenty of vegetables, mild miso, and the usual thin noodles. Of course, I also got an extra serving of noodles and garlic. It was delicious! Limited quantity? If you're interested, be sure to try it soon! Thank you for the meal. Cheers!

The 1st of every month is Ippudo Day. Sometimes they have campaigns like free extra noodles. Today's review is about the Ippudo Ebisu branch. Located about a 5-minute walk from Ebisu station along Meiji Street. It underwent renovation in June 2021 and reopened. This well-known Hakata ramen shop is a must-visit. I visited during lunch on a weekday. I always crave Ippudo ramen. Is the difference between White and Red just the spiciness level? You won't know until you try it. I used to go there often when they had coupons in the mail during the renovation. Today was a bit of a reunion after a while. The atmosphere of the restaurant is clean and quite spacious. They accept various electronic payments. Most importantly, there are power outlets and USB ports on the table, which is convenient. Today, I had the Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen for 980 yen, with extra green onions for 110 yen and extra noodles for 150 yen. There was cold tea in a pot and spicy bean sprouts on the table to snack on while waiting. The boiling time is longer than usual, but not too long. After a while, the ramen was served. It looked deliciously simple. I started with the soup, which was tasty. It had a bit of a punch (I usually like it stronger...), but it was a proper home-style taste. There were two slices of chashu. The noodles were thick and chewy like udon. The green onions complemented the dish well. Trying the Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen at Ippudo was interesting. The extra noodles were normal and firm. Oh, these were good too. I finished with the rice and left the restaurant satisfied. I forgot to use the app coupon for a discount at the checkout... I'll go back next month. Thank you for the meal. That's all for today. Cheers!

At the 37th anniversary celebration, I tried the Soy Sauce Tonkotsu ramen, which was a reissue. It is a ramen that can be categorized as a family-style ramen from Ichiran. The base of the tonkotsu broth is mild and not too overpowering compared to other family-style ramen. However, it has a strong salty taste that goes well with rice. The soup may be too salty for those with high blood pressure. The thick noodles are chewy and satisfying to eat. If you are a fan of family-style ramen, I recommend giving this a try.

I visited the restaurant before 2 pm on a regular day. The majority of the counter and table seats were occupied. It had been a while since I visited a ramen shop without a ticket machine. I sat down and ordered "Vegetable Shiro Maru with extra Ajitama" from the menu. I requested the noodles to be cooked to a normal firmness. The dish arrived in less than 5 minutes. It was quite large, with two slices of chashu and some vegetables, giving it a substantial appearance. The chashu had a good thickness and the meaty smell was well removed. The vegetables were not too many, but had a good crunch to them. The soup was creamy with a hint of sweetness, and no unpleasant smell or taste. The noodles were plentiful. Finally, I asked the staff for some free takana, which I enjoyed dipping in the soup. It was simply delicious. The wilted spinach, high-quality nori, ginger that complemented the soup - all were still excellent. I realized too late that there was no takana or pickled ginger on the table, and that I had to ask the staff for it. It would have been better if I had noticed earlier due to the generous amount of noodles.

I don't like tonkotsu ramen. It's my least favorite type of ramen. But it's so hot, hot, hot, and I really wanted to eat some cold noodles. Due to work, I missed the usual lunchtime. This restaurant is open all day. I thought they must serve cold noodles on ice-cold plates. I checked with the staff. They said they have Hiyashi Chuka, and also Hiyashi Tan Tan Men... oh, that's a limited edition from Kumamoto. So, I went there. This restaurant is usually quite crowded, but around 3 pm, there were only 2-3 people inside. They didn't have it! There was no sign of Hiyashi Chuka-like dish! The seasonal limited item was "Thick Tsukemen". What's that? It's definitely not for summer. Tsukemen is for winter, right? And it's thick noodles! I prefer thin noodles. But I couldn't bring myself to eat something hot, and I was already inside the restaurant, so I decided to go with that. They don't use meal tickets here. The staff comes to take your order directly. It's not a rowdy place, and it has a cozy atmosphere for a ramen shop. Coincidentally, all the customers were women. The seating is like a company cafeteria, with long tables placed side by side. The noodles that arrived were thick. But the texture was truly smooth and chewy as advertised. It's similar to udon. This might be delicious in its own way. You know, what's tough about it is the yellow twisted noodles soaked in the dipping sauce, right? It's tough when it's thick. Oh, this is like Inaniwa udon haha. However! The dipping sauce is hot! It's not a summer item after all. If both the noodles and the sauce were ice-cold, it would probably sell well. It felt a bit spicy? And then I realized the tempura bits were seasoned with shichimi. That was nice and tasty. The struggle with tonkotsu ramen is the smell, but here the smell is quite faint. You only notice it when you walk right past the restaurant. I was googling wistfully about Ippudo's Hiyashi Tan Tan Men, and it seems they were selling it in Ebisu in 2019. It was supposed to start from 7/25. I wonder if they'll do it this year, I hope they do. And it would be great if they start serving it from today, not just on 7/25. Seriously, on my way home, maybe I should drop a note in the mailbox...

I tried the Shiranuka new seasoned egg at Hakata Ippudo Ebisu branch this time. This is a typical tonkotsu ramen. I recommend the Akamaru version more. What's amazing is that as chain restaurants increase, two things can happen: 1. Over-manualization leads to a lack of motivation among staff and a dirty store, or 2. Delegation to individual stores leads to too much variation in taste and atmosphere, making it no longer a chain. However, the delicious taste and nice atmosphere of this place are wonderful.

When I first came to Tokyo, it was shocking. In my 20s, living in Hiroo, I could walk to this store and eat Akamaru ramen anytime, even late at night. In 1994, they opened a branch at the Ramen Museum. In 1995, they expanded to Tokyo, and this place here is the first store, Jangara. I was greatly indebted to Jangara, Ippudo, Marutama. They have contributed to spreading Hakata ramen in Tokyo. Jangara and Ippudo aimed for a delicious taste that anyone could enjoy, but I don't know if it was due to cost-cutting, their taste has changed a lot, and the sharp deliciousness of the past has disappeared, both the gyoza and ramen. The gyoza used to be delicious, where did that chashu go? Jangara is especially bad. I want the old taste back. The old taste used to have a film on the soup when it cooled slightly. Now it's watery. The fierce Tonkotsu flavor has also disappeared, it's a different thing now. Today, while writing a review for Tanaka Shoten, I sent my wife and children to a ladies' lunch gathering and went to Ippudo for lunch with my child, as I hadn't eaten there recently. Next to Ippudo, there is a rare candy store called Kirin in this area. I visited with my child. My wife went to Peter Luger. My child and I went to Ippudo. We had two bowls of Akamaru, gyoza, and shared mentaiko rice. We also shared an extra serving of noodles. It was 1:30 pm on Saturday, and it was packed. It was still full when we left. It's not as delicious as it used to be, but it's quite tasty, and it's always full. It's a success as a business. My child was happy with the food. We'll come back again. The taste of youth. Chain restaurants have their advantages. They provide a sense of hygiene and security. They are kid-friendly, and if the food isn't delicious, it can't become a chain restaurant. When I think about wanting to eat the Akamaru or the old taste of the past again, it brings tears to my eyes. I understand that some things cannot be helped.

It had been a while since I last visited Ichiran and I ordered the spicy version. Despite the long time, the taste remained unchanged. I added the spicy bean sprouts from the table condiments halfway through to add some flavor. The rich tonkotsu soup paired perfectly with the firm straight noodles that I requested. I felt a sense of nostalgia in the taste of Ichiran.

I tried the Akamaru Shin-Aji Tamago at Hakata Ippudo Ebisu branch. The rich and drinkable tonkotsu soup combined with spicy miso is amazing. What's impressive is that as chain restaurants expand, there is a risk of either becoming too standardized with unmotivated staff and dirty interiors, or each branch having too much freedom leading to inconsistent taste and atmosphere. However, the delicious food and pleasant ambiance make this place truly outstanding.

I'm not a fan of Ichiran, but I always find their ramen delicious no matter which location I visit. Their unique Hakata ramen, THE Ichiran tonkotsu, is popular for a reason. The Ebisu branch is no exception. I always feel at ease at Ichiran. However, there is one thing I want to mention. About a year ago, they added fried rice to the menu. When I first tried the fried rice at Ichiran Ebisu, I couldn't help but exclaim, "It's delicious." Honestly, it's one of the best fried rice dishes I've ever had. The oil is nicely incorporated, and there's a balance of saltiness and sweetness with a rich depth of flavor. It's not the dry type, but rather moist. I keep coming back for this fried rice. I highly recommend trying it. I haven't tried the fried rice at other locations, so I'm only speaking about this specific branch. If the person who makes this fried rice is single, I want to marry them.

★Arrived around 1:30 pm on a weekend afternoon★There were about 3 people waiting outside the restaurant, but since there was a single seat available at the counter, I asked the staff and was allowed to enter the restaurant first. Even though it was past lunchtime, I still had to wait outside for a bit before getting a seat★What I hadI tried the new vegan ramen that was released today★The soup made with soy milk was extremely rich and salty, but I managed to finish almost all of it, haha. After leaving the restaurant, I immediately felt bloated, haha. There were plenty of mushrooms in the ramen, and there was also something that resembled meat in it. You have to eat it quickly, or it will start falling apart★Customer ServiceThe staff were very friendly. Despite being very busy, they did not neglect their customer service★Cost PerformanceThe vegan ramen cost 1100 yen per bowl, which is relatively affordable★CleanlinessI think it was average. The restaurant was a bit small★OtherI think it was my own assumption, but the new plant-based item called the Red Circle was not ordered much. The soup was different from other ramen, and it had to be prepared separately, so the staff asked if it was okay to take a little longer. Of course, I said it was fine. After finishing my meal, the staff apologized about three times for making me wait, but I really didn't mind, haha. Thank you for being considerate due to it being a new product, not ordered much, and plant-based, staff members (tears)★RepeatIf the Red Circle vegan ramen continues to be available, I will come back to eat it again. However, if it's no longer available, I probably won't come often, so I would rate it 3 out of 5 points★★★, out of a total of 5 points!!!

While cycling, I suddenly passed by this restaurant and felt like eating there after a long time! I believe this is the branch of Ippudo, which originated in Tokyo! Nearby, there is also Kyukyu Ramen known for its cheese miso ramen, and this area exudes a sense of history. I had the "Akamaru Shinaji with Ajitama" ramen. The rich and flavorful tonkotsu broth paired perfectly with the mild sauce. The soup is easy to drink with a good balance of umami and richness, complemented by a fragrant chili oil that adds a hint of bitterness and spice. The noodles were firm and had a great chew to them, while the soft-boiled egg was deliciously creamy. The fresh garlic added using the garlic crusher was a nice touch. The place was bustling with customers, a testament to its longstanding popularity. Overall, the ramen was consistently delicious, and I felt it was even better than other ramen shops. This place is like a model ramen shop that has been loved for many years. Thank you for the meal!

Visited around 14:00. The restaurant was relatively crowded, about 80% full. I ordered the Shiramaru Motoaji with extra noodles. The dish arrived shortly after, as shown in the photo. The noodles were thin Hakata-style noodles, with a chewy texture and a slightly powdery taste typical of Hakata noodles. The soup was a white Hakata pork bone broth, not too strong in flavor. The toppings included tender chashu, green onions, wood ear mushrooms, and bean sprouts. Overall, the restaurant is convenient as it is open all the time, but the taste of the Hakata ramen was just average. It was nice that extra green onions came with the extra noodles, and garlic was provided upon request with a crusher, which was quite powerful.

I selected Karaka-men and Shiramaru. The spiciness of Karaka-men is just right, but the texture of the fried egg topping is not that great. The flavor adds a touch of sweetness, but the aroma is quite strong with the smell of oxidized oil, to be honest, it's not delicious. In the end, Shiramaru is the tasty one. Thank you for the meal.

On a scorching Saturday at 7pm, feeling parched and tired from walking, I decided to stop by Ichiran, a ramen shop that used to be so famous that even celebrities from Fukuoka would mention it on TV 30 years ago. Back then, I didn't find the taste particularly impressive, so I only went once. I was seated at the counter, where there was special bean sprout namul on the table. I ordered the A set (Hakata ramen + mini fried rice) and 10 dumplings for 1450 yen. Oh, I found a sign saying they have pickled mustard greens, red pickled ginger, and garlic available. Hakata is all about spicy pickled mustard greens, right? Since I have tomorrow off, I'll go all out with the garlic. The taste wasn't particularly impressive, but the bean sprouts on the table were delicious, and the mini dumplings with a dumpling-like seasoning were decent. Despite being labeled as "mini," the fried rice in the set was a full portion and was also decent. Thanks to the freshly squeezed garlic, I won't be able to see anyone tomorrow.

The staff at the restaurant were kind and offered garlic and free toppings in small dishes, which was nice. However, I was very uncomfortable with the spoon handle being sticky. I regret not asking for a replacement. I ordered the ramen to be slightly spicy, but it was actually very sweet even after adding extra toppings like mustard greens. The noodles had a nice firm texture that I liked!

I came to eat at Plant Base Akamaru. There was no indication of sold out items on the entrance or posters. When I sat down and looked at the menu, I was told that they were sold out of what I wanted to order today. I had already been seated, drank water, and had the spicy bean sprouts served on a small plate, so I had no choice but to order the regular Akamaru and mentaiko rice. There was a poster outside the store and it was also on the menu at my table (a single sheet), so I thought it was a regular item. The Akamaru was very delicious, but I felt a bit frustrated as I settled the bill.