The Best Ramen in Japan

If you love ramen and you hate talking to people, then this is the restaurant for you. Ichran Ramen Shinjuku is a restaurant where you have your own little private eating area. You’re still sitting beside other people, but they have dividers in between each seat giving you your private area. Not only do you get to have your own private area, but you pretty much don’t have to speak to anyone. The most anyone says to you is “how many people?”, “please go to the sixth floor”, and “please fill this out.” This is great for those like myself and Nick who don’t really like having to talk much to strangers.

When we first walked in we walked downstairs where we see a line for the restaurant. The hostess gave us a number and then told us to go to the sixth floor. We found ourselves in another line once we got to the sixth floor. There were so many people waiting to eat here. I was convinced that it had to be good. A different woman then handed us a piece of paper and a pen. It is basically an order sheet. We already ordered what we wanted, but this is giving them more specific details on how you want your ramen. It asks things like how thick you want it, and how spicy, etc.

Once we were seated we stuck our order sheet at the top of the table where there is a small opening for the cooks to slide things in and out. Someone from inside that area then takes our sheet and prepares our meal. At this point, we've probably only had to speak to anyone once, and that was just saying how many of us there were. Because it is supposed to be a private eating area it is recommended you stay pretty quiet. That doesn't mean silent though. People do go together in groups, so you can talk. You just really shouldn't be obnoxiously loud.

Once they gave us our food, which I should say came relatively quickly, they pulled down a curtain, giving us complete privacy. We could no longer see into the kitchen area. This place is honestly so perfect for anyone with anxiety. I took my first bite and it was, without a doubt, some of the best ramen I have ever had. The broth, the noodles, and the pork were absolutely incredible. Everything about it was perfect.

One thing that they are fairly well known for is their half hard-boiled eggs. When we first ordered on their machine we forgot to order that with our ramen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with the ramen and is something you have to order separately. But, the good part is that they have a call button and an order sheet in your little booth. All you have to do is fill out the order sheet, get your money ready, and hit the call button. They will take the order sheet and your money and bring you what you want. We added the eggs to our broth once we got them. We let it sit for a minute to let it absorb all the flavors. I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best hard-boiled egg I've ever had. Literally everything about this place was perfect.

This was such a great idea to make a restaurant like this. This place is perfect for people like me who don't like going to nice restaurants alone. I don't know why, but I feel awkward going to really nice places alone. Nick has no problem going out alone, but not me. This place is literally designed for those going solo. However, this is still a great place to bring a group of people. They will give all of you seats beside each other, and you can still talk to one another. Although, the food is so good you're not going to want to stop eating to talk.