Ichiran Abeno

Start by tasting the natural tonkotsu ramen as it is, then add heat or acidity partway through for a change of pace. If you find yourself wanting more noodles, order kaedama, an extra serving. At Ichiran Abeno, part of the pleasure is finding the combination that suits you. One diner ordered the ramen with the house-secret spicy seasoning at the standard level and enjoyed how it balanced with the richly flavoured pork-bone broth. They also said they would like to try a hotter level next time. Another diner recommends adding “Osukaran no Sanmi” towards the end of the meal or with the extra noodles. Their suggestion is to taste the broth first, then use the sour seasoning to shift the flavour. Whether you adjust the heat or add acidity, there are ways to make the familiar bowl your own.

One reported order included an extra serving of noodles, and the menu information also lists draft beer, rice, extra green onions, wood ear mushrooms and a plate of simmered, grilled pork. Ramen remains the centrepiece, but you can add noodles if you want a little more, or choose a small plate or rice to round out the meal. Treat the listed items as options to check when ordering. In that diner’s account, the natural tonkotsu ramen cost 1,080 yen and the extra noodles 210 yen. These are prices reported for that particular visit.

One account describes individual counter seats separated by partitions. They can make it easier to focus on your meal, though another diner found the partitions unfamiliar and felt less at ease. The setup may suit those eating alone at their own pace, but offers a different experience from a meal centred on conversation. Waiting times depend on when you visit: one report says a weekday morning meant no wait, while others mention queues at lunchtime and in the evening. Going in the morning is one option; either way, leave some flexibility in your schedule.