When it comes to well-known ramen chains in Japan, Ichiran Ramen, Ramen Jiro and Ippudo are the two most well-known.
Ippudo is known for its Hakata-style of ramen and best known for their tonkotsu ramen. (note: “tonkotsu” refers to the pork bone broth while “tonkatsu” refers to fried breaded pork, so try not to get the two confused).
Ippudo was created in Fukuoka by Kawahara Shigemi, the CEO of Chikaranomoto Company and the name in English means “One Wind Hall” and the name was chosen by Kawahara because of the dark clouds over the Kyushu ramen industry and he wanted to “wind to blow and revolutionize the era” for Kyushu ramen.
In 1985, Kawahara would open the first Ippudo restaurant in Daimyo District in Chuo Ward in Fukuoka City. And would later open a restaurant inside the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum in 1994 to raise awareness of tonkotsu ramen. And the first Tokyo restaurant would be opened in 1995 in Hiroo, Tokyo. The following year, Kawahara would introduce “Shiromaru Motomi” and “Akamaru Shinmi”.
In 1997-1999, Kawahara would win three consecutive times at the “TV Champion Ramen Craftsman Championship” and entered the Hall of Fame. And in 2000, Ippudo would work with Nissin to release the first Ippudo cup noodle.
In 2005, Kawahara would become the first “Noodle King” in the TBS series “The largest ramen championship in history”.
And in 2008, would open the first Ippudo in New York and in 2014, he was awarded the 10th Anniversary Special Award for the Food Service Award for his contribution to the development of the food service industry and maturation of the food service culture.
And now there are restaurants worldwide, in Asia, United States, Australia, Paris and London.
I decided go to my usual Ippudo location in Ikebukuro and have some Akamaru Shinmi.
The most popular on the menu are Shiromaru Motoaji (Shiromaru Classic), Akamaru Modern and Ippudo Karaka.
First, let’s discuss Shiromaru Motoaji. This is Ippudo’s original tonkotsu ramen since the company first opened. Featuring rich and fragrant tonkotsu broth which is cooked for over 18 hours and then left to mature for 24 hours to extract the savory taste of the pork. Served with homemade Hakata-style thin and straight noodles which matches the broth perfectly.
Akamaru Shinmi (aka Akamaru Modern) features a special blended miso paste and fragrant oil which combined, brings harmony to the flavors. While Shiromaru is classic Hakata-style ramen, Akamaru is a modern-style ramen.
And the other is Ippudo Karaka which is great for those who love spicy ramen. Featuring Ippudo’s tonkotsu with spicy minced meat miso seasoned with a special blend of spicens such as chili bean paste and sweet soy bean paste. A great balance with original chili oil with Japanese pepper and medium-thick straight noodles.
Their gyoza is also quite popular but just know in advance that they are small.
When seated, you are given barley tea, in which a pitcher is right there in front of you.
As mentioned, I was there for the Akamaru Modern.
While I’m often asked which is better between the ramen chains, it’s all subjective. I enjoy them all but I know Japanese friends who are black point card member carrying Ippudo fans (NOTE: To get this special card, you have to eat a total of 60 bowls of ramen during a limited time. You start out with a “Bari” card and need to collect 10 stamps, then you move on to the “Bari Bari” Card which you need to collect 20 stamps, and then onto the “Bari Sugo” card in which you need to collect 30 stamps).
It’s important to note that depending on the store you visit, some stores in various regions offer something different.
In the Kansai area, they offer spicy Hakata-dan ramen and Hakata Chuka Soba, at the original Ippudo restaurant, they offer the original Shiromaru and Akamaru ramen taste.
In some areas they offer Ippudo Kasane which is chicken broth and tonkotsu broth. While the Ikeda store features Hyakufuku Genji ramen made featuring soy sauce ramen, Tao Fukuoka features a soy sauce ramen in collaboration with “Drum Tao”, while in Chiba they offer Chiba Red and Chiba Black and in Takeoka, they have Takeoka Style Ramen featuring dry noodles which is soaked in a special sashimi shoyu sauce.
And so much more!
I really enjoy Ippudo and never get tired of it. I like the fact that Ippudo and also Ramen Jiro are in a nicer area of Ikebukuro (east) than Ichiran and an area which is much more convenient to visit at night time. So, it’s one of the reasons why I have been to Ippudo more.
But overall, I enjoy Ippudo and you really can’t go wrong at this ramen restaurant chain if you are craving Hakata-style ramen!
