Ichiran, a leading tonkotsu ramen chain, has expanded from its origins in Fukuoka to 86 locations worldwide, including North America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Even in Fukuoka, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, Ichiran’s “Flavor Concentration Booth” with its partitioned tables remains a unique and, for first-timers, surprising feature. Over 60 years since its founding, it continues to attract throngs of customers and constant lines at some locations.
The Ichiran Canal City Hakata store, which has been operating since Canal City Hakata opened in 1996, was the fourth Ichiran store to open. It plays an important role in conveying Fukuoka and Japanese culture and has the reputation of a premium store with exclusive menu items.
After approximately four months of major renovations, the Ichiran Canal City Hakata store will celebrate its grand reopening on June 21st. Alongside this reopening, the exclusive “Japanese-style Tonkotsu Ramen” will make its debut. And today, we got to taste it in advance!
Previously, the premium store offered “Kamadare Tonkotsu Ramen,” but the new “Japanese-style Tonkotsu Ramen” will replace it, featuring revamped broth, noodles, and char siu, which are the three key elements of tonkotsu ramen.
First, the broth.
To enhance the deliciousness of tonkotsu ramen, Japanese dashi is used to accentuate the richness and umami of the tonkotsu. If you select “rich flavor” on the order sheet, you can experience the depth of the dashi more distinctly.
Next, the noodles.
Made with aromatic whole wheat flour, these noodles are crafted from “Ra-mugi,” a wheat variety specifically grown for ramen in the nature-rich Itoshima area where Ichiran’s manufacturing base, “Ichiran no Mori,” is located. These noodles pair well with the dashi-infused broth, and true connoisseurs will even enjoy them as kaedama (extra servings of noodles). The 100% Itoshima-grown Ra-mugi noodles are available only at four locations in Fukuoka Prefecture, including the Canal City Hakata store and the Dazaifu store.
Lastly, the char siu. The thick slices of pork belly, carefully prepared by craftsmen using high-quality pork from “Ichiran no Mori,” are tender and full of savory pork flavor. It’s no wonder additional orders of char siu are so popular.
This latest creation from Ichiran, the “Japanese-style Tonkotsu Ramen,” is served in an original jūbako bowl made of Arita porcelain, a traditional Japanese cultural treasure (available only at the Canal City Hakata store and the Nishidori store).
Born from Ichiran’s relentless pursuit of deliciousness, the “Japanese-style Tonkotsu Ramen” will be available starting June 21, 2024, at the newly reopened Canal City Hakata store.
Menu (including 10% consumption tax): Wafu tonkotsu ramen ¥1,180, Kaedama (noodle refill) ¥210, 1/2 kaedama ¥150, Half-boiled salted egg ¥140, Rice ¥250, Ichiran’s original tea ¥250, Draft beer (medium size) ¥580, Matcha almond pudding w/ green tea sauce ¥390
