In this review, I’m finally checking one of the most hyped (and most expensive) instant ramen products out there: Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen. Ichiran is a famous chain of Japanese ramen shops with many locations around the globe. Some call it the McDonalds of the ramen world because of its ubiquity, but by all accounts (I’ve never been to one in person), it sounds like it’s still a damn fine meal. This noodle kit comes as a five-pack of straight noodles with a concentrated liquid tonkotsu broth and an optional spice packet, designed to replicate the flavor of their famous shops. I’ve already gone through two servings before this review, which should tell you something right away. But the big question is whether this lives up to its reputation and its price.
Read more: Noodle Journey Episode 19: Ichiran Tonkotsu RamenI paid $27 prior to this review for the five-pack on Amazon, though you’re going to find that prices are all over the place. I’ve seen it go as high as $60 and as low as $25 depending on the seller, but at the time of review I’ve never seen it dip below that. Considering a single bowl at their restaurant could run you $20 depending on the location, $5 per serving isn’t outrageous if the quality holds up. Just don’t let the fluctuating price tag fool you into overpaying. Sodium, by the way, clocks in at a ridiculous 3,068mg per serving (133% DV), so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake.
Noodles:
The noodles are thin, firm, and have that distinct alkaline chew you’d expect from a ramen shop. While I normally prefer thicker noodles, these work really well with the lighter consistency of the broth. Quick to cook and satisfying to eat.
• 8/10
Spiciness:
There’s no heat at all without the spice packet, but once you add it in, you get a mellow, pepper-forward burn that enhances the broth without overpowering. It adds some great complexity too. Just make sure to stir it in well, because it tends to settle.
• 0/10 without spice
• 3/10 with spice
Overall:
Make no mistake, this is delicious, but there’s some things holding it back from perfection. On the plus side, the broth is rich, layered, and has all the hallmarks of a tasty tonkotsu: porkiness, soy umami, garlic, onion, a touch of ginger, and maybe a touch of bonito and seaweed in the background. It’s also got a nice, oily finish. On the downside, it’s not the creamiest version of tonkotsu out there, and I wish it just committed a little bit more in the direction of garlic or onion. It’s still a very, very good instant noodle, and depending on where you live, it might even be better than what your local ramen restaurant serves, assuming you live near one. The price tag is the main issue here. I wouldn’t recommend this at $40 or $50, but if you can get it for $25 or under, it delivers. I’ll be trying out some cheaper alternatives soon, but for now, this is a worthy occasional splurge if you’re into high-quality tonkotsu.
• 7.5/10 without spice
• 8/10 with spice
I’ve already got one of those cheaper options lined up for a future review, so if you’ve been wondering whether the budget tonkotsu brands are even in the same league, stay tuned. We’ll find out together.
Notes since filming: I maintain that every tonkotsu fan should try this one once if they are comfortable with the price. This has gotten way easier to find in Asian markets in the US since I filmed this video, so if you can score it for a bargain, it’s a no-brainer.
