We finally did it! Ichiran Ramen has been on our bucket list forever, and we finally got to experience the “World’s Most Studied Ramen” right in the heart of Times Square, NYC. It was everything we hoped for and more.

Part 1: The Arrival & First Impressions

From the moment you see the iconic red and green signs in Times Square, you know you’re in for a unique experience. While Ichiran is world-famous for its “solo dining” concept, checking it out as a family added an extra layer of excitement. The atmosphere is a perfect mix of NYC energy and Japanese precision.

Part 2: The Setup & Family Hacks

One of the most frequent questions we get is: “How does it work?” Before being seated, you order through a tablet. We chose two Classic Tonkotsu bowls and a Kaedama (extra noodles).

• Pro-Tip: The Times Square location has a kids’ menu, which is a total lifesaver for families (just keep in mind the Midtown location doesn’t!).

Once inside the famous solo booths, we simply opened the side dividers so we could eat together as a family. Each booth is a little command center with a call button on the right and a side menu for extras on the left. My daughter even discovered the hidden water stations!

Part 3: The Flavor & Fun Facts

A few things we learned during our first visit:

• Kaedama (替え玉): This means “noodle refill.” It’s a great way to share or just satisfy a big appetite without ordering a whole second bowl.
• Customization: You control everything—noodle firmness, garlic, and spice levels.
• The “Flavor Concentration Point”: There’s a red mark at the bottom of each bowl where the flavor is most intense. I didn’t finish my broth this time, so I guess I’ll have to go back to find it! 😅

It was a delicious, peaceful, and uniquely fun experience that we’re so glad we finally checked off our list.

The food was absolutely worth the wait. That creamy, umami-packed tonkotsu broth is the result of hours of simmering, and you can taste the quality in every spoonful.