A Whole New Respect for Ramen

Ichiran

150-0001 2F, 6-5-6 Jingumae Sibuya-ku Tokyo-to

First, que up on the steps.  We were early for lunch, so the line was just 1 or 2 parties.

At the head of the line, there were two cash-only payment machines.  You insert your money, then press the soda machine like buttons to select your items and receive tickets to take into the restaurant.

Once inside, we were shown to our individual booths 

Each booth has its own water fountain!!

Once seated, you fill out the specifics on a sheet (my choices):
               Dashi: Light/Medium/Strong
            Richness:  None/Light/Medium/Rich/Extra Rich
            Garlic: None/Drop/Medium/ 1/2 Clove/1 Clove
            Green Onion: Without/Whites/Green Onion
            Spiced Pork: Without/With
            Spicy Red Sauce: None/Mild (1/2)/Medium (1) / Spicy (2) / (3-10) (4)
            Noodle Texture:  Extra Firm/Firm/Medium/Soft/Extra Soft

Then, you ring the bell, and someone comes and picks up your tickets and preference sheet

Amy waiting for her Ramen

My Ramen, delivered through the little slot in the wall.  I also extra mushrooms I ordered.

From their website:

We craft each bowl of ramen one at a time, serving them at their best moment. Dig in right away -- there is no need to wait for your companions.

First sample the broth and noodles on their own for about three or four bites, not mixing the secret sauce in just yet. We recommend only then blending the sauce in. Thoroughly mixing Ichiran’s special noodles with our natural pork broth soup creates a wonderful harmony of flavors.

Our fresh noodles are very time sensitive. Once in the boiling water, they expand. Therefore, we strive to deliver your ramen from kitchen to your table within a fifteen second window so that you can enjoy the exact texture you ordered. We have a rule about how long it takes for our noodles to reach a guest’s table. Anything over that limit is unacceptable, which is why all seats are within arm’s length. The time? 15 seconds.

Why not try a “noodle refill,” a unique aspect of Hakata’s culture?
First mix the noodle refill and small quantity of broth it comes with, sampling them before transferring to your bowl. With each bite, the gently sweet taste and aroma of the noodles will unfurl across the palate. The noodles can then be dipped in the remaining broth for further enjoyment.

Incidentally, ordering a noodle refill after eating half of your noodles will ensure that your new noodles are ready just as you finish your first serving.
Adding extra toppings to taste will let you create a custom bowl that is even truer to your preferences.