There’s something deeply meditative about eating ramen alone, and nowhere is this experience more intentionally crafted than at ICHIRAN NY. Tucked away in an industrial-looking building in Bushwick, this Japanese ramen chain has turned solo dining into an art form. (I came with my boyfriend but we opted for individual booths, seated next to each other, of course)
Walking in, we were greeted by the host who took our orders and gave us printed receipts. The rest of the process is delightfully systematic: select your booth, press a button, wait for the server, hand over your receipts, and wait for your order.
These single-person booths, separated by bamboo-woven dividers, are designed to help you focus entirely on your bowl of ramen. No distractions, no small talk, just you and your forthcoming bowl of perfection.
When the steaming bowl arrived through the bamboo curtain in front of me, I took a moment to appreciate the presentation and savory aromas. Literal perfection.
The first spoonful of broth is a revelation. ICHIRAN’s bone broth, simmered for hours, carries a depth that’s both complex and comforting. It’s creamy without being heavy and rich without being overwhelming. Their noodles, made fresh in their Brooklyn factory, have that perfect texture that only comes from proper kneading and resting.
The chashu pork, though simple in presentation, dissolves in your mouth with just the right balance of lean and fatty portions. Each piece is a testament to the careful preparation that goes into every component of the bowl.
What strikes me most about ICHIRAN is how they’ve managed to transplant their Japanese concept so successfully to Brooklyn. The attention to detail, from the temperature of the broth to the timing of the service, feels exactly like what you’d experience in Japan. Even the water is specially filtered to match the composition of Japanese water, ensuring the broth tastes exactly as it should.
As my boyfriend and I finished our bowls, I realized that this wasn’t just lunch – it was a brief escape from the chaos of New York City life and was the perfect crossover of East m(eats) West. In a city that never stops moving, ICHIRAN provides a peaceful respite where the only thing that matters is the bowl in front of you.
Practical Tips:
- Address: 374 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206
- Best times to visit: Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded
- Expect to spend: $20-30 per person
- Don’t skip: The dessert!
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