A Real Guide to Ramen and What Ichikaku Serves

Ramen has gone from a humble Japanese staple to one of the most searched comfort foods in the country, and for good reason. A great bowl is a complete meal: rich broth, springy noodles, savory toppings, and layers of flavor that take hours to develop. But not all ramen is created equal, and if you are new to it or just trying to figure out what to order, it helps to know what you are looking at. This guide breaks down the key broth styles, what to look for in quality ingredients, and exactly how Ichikaku approaches each one.

The Broth Is Everything

If you want to judge a bowl before you take a single bite, start with the broth. It should look intentional, not watery or pale without reason. The four most common broth styles you will find on serious menus are Tonkotsu, Shoyu, Miso, and Tan Tan.

Tonkotsu comes from long-simmered pork bones and produces a thick, milky, creamy broth that coats the noodles. It is rich and deeply savory. At Ichikaku, the Supreme Tonkotsu and Signature Ichi-Kaku Tonkotsu both deliver that classic creamy pork broth experience, with the option to go bold with a Black Garlic version that adds depth and a slightly smoky edge.

Shoyu is a soy-based broth, typically clearer and more delicate than Tonkotsu but still full of umami. It is a great entry point if you prefer something a little lighter. The Shoyu Ramen at Ichikaku leans into that savory soy flavor cleanly and without fuss.

Miso broth uses fermented soybean paste as its backbone, giving the soup a heartier, earthier richness. It pairs beautifully with corn and butter-style toppings and holds up well in colder months. Ichikaku's Miso Ramen captures that rich miso flavor in a way that feels satisfying without being heavy.

Tan Tan, inspired by Chinese dan dan noodles, combines sesame paste and chili oil for a nutty, spicy broth that is unlike anything else on the menu. It has a cult following for a reason. Both a meat and a vegetarian version are available at Ichikaku.

Noodles and Toppings: Where It Comes Together

A great broth deserves great noodles. Ramen noodles are wheat-based and come in different thicknesses and textures depending on the regional style. Thinner noodles tend to pair with lighter broths, while thicker, wavier noodles hold up better in creamy or heavier soups.

Beyond the noodles, the toppings are where you can really personalize your bowl. Chashu pork is a slow-cooked, tender slice of braised pork belly that melts into the broth. A ramen egg is soft-boiled and often marinated so the yolk is jammy and full of flavor. Nori adds a subtle ocean note, bamboo shoots bring a slightly crunchy contrast, kikurage mushrooms add an earthy chew, and green onions brighten everything up.

At Ichikaku, you can add extras like chashu pork, a half-cut ramen egg, bamboo shoots, nori, corn, mushrooms, and more so that your bowl is exactly what you want it to be.

Options for Every Preference

One thing that makes Ichikaku stand out is that the menu genuinely includes everyone. If you do not eat meat, you are not stuck choosing between a plain broth or skipping the bowl entirely. There are dedicated vegetarian options including a Veg Miso, Veg Shoyu, and Veg Tan Tan, each built on the same flavor principles as their meat-based counterparts.

For heat lovers, the Black Garlic Tonkotsu varieties and the Tan Tan options bring real spice. If you prefer something warming but mild, the classic Tonkotsu or Miso is the move. And if you want to enjoy Ichikaku at home, the Frozen Ichi-Kaku Signature Ramen is a take-home option that lets you bring the experience with you.

How to Order Like You Know What You Are Doing

If it is your first time, start with what sounds most familiar. Prefer a creamy, filling soup? Go Tonkotsu. Want something savory and clean? Try Shoyu. Looking for a bolder, spicier experience? Tan Tan is calling your name. Once you know your broth preference, build your toppings around it. A chashu pork addition and a ramen egg are almost always worth it.

Do not overlook the sides either. Gyoza, takoyaki, and karaage fried chicken all make excellent companions to a hot bowl and are popular choices for a reason.

Ichikaku is built around making every visit feel like a genuine ramen experience, not just a quick approximation of one. The menu reflects real care for the craft, and every bowl is designed to be something you will want to come back for.

Dietary tags reflect our recipes — our kitchen handles common allergens, so please tell our team about any allergy when you order.