Ippudo
一風堂 | いっぷうどう
Pioneer of modern and international tonkotsu ramen
Overview
Ippudo (一風堂) is one of Japan's most prestigious and influential ramen chains. Founded in 1985 in Fukuoka by Shigemi Kawahara, Ippudo revolutionized the art of tonkotsu ramen by creating a modern, refined style accessible to the world. A true ambassador of Japanese ramen culture internationally.
🏆 Excellence of modern tonkotsu
- • Signature broth - 18 hours of slow cooking for perfect creamy tonkotsu
- • Constant innovation - Fusion of tradition and contemporary creativity
- • International presence - New York, Paris, London, Sydney and more
- • Unique corporate culture - "Ganko Oyaji" (the stubborn chef spirit)
🌟 Ippudo's cultural impact
Ippudo is not just a ramen chain: it's a cultural phenomenon that democratized and modernized the perception of ramen. By introducing a more stylish and contemporary approach, while respecting traditions, Ippudo inspired a whole generation of ramen-ya and contributed to making ramen a globally recognized dish.
🌍 International expansion
First to open authentic ramen restaurants abroad, Ippudo paved the way for internationalization of this cuisine. With over 100 restaurants worldwide, the chain adapts its recipes to local tastes while preserving the Japanese soul of its creations.
🎯 "Smile & Arigatou" philosophy
Ippudo promotes a philosophy of warm hospitality where every customer should leave with a smile. This approach, combined with exceptional product quality, makes Ippudo a complete culinary experience rather than just a meal.
Signature Dishes in Images
Shiromaru Motoaji
白丸元味
Ippudo's original ramen with creamy and balanced tonkotsu broth
Akamaru Shinaji
赤丸新味
Spicy version with red miso, garlic and fragrant oil for more complexity
Hitokuchi Gyoza
ひとくち餃子
Signature vegetable gyoza, perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside
Detailed Menu
🍜 Signature Ramen
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiromaru Motoaji | 白丸元味 | Ippudo's original ramen, classic and balanced tonkotsu | ¥990 |
| Akamaru Shinaji | 赤丸新味 | Spicy version with red miso and garlic, more complex | ¥1,080 |
| Karaka-men | からか麺 | Spicy ramen with red chili, for thrill seekers | ¥1,190 |
| Shiromaru Hakata Classic | 白丸博多クラシック | Traditional Hakata version, more authentic | ¥950 |
| Ippudo Salad Ramen | 一風堂サラダラーメン | Fresh version with vegetables, lighter broth | ¥1,280 |
🥢 Premium Toppings
Meat & Proteins
- • Premium Chashu - ¥350 (pork braised 12h, tender)
- • Chicken Chashu - ¥300 (tender marinated chicken)
- • Ajitsuke Marinated Egg - ¥150 (perfect runny yolk)
- • Menma Bamboo - ¥200 (crispy fermented shoots)
Vegetables & Extras
- • White Negi - ¥150 (finely sliced green onions)
- • Premium Nori - ¥100 (superior quality seaweed)
- • Crispy Moyashi - ¥120 (fresh bean sprouts)
- • Grilled Garlic - ¥100 (delicately flavors the broth)
🌶️ Kara-moyashi and Side Vegetables
Kara-moyashi (辛もやし) - Spicy bean sprouts
Ippudo specialty: bean sprouts marinated in spicy sauce. Can be enjoyed alone before the ramen as an appetizer or added during the meal to change the taste of the broth.
🍽️ Appetizer tasting
- • Eaten with chopsticks
- • Prepare palate for ramen
- • Stimulate appetite with spice
- • Refreshing crispy texture
🔄 Usage for "taste change"
- • Added halfway through ramen
- • Change flavor balance
- • Add freshness and spice
- • Rekindle taste interest
🥬 Other side vegetables
- • Negi - Finely sliced green onions
- • Menma - Fermented bamboo shoots
- • Kikurage - Black gelatinous mushrooms (seasonal)
💡 Tasting advice
Traditional method: Start with some kara-moyashi as appetizer, then add them to the ramen halfway through for a new flavor dimension.
🍽️ Signature Side Dishes
| Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hitouchi Gyoza (5pcs) | Signature vegetable gyoza, crispy and juicy | ¥650 |
| Ippudo Fried Rice | Ippudo-style fried rice with chashu | ¥850 |
| Spicy Cod Roe Rice | Rice with spicy cod roe | ¥450 |
Condiments and Seasonings
Ippudo offers a carefully curated selection of condiments to personalize your ramen to your taste.
🥟 For Gyoza
- Shoyu (醤油)
Soy sauce specially for dipping hitouchi gyoza - Su (酢)
Rice vinegar for gyoza, perfect acidity for the wrapper
🍜 For Ramen
- Goma (胡麻)
Sesame seeds to grind fresh in the ramen - Ramen Pepper (ラーメン専用ペッパー)
Specially blended pepper for ramen, aromatic complexity
🍜 Flavor concentrate
- Ramen Dashi (ラーメンダシ)
Broth concentrate, to intensify umami and depth
💡 Condiment usage guide
🥟 For Gyoza
- • Mix shoyu + vinegar (2:1 ratio)
- • Dip each gyoza delicately
- • Vinegar acidity cuts through the wrapper richness
- • Perfect salty-acid balance
🍜 For Ramen
- • Goma: Crush fresh with spoon
- • Ramen dashi: Add at end of meal
- • Pepper: A pinch for aroma
- • Stir gently to preserve texture
The Art of Ippudo Tonkotsu
🔥 The 18-hour process
Ippudo's tonkotsu broth requires continuous cooking for 18 hours at high temperature
- 1. Selection of Kyushu pork bones, rich in collagen
- 2. Initial blanching to remove impurities
- 3. Non-stop high rolling boil for 18 hours
- 4. Perfect emulsion creating signature creamy texture
- 5. Meticulous filtering for velvety consistency
🌟 Unique characteristics
- • Characteristic milky white color
- • Richness without excessive heaviness
- • Perfect umami-fat balance
- • Clean and satisfying aftertaste
🎯 Ippudo innovations
- • Precise temperature control
- • Optimized collagen melting techniques
- • Blend of bones from different pork parts
- • Standardization for consistent quality
Ordering System and Visual Identity
🏮 Ippudo Logo and Identity
Logo meaning
The character 「一、Eichi) symbolizes uniqueness and excellence. It represents Ippudo's quest for perfection in the art of ramen.
Modern design
Clean typography combining Japanese tradition and contemporary aesthetics, reflecting Ippudo's philosophy of respectful modernization.
📱 Digital Ordering Tablet
Multilingual interface
Touch tablets available in Japanese, English and sometimes French in tourist restaurants. Intuitive interface with detailed photos.
Advanced customization
Complete customization system: noodle firmness, broth richness, individual toppings, side dishes. Integrated payment possible.
🎯 Step-by-step ordering experience
How to Order at Ippudo
📋 Ordering system
Ippudo uses a counter ordering system with advanced customization
- 1. Choose your base ramen (Shiromaru, Akamaru, etc.)
- 2. Select noodle firmness (katamen, futsu, yawaramen)
- 3. Adjust broth richness (assari to kotteri)
- 4. Add your favorite toppings
- 5. Order your side dishes
🍜 Noodle customization
- • Katamen - Firm (recommended for beginners)
- • Futsu - Normal (Japanese standard)
- • Yawaramen - Soft (for regulars)
- • Kaedama - Extra portion ¥200
🥢 Ippudo etiquette
- • Mix well before tasting
- • Slurp noodles with sound (normal)
- • Drink broth directly from bowl
- • Order quickly (respect for others)
The Ippudo Experience
🎌 Modern Japanese ambiance
- Contemporary design - Blend of tradition and modernity
- Open counter - Live preparation show
- Curated music - Relaxed yet refined atmosphere
- "Omotenashi" service - Authentic Japanese hospitality
🌟 What makes Ippudo unique
- Consistent quality - High standards in all restaurants
- Continuous innovation - New seasonal ramens
- Rigorous training - Chefs trained to Ippudo standards
- Corporate philosophy - "Creating smiles through ramen"
Essential Information
💡 Tips for International Visitors
📊 Vs other ramen-ya
🏮 Cultural Note
Ippudo represents the modern evolution of traditional ramen. By elevating this popular dish to the level of refined culinary experience, the chain contributed to making ramen a global gastronomic phenomenon, while respecting its deep Japanese roots.