A Dining Experience without any Human Interaction {Ichiran Ramen}

The dining experience at Ichiran Ramen in Japan was one of a kind. I couldn't wait to share what it was about after I came back from our honeymoon trip in Japan! It was an eye-opener for both Will and I because we didn’t know that the restaurant was completely different than what we were both used to. From the moment we entered the restaurant to the end of the meal, we didn't interact with anybody else except with each other!

Ordering food from a vending machine

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We were greeted by a vending machine when we arrived to the restaurant. The machine didn’t speak Japanese but with clever visual cues (the Japanese are really good at communicating with visuals) we knew we needed to order our food here. It was pretty straightforward and self-explanatory. After we placed our orders, the machine dispensed some tickets for us. As we were wondering what to do with the tickets, we saw a digital seating chart that indicated which seats were available in the restaurant. We followed the floor plan of the chart into the restaurant and found out that their seats were actually stalls inside a narrow alleyway!

Eating at your own private stall

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Each stall was designed for one individual and came equipped with their own water tap, utensils and clothing rack. In front of the stall was the kitchen, where we could see all the actions from the kitchen (but really, you only see the lower half of staffs' bodies). Good thing though, a bamboo screen could be pulled down to hide away the craziness inside the kitchen. Another divider could also be pulled open and close in between seats so you could either enjoy your own privacy or dine with friends alongside of you.

Fill out form to indicate ramen and broth preference

We filled out a questionnaire-like form to indicate our ramen preferences - you could personalize spiciness and richness of your broth as well as the noodle firmness. We loved this personalization! We kept everything original since it was our first time here. We placed our forms on the button in front of us and waited for the next thing to happen...

Bamboo screen and divider for privacy

You even crack your own soft boiled egg too!

Matcha Almond Tofu Pudding for dessert 390 Yen

Then, one of the staff rolled up our bamboo screens and reached over to pick up our forms from the kitchen. It didn’t take long for our ramen to arrive at our stall either. As soon as our dishes came, the staff member rolled back down the bamboo screen and uttered some Japanese words (I assumed he told us to enjoy our meal?).

The whole experience felt very private and personal as if nobody knew we came to eat. There was no human interaction at all and we actually thought it was so brilliant and efficient. I could totally see myself eating at a place like this back home on my own, especially on days where I didn’t want to be disturbed or was too lazy to put my face on. I could just come have a quick bite and continue on with my life.

Even though, this experience might not be cool for everybody but visiting simply for their ramen was still worth it. The pork based broth was creamy and just so rich in flavour. You might also want to add some of their original red sauce to the broth, it really enhances the flavour to ultimate heaven! No wonder why they are so popular and have branches everywhere in Japan!

Would you give this experience a try?

Stay tuned for my travelogue to Japan for more cool and fun stuffs!

{Big fan of ramen? You'll enjoy my ramen series}

My Bowl of Ramen {Sansotei}

What the Hype? {Kinton Ramen}

Momofuku Ramen {All You Can Eat in New York City}

Or check out my other posts from my Honeymoon trip in Japan!

The Must Eat, Drink and Play in Tokyo

{Ichiran Ramen} A Dining Experience without any Human Interaction

Fresh Off The Boat Seafood at Tsukiji Market {Tokyo, Japan}
What it is Like to Become Friends With Owls