Ichiran Ramen Hakata Hosomen (Straight) Review – First Impressions

If you’ve ever craved that unmistakable bowl of Ichiran tonkotsu ramen long after leaving Japan, you’ll understand why I was so eager to try the Ichiran Ramen Hakata Hosomen (Straight) at home. 

Why I Wanted to Try Ichiran Hakata Hosomen at Home

This instant-style set has been praised by fans everywhere and even ranked #1 in the “Souvenir Ichiran” ranking (2025), so naturally, my expectations were high before I even opened the box. 
As someone who has spent many evenings tucked inside Ichiran’s quiet flavor-focus booths, I went into this Ichiran Ramen Hakata Hosomen (Straight) review hoping for at least a glimpse of that authentic Japanese taste that makes their ramen unforgettable.

 

About the Ichiran Brand and Its Hakata Tonkotsu Legacy

The History of Ichiran Ramen in Fukuoka

Ichiran has a special place in ramen culture. The brand started back in 1960 in Fukuoka, the home of Hakata-style tonkotsu, before officially forming as a company in 1993. What I’ve always admired about Ichiran is how devoted they are to perfecting one thing: tonkotsu ramen.

The Famous Ichiran Ramen Focus Booth Experience

Their broth is rich, creamy, and aromatic, and their unique “Ramen Focus Booths” let you savor every bite without distraction.

I’ve always loved being able to customize my bowl, adjusting the noodle firmness, broth richness, and spice level until it felt like it was made just for me.

Today, Ichiran has spread across Japan and beyond, allowing more people to experience this flavor-centered philosophy. Their take-home ramen line aims to recreate that same experience in your own kitchen, which is what brought me here.

 

 

Quick Verdict: Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Best for:

Ramen lovers, fans of Ichiran restaurants, and anyone wanting authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen at home.

Not ideal for:

Budget instant ramen buyers or people who prefer vegetarian ramen options.

What we love:

• Authentic Ichiran tonkotsu flavor at home
• Thin Hakata-style noodles with great texture
• Famous red secret spice included
• Easy 2-minute cooking time
• Convenient 5-serving pack for storage

What to consider:

• More expensive than regular instant ramen
• Broth slightly lighter than restaurant version

Bottom line:

If you miss Ichiran ramen or want a premium Japanese tonkotsu experience at home, Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) is one of the closest instant ramen options available.

 

 

What Makes Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) Special?

Authentic Hakata-Style Tonkotsu at Home

For me, the Ichiran Ramen Hakata Hosomen (Straight) feels like the closest you can get to an Ichiran booth without actually being in Japan.

If you’re someone who misses the experience of slurping authentic Hakata ramen late at night, this set comes incredibly close.

Ingredients and What’s Included in the Set

It’s an instant version, yes. but it carries that unmistakable Ichiran character: creamy broth, firm noodles, and the kind of aroma that fills your kitchen and immediately makes you hungry.

What stood out to me right away is how well this recreates the Ichiran flavor profile at home. The noodles soften quickly but still keep that signature springiness Hakata ramen is known for. I’ve tried a lot of Japanese instant noodles, and this texture genuinely feels more premium.

Full Ingredients: Noodles (wheat flour, vegetable protein, salt) flavor oils, pork extract, soy sauce, protein water monster, sugar, pork paste, seasoning paste, red pepper, pepper, seasoning (such as amino acids)

Noodle Texture and Broth Quality

Texture: Thin but impressively firm, even after cooking.

Fragrance: Creamy, pork-rich aroma.

Broth: Meaty and full-bodied.

Packaging and Overall Presentation

Packaging: The packaging is simple, organized, and distinctly Ichiran.

 

My First Impressions After Unboxing and Cooking

 

Aroma and Visual Quality

My first impression while unboxing was that this felt more like a curated experience than just another instant ramen product. The noodles looked unexpectedly high-quality, and the broth packets felt substantial. The moment I saw the red secret spice, I had the same little spark of excitement I always get at the restaurant.

As I cooked it, that familiar tonkotsu aroma wrapped around me instantly. It’s a scent I associate with comfort, travel memories, and late-night dinners in Japan, and for a second, it genuinely felt like I had stepped back into an Ichiran booth. It was such a reassuring sign that the taste was going to live up to the fragrance.

 

 

How Do You Cook Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) at Home?

 

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To recreate the restaurant feel as closely as possible, I followed a simple method that always works for me. I boiled 450 ml of water, added the noodles, and cooked them for exactly two minutes because I prefer them firm just like Ichiran recommends. Once the noodles were at the perfect texture, I stirred in the soup base until it dissolved completely. After pouring everything into a bowl, I added the seasoning oil and finally sprinkled on the red secret spice. I like mine moderately spicy, so I added just under half the packet.

 

 

How Does Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) Taste?

Tonkotsu Broth Flavor Profile

The ramen was delivered beautifully. The flavor was incredibly close to what I’d expect in-store, with a rich and creamy tonkotsu base that coated the noodles without feeling greasy.

The hosomen had just the right bite, making each slurp satisfyingly smooth. The broth carried a deep umami with hints of sweetness, and once the red seasoning blended in, the bowl came alive with a subtle, addictive heat. For something you can cook in minutes, the authenticity is genuinely impressive.

Is It as Good as the Restaurant Version?

The broth, while delicious, is slightly less rich than what you’d get in the restaurant, but honestly, that’s understandable for a home version.

Overall, among Japanese instant noodles, the Ichiran Ramen texture and broth easily place this at the top of the premium category.

 

 

Ichiran Hosomen vs Ichiran Chijire Men (Curly Noodles) – Which Is Better?

When comparing the Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) with Ichiran’s Chijire Men (Curly Noodles), the difference comes down mainly to noodle style and overall eating experience.

The Hosomen version uses thin, straight Hakata-style noodles, which are designed to absorb the tonkotsu broth quickly and deliver that classic Ichiran restaurant texture. Each bite feels smooth, firm, and easy to slurp, which is exactly what Hakata ramen is known for.

The Chijire Men version, on the other hand, uses slightly thicker curly noodles. These noodles hold onto more broth, creating a richer and heavier mouthfeel with each bite. Because of their shape, the soup clings more to the noodles, making the bowl feel heartier and more filling overall.

Which Ichiran Ramen Should You Choose?

Both versions share the same iconic Ichiran tonkotsu broth and red secret spice, so the biggest difference comes down to texture and preference.

Choose Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) if you:

• Love authentic Hakata-style ramen
• Prefer thin, firm noodles
• Want the closest match to the Ichiran restaurant experience

Choose Ichiran Chijire Men (Curly Noodles) if you:

• Prefer thicker, chewier noodles
• Want a richer, heavier ramen bowl
• Enjoy noodles that hold more broth

In short, the curly noodle version feels more indulgent and hearty, while the Hosomen (Straight) version delivers the most authentic Hakata-style ramen experience at home.

Is Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) Worth Buying?

 

After tasting and testing everything, I can confidently say that the Ichiran Ramen Hakata Hosomen (Straight) offers one of the most authentic at-home ramen experiences available today. The noodles have a beautiful bite, the broth is rich and comforting, and the entire experience captures the essence of Ichiran far better than I expected.

Who Should Buy This Ichiran Ramen Set?

For ramen enthusiasts or anyone craving a premium bowl of Hakata-style tonkotsu at home, this is absolutely worth trying.

Is It Worth the Premium Price?

While it may cost a bit more than regular instant ramen, the quality speaks for itself. If you’ve ever loved Ichiran’s bowls in Japan, this kit brings that memory right back to your kitchen and in my opinion, that alone makes it worth every yen.

 

 

FAQ for Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight)

1. Is Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) the same as Ichiran restaurant ramen?

It’s designed to closely recreate Ichiran’s famous Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen at home. While the broth may be slightly lighter than the restaurant version, the noodles, seasoning oil, and signature red spice deliver a very similar flavor experience.

2. How long do you cook Ichiran Hakata Hosomen noodles?

The noodles typically cook in about 2 minutes for a firm Hakata-style texture. Cooking time can be adjusted slightly depending on how soft or firm you prefer your ramen.

3. Is Ichiran instant ramen spicy?

The ramen itself is not very spicy. The heat comes from Ichiran’s famous red secret spice packet, which you can add to taste, making it easy to control the spice level.

4. How many servings are in Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight)?

Most Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) boxes contain 5 individual servings, making it convenient to store and enjoy whenever a ramen craving hits.

5. Does Ichiran Hakata Hosomen contain pork?

Yes. The soup base is a tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, which gives the ramen its rich and creamy flavor. It is not suitable for vegetarians.

6. Is Ichiran Hakata Hosomen (Straight) worth the price?

Compared to regular instant ramen, it is more premium, but many ramen fans consider it worth the price because of the authentic flavor, high-quality noodles, and overall restaurant-style experience at home.

 

 

Written by Amelia P.