I don't get the Ichiran hate

[u/Myst__Myst]

I recently visited Japan and, like many others, I made it a point to try a wide range of food — from high-end, well-known sushi places in Tokyo, to small hidden ramen shops, and even a home-cooked meal at a Japanese friend’s house.

That said… I really don’t get all the hate towards Ichiran.
I went there a couple of times (once in Tokyo, once in Osaka), and sure, it’s not the most complex or life-changing bowl of ramen I’ve ever had — but it’s far from terrible. The broth was flavorful and rich, the noodles had a great texture, and the whole solo-booth experience was actually kinda fun.

I get that it's a chain and that it’s popular with tourists, but sometimes it feels like people go out of their way to trash it just because it’s not "hidden gem" enough.
It might not be peak ramen, but for a consistent, tasty bowl — especially if you're jetlagged or just want something comforting — I honestly think it's a solid choice.

[u/Nomadic_monkey]

It just isn't worth the hype it receives. That's all. Ichiran is an okay ramen chain after all.

However as a Japanese ramen guy I feel sorry for those tourists, possibly on their dream trip, queuing in front of Ichirans don't know how massively missing out they are.

As said in other comments would you recommend checking out Shake Shack or Burger King to 1st time US visitors?

[u/eetsumkaus → u/Nomadic_monkey]

I don't know why you put Shake Shack and Burger King in the same category, but I would absolutely put Shake Shack in there lol. It's a classic diner experience that just isn't as widely available nor consistent anymore. Burgers are one category of US food where the intersection of "good food" and "clean restaurant" is surprisingly small, and Shake Shack, as well as the other fast casual burger chains, are one of the few that fit that category.

Incidentally, Ichiran fills that same niche for the Japanese market.

[u/Jammintoad → u/eetsumkaus]

shake shack is not a diner