Have you ever wondered how the non-halal non-vegetarian Ramen taste like? We’ve tasted some Halal or vegetarian Ramen before. Our most favorite Ramen is the one from Matsuri restaurant in Osaka. Since then, there’s barely any Halal Ramen that can meet our standard. We always goes “yeah…. it’s good, but not as good as the one in Matsuri”. Lol.

Early this year, the famous Tonkotsu Ramen shop, Ichiran, open their No Pork Ichiran Ramen shop in Tokyo. I’ve read the review that said the taste is similar to original one. It spark my curiosity wether it can beat the Matsuri Ramen. However please understand that there is no Halal certification for this No Pork Ichiran Ramen.

The shop strategically located in Shinjuku. To ensure there’s no cross contamination with any Pork product, the store only serve the No Pork version. It’s a self-service restaurant where you choose your order from a vending machine, pick a seat, and then give the ticket of your order (including your preference form). The price for the basic one is 1180 yen. You can order side dish such as egg, beef, or even extra noodle. Just buy separate ticket for each additional order.

Vending machine for ticket order

The tables are set for individual customer with no almost no contact with staff. You even can’t see the staff face as they work behind the curtain! They still talk though when introduce themself and confirming your order (you don’t have too reply it). So perfect for introvert guest 🙂

Inside the private booth, you just wait (or press the bell) for the staff to take your ticket order. There’s also preference form on the right.

It’s dinner time but the restaurant weren’t full

How about the taste? Well, to be honest I forgot how the Matsuri Ramen taste like, but finally I found Ramen that taste so good! Matsuri still won over Halal point though.

Feeling satisfied with the taste, I decided to buy the No Pork Ichiran Ramen instant pack to bring back home. When I cooked it at home, it taste similar to the one I have at the restaurant. Just pay attention to the volume of water need to be added.

I would recommend to get this

They have another No Pork outlet in Osaka. I will definitely test which one is tastier, Matsuri or Ichiran Ramen.

What: No Pork ichiran Ramen, Shinjuku (open 24h)
Where: Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7 Chome−10−18 小滝橋パシフィカビル[map]
How to go: About 3 minutes walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station (exit 2) or 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station (exit D3)
How much: Basic Ramen from 1180 yen (include tax);