Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen in London: A refreshing summer treat with chicken broth and cold noodles
Located in London's bustling Soho district, Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen is a ramen restaurant opened in June 2024 by Snowfox Group, a subsidiary of Japan's Zensho Holdings. This is the brand's first UK location, specializing in Hokkaido-style clear broth ramen, with a Halal-certified chicken broth base that appeals to a diverse audience. The restaurant, with approximately 30 seats, features wooden décor, soft lighting, and photographs of Hokkaido's seascapes on the wall, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of Sapporo's ramen streets. It's a great choice for those seeking a healthy diet or those with religious dietary requirements.
I ordered the signature "Ichikokudo Original Ramen" (£12.50), featuring noodles made from Hokkaido wheat with a chewy, springy texture. The broth, made from a chicken bone broth slow-cooked for eight hours daily, blends bonito, mackerel, and 100% Hokkaido kelp, resulting in a layered, umami flavor. The soup is clear and golden in color. The first sip is the sweetness of the chicken, followed by the slightly salty taste of the seafood, and finally the delicate sweetness of the kelp. The ingredients include soft and juicy barbecued pork chicken slices, a runny half-boiled egg, chopped green onions, corn and bamboo shoots. It is simple but harmonious, like a bowl of warm soup in winter. Compared with the strong flavors of other ramen restaurants in London such as Wagamama, the refreshing style here is more like the chicken soup version of Sapporo miso ramen, which is low in calories and rich in protein. [1] [8] I also tried the "Hokkai Cold Ramen" (£13.50), which is a summer limited edition and perfect for London's occasional warm weather. The cold noodles are still chewy, paired with a cool chicken soup base, with a little yuzu juice and vinegar, which is sour and appetizing with a subtle fruity aroma. The addition of fresh cucumber shreds and seaweed adds a crisp texture, while the chicken slices are still tender and the overall texture is light and not greasy. For a side dish, I ordered the karaage chicken nuggets (£5.50), which were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and dipped in their special sauce, it was the perfect snack. Friendly service, quick QR code ordering, and delivery in about 15 minutes. The price, around £20 per person, is excellent value.
Overall, Ichikokudo brings the essence of Hokkaido ramen to London, with the Halal chicken broth and refreshing cold noodles being its highlights. Whether it's the hearty hot broth or the refreshing cold noodles, it evokes a sense of Hokkaido's culinary culture. Recommendation: 4.5/5. I'd love to try the vegetable version next time to explore more flavors.