Ippudō Porta Yokohama

This place is located in the mall. It’s quick efficient and the food is delicious. I tried this place after a coworker recommended try it, even though it’s a common chain ramen shop. For roughly ¥2,000, I got a spicy bowl of ramen with 4 toppings, a bowl of rice with sweet pork and a 22oz Asahi premium beer. I would definitely eat here again. The staff was friendly and accommodating providing a English menu as well.

This is probably my favorite Ippudo for two reasons: proximity and speed. This is the only ippudo I know of in the Yokohama area that has a ticket machine, which in this instance, I actually prefer, as it has pictures accompanying each option, which makes it easier for me, as my Japanese isn’t the best.
Once you get in line, you’ll be asked how many are in your party, and how you like your noodles, and eventually you’ll be assigned a seat. Your meal comes with complimentary iced tea (small, but nice perk as most places have just water) and spicy bean spouts. I always chow down on a good heaping on the bean sprouts while waiting for my food.
I’m not sure what makes ippudo so good. It could be the noodles, which are super thin, or the broth, which is some of the best around, or the egg, which is always perfectly cooked, which the yolk still runny. Whatever it is, I know it never disappoints and always hits the spot.