Ippudo

All Nippon Airways Serving the Tastiest Ramen in the Sky

"Opened in Hakata in 1985 and renowned for Hakata-style tonkotsu with thin, chewy wheat noodles, this ramen shop developed a plant-based “pla-ton” that convincingly recreates the creamy, porky depth of traditional tonkotsu—even at 36,000 feet. In collaboration with an airline, the vegan bowl pairs springy, perfectly al dente thin noodles with a silky, full-bodied broth, finished with crackly nori, verdant scallions, and a branded red pepper paste. The recipe and production were engineered to withstand cooling, reheating, and dry cabin air—maintaining moisture, umami, and texture—so the dish remains rich and savory in-flight; while the exact broth formula is kept secret, past plant-based iterations have used ingredients like soy milk, mushrooms, kombu dashi, and infused oils. Created to broaden inclusive meal options, the vegan ramen delivers surprising “porkiness” and comfort, earning praise as one of the coziest and best bowls of noodles the reviewer has had, whether aloft or on the ground." - Gabriela Gutierrez