Has Ippudo’s popularity cooled down six months after its Taiwan launch? Still an hour-plus wait on weeknights.

▲ Even in the evening, long queues form for Ippudo. (Photo / Huang Shiyuan)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

It’s been half a year since Ippudo launched in Taiwan. Initially, its opening attracted massive crowds and generated significant discussion. But has the craze subsided after six months? Actually, apart from the 6 AM to 10 AM period when no queue is required, you still need to wait 30 minutes to an hour and a half during regular weekday dining hours, and up to two hours during peak holiday meal times.

Although Ippudo isn’t the best ramen out there, compared to other restaurants that see no queues just three months after opening, an Ippudo PR representative revealed that weekday lunchtime usually requires about a 30-minute wait. The main clientele are nearby office workers and residents. Even though the afternoon isn’t a typical dining period, some foreign tourists or visitors from southern Taiwan come by, with an average wait time of around 30 minutes as well.


▲ On a weekday morning at 9 AM on December 22, there was no line outside Ippudo, but customers were still dining inside. If you want to avoid the queue, the 6 AM to 10 AM window is the best time. (Photo / Huang Shiyuan)

Weekday evenings, however, are the busiest periods, with waits of about one to one and a half hours. The crowd thins out as the night gets later, but there’s a small spike around 3 AM, mainly from people leaving nearby nightclubs for a late-night bite—still requiring a short 10-plus-minute wait.

An Ippudo PR representative shared that the quietest period is between 6 AM and 10 AM. After all, not everyone eats ramen for breakfast. But the time slot isn’t completely empty—some nearby residents, tourists, and visitors from central and southern Taiwan coming to Taipei still come by, mostly to avoid the crowds and enjoy Ippudo without spending time in line.


▲ Ippudo. (Photo / Reporter Ji Xiangru)

As for holidays, the Ippudo PR rep noted that queues form from noon through the evening, with an average wait time of two hours. Sometimes, if the weather is poor (like rain or excessive heat), numbered tickets may be issued. So if you arrive and see few people but still face a long wait, it’s likely because those with tickets are taking a break elsewhere.

Did you know Ippudo restrooms have plenty of toilet paper holders? Ippudo explained that President Yoshitomi Manabu hopes customers not only enjoy delicious ramen but also experience Ippudo’s unique hospitality in the restroom—something to bring a smile even during a bathroom break. They aim to ensure guests feel completely at ease, even when using the facilities.

▲ Around 90% of Ippudo branches stock ample toilet paper, including the Taipei flagship store. (Photo / Provided by Ippudo)

Taipei Flagship Store
Address: No. 97, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
Business Hours: 24 hours / Open year-round