The 10 Best Japanese Instant Ramen

The world’s best ramen, according to critics, comes from the rising sun. So it’s only natural for the best instant ramen to come from Japan too! The best thing about them is that they mimic the different flavors and textures that we know and love. From shoyu (soy sauce) ramen to miso and tonkotsu-style ones, there are a lot of varieties to choose from.

In today’s post, we’ll bring you a list of some of the best Japanese instant ramen according to surveys, reviews, chefs, and ramen lovers.

• 1. Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen
• 2. Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen
• 3. Nissin Chicken Ramen
• 4. Maruchan Seimen Shoyu Ramen
• 5. Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen
• 6. Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen
• 7. Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Ramen
• 8. Sapporo Ichiban Original Ramen
• 9. Nissin Demae Iccho Sesame Oil Flavor
• 10. Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen

Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen

People looking for classic flavors will find the Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen an excellent choice. It’s highly recommended if you want to try instant ramen with a simple flavor.

Shio, which means salt, gives flavor to the broth. And while the flavor is lighter than what you would expect from other ramen flavors, Sapporo Ichiban promises a rich taste with the essence of spices and veggies. Its sesame pack provides nuttiness to the instant ramen.

Noodle maker, Sanyo Foods, prides itself on creating noodle and soup combos that are versatile enough to mix well with other ingredients. So go ahead and add your favorite vegetable side dishes or meat.

Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen

The combination of the creaminess of miso and the flavorful umami taste is such a treat to your taste buds. So help yourself to a bowl of Sapporo Ichiban Miso. For a better experience, you can add more toppings such as veggies.

Sanyo Foods added six types of miso paste to their mix to create an authentic traditional Japanese flavor. A bag of Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen also comes with a packet of seven-spice chili to enhance the taste.

Enthusiasts claim that it has a light miso taste. But if you add miso paste to this instant ramen, it will do the trick. It’ll be like having ramen bought from the shops in Japan.

Nissin Chicken Ramen

Nissin Chicken Ramen is the very first instant ramen ever invented. It made Japan an instant ramen powerhouse. Today, it continues to be a best-selling Nissin product.

The authentic Japanese instant ramen combines instant noodles with chicken and egg-based broth. Most people will tell you that Nissin Chicken Ramen is best consumed with egg for a richer flavor. The brand even made sure that it’s convenient for you to put one by adding an egg pocket to the instant noodle.

Maruchan Seimen Shoyu Ramen

Maruchan promises an authentic taste of Japan in its Seimen Shoyu Ramen. Its soy sauce-flavored soup has a hint of chicken and pork flavors. Add some vegetables and protein to make your bowl of instant ramen more satisfying.

Maruchan uses its proprietary noodle-making process to achieve an excellent texture that's close to freshly prepared noodles. The manufacturer also made the length perfect for the type of broth.

Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen

Umaka-chan delights you with the best flavor that the Kyushu region has to offer: tonkotsu ramen. Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen features a rich pork bone-based soup infused with a blend of spices and vegetables.

The term 'umaka,' which means delicious in the Hakata dialect, aptly captures the delightful flavor of this tonkotsu instant ramen.

Learn more about Ramen in our ultimate Japanese Ramen guide!

Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen

Just from the packaging alone, you can already tell that the Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen delivers a premium taste of Japan’s shoyu ramen. Nissin uses a cutting-edge, triple-layer method to create its instant noodles. Since it doesn’t involve frying, you are treated to a chewy texture with notes of wheat.

The broth is a mix of soy sauce with simmered chicken and vegetables. The taste is inspired by the flavors of authentic ramen across the country.

Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Ramen

Just like its shoyu counterpart, the manufacturer’s proprietary noodle-making process is also applied to the Nissin Raoh Tonkotsu Ramen. 

The richness and creaminess with an abundance of umami flavor will keep you wanting more. Inspired by the classic tonkotsu ramen, Nissin has crafted a milky white broth that nearly rivals the authentic bowls served in the shops and restaurants of the country.

Sapporo Ichiban Original Ramen

The Sapporo Ichiban Original features a chicken-based broth infused with a medley of ingredients, including ginger, garlic, and sweet vegetables. The bouncy noodles and the light brown soup, bursting with flavor and aromas, combine to create a truly satisfying and quick meal. 

The package doesn’t come with toppings so feel free to add your preferred ingredients. Some pieces of chicken and vegetables will make your Sapporo Ichiban Original instant ramen a fuller meal. 

Nissin Demae Iccho Sesame Oil Flavor

Many people remember this Nissin Demae Iccho Sesame Oil from their childhood because this product line from the Japanese noodle manufacturer was exported to different countries in the West and Asia.

Demae Iccho’s standout element is its mascot, Demae Boya, an eight-year-old boy who helps his parents with their ramen shop by delivering the noodles to customers. Demae Boya adds a touch of charm and authenticity to the brand, capturing the hearts of both young and old alike.

This instant noodle comes with chewy noodles and soy sauce-based broth. It oozes with flavor and aroma because of the sesame oil pack.

For a complete meal, add an egg, a piece of meat, and some nori.

Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen

The Myojo Charumera Shoyu Ramen isn't your typical instant Japanese noodle. It adds the flavor of scallops, meat, and fragrant vegetables. Its added secret spice consolidates the flavor of the soup.

Even with a lightly flavored broth, the instant ramen is bursting with umami flavors. It comes with chewy, medium-thin noodles. 

Conclusion

What we’ve listed above are some of the most popular instant noodles in Japan. If you’re new to ramen, we recommend trying the shio ramen as its light yet distinct taste can serve as an excellent introduction to the different flavors of Japanese instant ramen.

However, don't hesitate to explore the other options mentioned earlier to truly experience the rich and diverse world of instant ramen in Japan. The best thing about these products is that one bag comes with at least five packets, so you can share them with your family or enjoy them another time.

When you're in Japan, you'll find more flavors that go beyond the traditional ones. Some of these include natto, curry, and wasabi, among others.

But no matter which flavor you try, you're guaranteed a comforting and satisfying bowl or cup of instant noodles that are unrivaled in their flavor and richness. Get yourself started with a ZenPop Ramen Box, delivered straight to your door!