15 Best Japanese Instant Ramen 2023 | Best Japanese Instant Noodles

Are you looking for the best Japanese instant ramen? Well, check out this list of top instant noodles that are incredibly tasty and get ready in no time. Read further to know more about these Japanese cup noodles. 

Ramen is an extremely popular Japanese noodle soup dish that consists of Chinese style noodles and a broth of meat, fish or veggies. Japanese ramen is often flavoured with miso or soy and served with different toppings like scallions, pork or any other meat. 

Instant ramen are mostly pre-cooked with a sachet of flavouring as well as toppings. It’s one of the quickest snacks everyone can have at any time of the day. All you need to do is arrange everything in the pan with the required amount of water and cook it for a few minutes and voila!

Best Japanese Instant Ramen: Quick Summary

Best Japanese Instant Ramen	Flavour
Nissin Donbei kitsune	Soy flavour, topped with tofu (vegetarian)
Narikyu Dan Dan	Spicy, and creamy
Maruchan Midori No Tanuki Ten Soba	Buckwheat noodles, shrimp tempura
Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood	Creamy seafood with egg toppings
Nissin Raoh Ramen	Pork, umami
Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto ramen	Spicy miso with meat and veggies
Sapporo Ichiban Shio ramen	Miso, sesame
Nissin UFO Yakisoba	Saucy and creamy
Maruchan – Seimen Japanese Instant Ramen	Miso, meat and veggies

In recent times, instant Japanese ramen noodles have become everyone’s staple as it’s easy to cook and satiate all your cravings. Some of these Japanese instant ramen come in a cup which makes them easier to carry and enjoy anywhere we want to. 

Ramen is undoubtedly my favorite snack. I can have ramen any time of the day, all day. I was first introduced to ramen by my Japanese best friend about 5-6 years back and have had it every week after that day. 

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• Related: Best Japanese Snacks

If you love Japanese instant ramen too and want to try some of the best Japanese instant ramen then here I have some of the top recommendations for you that you can explore to satisfy your taste buds. 

Best Japanese Instant Ramen

Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen

I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen, and I must say, it was quite the culinary journey. 

As a ramen enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and authentic flavors, and this product intrigued me with its promise of capturing the essence of Kyushu’s unique taste. 

One of the standout features of the Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen is its dedication to showcasing the diverse flavors of Kyushu. 

The packaging proudly boasts four distinct regional flavors in one package: Tonkotsu, Miso, Shoyu, and Spicy. Each flavor was surprisingly distinct and managed to evoke the essence of Kyushu’s culinary heritage. 

From the rich and creamy Tonkotsu to the bold and tangy Shoyu, each variety delivered a unique taste experience.

While the flavor profiles were undoubtedly impressive, the noodle quality was decent but not exceptional. 

The noodles had a nice chewiness to them, which is characteristic of good ramen, but they lacked the exceptional texture that fresh, restaurant-style ramen noodles offer. Considering it’s an instant ramen product, this was still quite satisfactory.

The heart of any great ramen lies in its broth, and the Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen did not disappoint. The broth packets were well-crafted and packed with authentic flavors. 

The tonkotsu broth was deeply rich and savory, while the miso and shoyu broths carried the perfect balance of umami and seasoning. The spicy variant, true to its name, brought a satisfying kick without overwhelming the palate.

As far as instant ramen goes, the preparation of Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji was straightforward. 

Boiling the noodles and mixing in the broth packets was a breeze. However, I would have appreciated more detailed cooking instructions, particularly for those who might be less familiar with cooking instant ramen.

Overall Impression:

The Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen is a commendable product that manages to capture the essence of Kyushu’s diverse culinary landscape. Its flavor variety and authentic broths make it a standout among other instant ramen options. 

While the noodle quality could have been slightly better, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

If you’re looking to embark on a flavorful journey through Kyushu’s traditional ramen flavors without leaving the comfort of your home, Umaka-chan Kyushu no Aji Instant Ramen is definitely worth a try. 

Whether you’re a seasoned ramen enthusiast or someone new to the world of Japanese noodles, this product offers a delightful taste of regional authenticity.

What I liked: 

• Authentic Flavor Variety: Four distinct regional flavors capture Kyushu’s culinary diversity.
• Broth Quality: Well-crafted, authentic broths with satisfying flavors.
• Convenience: Diverse flavors in one package, convenient for exploring regional tastes.
• Balanced Spiciness: Spicy variant adds a kick without overwhelming.
• Ease of Preparation: Quick and straightforward cooking process.
• Culinary Exploration: Introduces consumers to unique Kyushu ramen flavors.

What I didn’t like:

• Noodle Quality: Decent texture but lacks restaurant-quality freshness.
• Limited Instructions: Cooking instructions could be more detailed.
• Sodium Content: Higher sodium levels may be a concern for some.
• Artificial Ingredients: Contains artificial flavor enhancers and additives.
• Authenticity Comparison: Flavors are authentic for instant ramen but not equivalent to specialized restaurants.
• Portion Size: Might be insufficient for larger appetites, requiring multiple packages.

Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen

Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen is a popular brand of instant ramen that is known for its rich and flavorful broth. The broth is made with a blend of six different types of miso paste, which gives it a deep, umami flavor. 

The noodles are springy and chewy, and the package also includes a packet of dried vegetables and a spice packet.

To prepare the ramen, simply add the noodles and vegetables to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the spice packet and stir until the noodles are cooked through. 

The ramen is ready to eat and can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as shredded chicken, pork, or tofu.

Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at home. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are cooked perfectly. The dried vegetables add a bit of crunch, and the spice packet gives the ramen a bit of a kick.

Overall, Sapporo Ichiban Miso Ramen is a great option for people who are looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy a bowl of ramen. It is flavorful, affordable, and easy to prepare.

What I liked: 

• Rich and flavorful broth
• Springy and chewy noodles
• Convenient and affordable
• Easy to prepare

What I didn’t like:

• High in sodium
• Contains artificial flavors
• May not be as authentic as restaurant-made ramen

Nissin Chicken Ramen

Nissin Chicken Ramen is a classic brand of instant ramen that has been around for decades. It is known for its simple, yet flavorful broth and chewy noodles. 

The broth is made with chicken stock and soy sauce, and it has a mild, savory flavor. The noodles are made from wheat flour and they have a good bite to them.

The package also includes a packet of dried vegetables and a spice packet. The vegetables are carrots, onions, and green onions. The spice packet contains a blend of spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger powder.

To prepare the ramen, simply add the noodles and vegetables to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the spice packet and stir until the noodles are cooked through. 

The ramen is ready to eat and can be customized with your favorite toppings, such as shredded chicken, pork, or tofu.

Nissin Chicken Ramen is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at home. The broth is flavorful and the noodles are cooked perfectly. The dried vegetables add a bit of crunch, and the spice packet gives the ramen a bit of a kick.

Overall, Nissin Chicken Ramen is a great option for people who are looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy a bowl of ramen. It is flavorful, affordable, and easy to prepare.

What I liked:

• Flavorful broth
• Chewy noodles
• Convenient and affordable
• Easy to prepare

What I didn’t like:

• High in sodium
• Contains artificial flavors
• May not be as authentic as restaurant-made ramen

Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen

I recently had the pleasure of trying the Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. 

As a ramen enthusiast who appreciates authentic flavors, I was thrilled by the taste and overall experience that this product delivered.

First and foremost, the preparation was a breeze. The thoughtful packaging included individual portions of noodles and soup base, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors in every bowl. 

The noodles cooked up beautifully, achieving that perfect al dente texture that is often hard to replicate with instant ramen products.

What truly sets the Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen apart is its rich and flavorful broth. The soy sauce-infused broth was both robust and well-balanced, evoking the essence of traditional Japanese ramen shops. 

It showcased a harmonious blend of umami notes that danced on my taste buds with each spoonful. The depth of flavor in the broth was truly remarkable for an instant ramen product.

The inclusion of quality ingredients such as green onions, bamboo shoots, and tender slices of chashu pork further elevated the authenticity of the dish. 

These elements not only added visual appeal but also contributed to the overall gastronomic experience, making me feel like I was enjoying a meticulously crafted bowl of ramen from a renowned ramenya.

One aspect that impressed me was the attention to detail in recreating an authentic ramen experience. 

From the aroma that wafted from the bowl as I stirred the broth to the satisfying slurp of the noodles, Nissin Raoh captured the essence of a genuine ramen adventure right in my own kitchen.

It’s worth noting that while the Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen comes with a slightly higher price point compared to other instant ramen options, the quality and taste justify the cost. 

This is not your typical quick-fix meal; it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds that brings the essence of Japanese ramen culture into your home.

In conclusion, the Nissin Raoh Soy Sauce Ramen is a triumph in the world of instant ramen. Its impeccable blend of flavors, attention to detail, and commitment to authenticity make it stand head and shoulders above its counterparts. 

Whether you’re a ramen connoisseur or someone seeking a convenient yet satisfying meal, this product is a must-try. Prepare to be transported to the bustling streets of Tokyo with each savory, soul-warming spoonful.

What I liked about it:

• Authentic soy sauce-infused broth
• Quality ingredients enhance flavor
• Easy, convenient preparation
• Captures genuine ramen experience
• High-quality and balanced broth

What I didn’t like:

• Higher price point
• Limited flavor variety
• Considerable caloric content

Nissin Donbei kitsune

Best Japanese instant ramen vegetarian

Nissin Donbei Kitsune is one of the best vegetarian ramen that has a rich flavour of soy and instant udon noodles. This is one of my personal favourites because of the soy flavour and added tofu. I love eating it on a rainy day.

The topping of deep fried tofu perfectly matches the udon and soy sauce combination. It resembles Osaka’s specialty ramen and brings back so many memories. 

If you’re a vegetarian and want to try out instant ramen, this is perfect for you! All you need to do is just pour some hot water and let it sit for about 5-7 mins to let it cook. It’s one of the best Japanese instant ramen in vegetarian options that I’ve ever had!

What I liked:

• Vegetarian
• less time to cook
• Amazing flavour

What I disliked:

• nothing

Ratings:

• Texture: 8/10
• Taste: 9/10
• Affordability: 8/10

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Nakiryu Dan Dan

Best instant ramen Japan – Michelin star

Nakiryu Dan Dan is an award-winning ramen noodle that’s worth trying at least once. Nakiryu is one of the very few shops that has won a Michelin star award. The Nakiryu Dan Dan instant ramen is scrumptious with notes of spiciness and creaminess. 

I’ve had Dan Dan ramen only once but the taste of it still lingers on my tongue. I love the taste, it’s something you’ve never had before.

The noodles are thin and the broth is thick which makes for a perfect combo. This best Japanese instant ramen is a little expensive but it’s definitely worth the money. Add dry ingredients first and then the wet to cook the Nakiryu Dan Dan ramen.

What I liked:

• Flavour of spice and cream
• Thin noodles
• Thick broth

What I disliked:

• No value for money

Ratings:

• Texture: 9/10
• Taste: 10/10
• Affordability: 6/10

Maruchan Midori No Tanuki Ten Soba

Best Japanese instant ramen for shrimp flavour

Maruchan’s midori no tanuki ten soba is a must try as it belongs to the best Japanese instant ramen brands. It has buckwheat noodles that’s light brown in colour with a full shrimp based tempura. It’s the best snack to enjoy during the cold season. 

This ramen is decently priced and worth it. You can also add toppings such as boiled or fried eggs with pieces of meat to enhance the flavour. If you love seafood, this is going to be your favorite. It’s my go-to snack during winters.

The only thing I didn’t like about this instant ramen is that the noodles’s texture isn’t great and takes a lot of time to cook properly.

What I liked:

• Easy to make
• Seafood based
• authentic flavour

What I disliked:

• Noodles texture isn’t good

Ratings:

• Texture: 6/10
• Taste: 8/10
• Affordability: 9/10

Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood

Best Japanese instant ramen for seafood flavour

Nissin Cup Noodles come in various flavours like tomato chilli, curry, soy sauce, seafood etc. This seafood flavour is definitely the best out of all. The creamy seafood flavoured broth with egg, crab, squid, and shrimp toppings taste delicious. 

Another seafood-based ramen that I absolutely love is this cup noodles. I love the broth especially as it’s super delicious.

The best part about this ramen is that it’s fairly healthier than the rest as it has no added MSG and has reduced sodium as well. The noodles are thin and flat that go along well with the broth and seafood topping. It’s definitely one of the best Japanese instant ramen noodles. 

What I liked:

• Seafood based
• Delicious broth
• Thin and flat noodles texture
• Affordable
• Comparetively healthy

What I disliked:

• nothing

Ratings:

• Texture: 9/10
• Taste: 8.5/10
• Affordability: 9/10

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Nissin Raoh Ramen

Best Japanese instant ramen for pork flavour

Nissin Raoh ramen is one of the best flavours I’ve ever tasted. The ramen when completely cooked doesn’t look as appealing but it tastes amazingly delicious.  The rich, creamy, and white pork bone soup with noodles is heavenly. 

If you love pork, you’re going to love this ramen. I also add veggies to make this ramen more interesting and it goes so well with the pork broth.

It’s tonkotsu served with thin and firm noodles with a slightly umami flavour. It’s one of the most flavourful instant ramen where you can literally taste and differentiate between different flavours. These Japanese instant noodles are available online for purchase. 

What I liked:

• Pork bone soup
• Thin and firm noodles
• flavoursome

What I disliked:

• No value for money

Ratings:

• Texture: 9/10
• Taste: 9.5/10
• Affordability: 7/10

Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto

Best Japanese instant ramen for spicy miso flavour

Nissin Mouko Tanmen Nakamoto ramen is a collaboration between a restaurant and 7-Eleven convenience store. Tanmen Japanese instant noodles are extremely famous for their spice and flavourful balance of veggies and meat in miso paste. 

I have these noodles only once in a while as I find it way too spicy for my liking.

I love this Japanese ramen as it’s not bland. It’s super aromatic and doesn’t feel like it’s “instantly” made. It’s apparently one of the spiciest instant ramens so if you can’t handle spice, I’d advise you to avoid it. If you can handle spice, it’ll be the best Japanese ramen you’ve ever had. 

What I liked:

• Easily available
• Spicy flavour
• Contains vegetables

What I disliked:

• Extra spicy

Ratings:

• Texture: 8.5/10
• Taste: 7.5/10
• Affordability: 8/10

​​Sapporo Ichiban Shio Ramen

Best Japanese instant ramen for miso flavour

Sapporo Ichiban Shio ramen will not disappoint you because you’ll definitely feel like it has the taste of authentic Japanese ramen. The noodles are deep fried and the broth is made with miso that is perfect for an evening snack. 

The notes of sesame make it better as you sprinkle it on top. You can also taste salt, onion and garlic flavour in the broth that goes pretty well with the noodles. The hidden notes of chicken in the broth makes it even better. This is one of the best Japanese instant ramen in miso flavour.

It’s best to add a piece of meat because it adds more flavour to the ramen. I love this ramen as it’s easily available.

What I liked:

• Easily available
• Flavoursome
• Authentic ramen noodles

What I disliked:

• not very healthy

Ratings:

• Texture: 8.5/10
• Taste: 9/10
• Affordability: 9/10

Nissin UFO Yakisoba

Best Japanese instant ramen for soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce flavour

Nissin UFO Yakisoba is one of the best tasting Japanese instant ramen noodles that you’ll ever try if you love different types of flavour blast. The noodles are not ordinary and are pretty chewy which goes well with the Worcestershire and soy sauces.

If you love your ramen thick, this is the best choice for you. I don’t like this ramen as much as I like thin noodles in my ramen.

You can also taste cut crispy cabbages, pork, pickled ginger and seaweed. It’s extremely flavoursome and the entire pack is a treat. The perfect balance of sweet and savoury, and is definitely a must try. 

What I liked:

• Sweet and savoury taste
• Added veggies
• flavour blast

What I disliked:

• A little too chewy

Ratings:

• Texture: 7/10
• Taste: 9/10
• Affordability: 8/10

Maruchan – Seimen Japanese Instant Ramen

Best Japanese instant ramen for miso, meat and vegetable flavour

Maruchan Seimen instant ramen has a perfect flavour of miso in their broth and the veggies and meat add power to this instant ramen. The noodles are slightly thick and chewy with a broth of red miso, and ginger. 

I love the taste of this ramen and it also is extremely aromatic. It’s a perfect snack for winters as the piping hot bowl of ramen noodle soup is extremely soothing. It’s one of the best Japanese instant ramen in miso flavour. 

What I liked:

• Aromatic
• Contains veggies
• Amazing Miso flavour

What I disliked:

• Thick and chewy noodles

Ratings:

• Texture: 7.5/10
• Taste: 8/10
• Affordability: 9/10

Nissin – Raoh Kojuku Koku Miso

This Japanese instant ramen noodles is definitely my favorite for its blast of flavors in the tongue. I love how the ramen noodles are not so thick and chewy that come well with a thick and spicy miso soup. 

You’ll find four sachets in the instant ramen box that contains two dry toppings, and two soup stocks. It’s advisable to add the flavor sachets after 5 minutes of adding hot boiling water so that it’s cooked well. The aroma of this Nissin noodles is so delectable. You can add a piece of meat if you feel like it.

What I liked:

• Spicy miso flavour
• A lot of veggies and other toppings
• Easy to cook

What I disliked:

• No value for money

Ratings:

• Texture: 8.5/10
• Taste: 8.5/10
• Affordability: 7/10

Which is the best Japanese instant ramen?

My team and I taste tested 20+ ramen on the basis of noodle texture, taste,as well as ingredients and rated them on a scale of 1 to 5. We found Nakiryu Dan Dan to be the best Japanese instant ramen.

Nakiryu Dan Dan is an award winning ramen noodle that’s worth trying at least once. Nakiryu is one of the very few shops that has won a Michelin star award. This ramen is scrumptious with notes of spiciness and creaminess. The noodles are thin and the broth is thick which makes for a perfect combo. Nakiryu Dan Dan is a little expensive but it’s definitely worth the money. Add dry ingredients first and then the wet to cook the Nakiryu Dan Dan ramen.

Best Japanese Instant Ramen: FAQs

Is instant ramen bad for your health?

Some instant ramen are highly processed and have great amounts of sodium which makes them bad for health. It’s not recommended to eat instant ramen daily but once in a while is okay. You can also choose healthier options of instant noodles that don’t have MSG or have reduced sodium content. 

What is the most popular instant noodle in Japan?

Nissin Cup Noodles are the most popular instant noodles in Japan.

What kind of ramen do they eat in Japan?

There are four main types of ramen in Japan: miso, shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce) and tonkatsu (pork bone stock). All four types of ramen are widely eaten in Japan. You can also add pieces of meat, seafood, chicken stock, seasonings, etc.

Is Japanese ramen healthy?

Japanese ramen isn’t really healthy to be eaten on a daily basis. It contains a good amount of gluten, carbs, and fats that aren’t great for health. Instant ramen or cup noodles also contain preservatives that lead to problems like cardiovascular risks, obesity, etc.

What can you add to Japanese ramen to make it yummy?

You can add toppings like meat slices of pork, chicken, etc. to make it yummy. Many people also add veggies and stock with seasonings to enhance the flavour of Japanese ramen.

What is Japan’s favorite ramen?

Japan’s favourte type of ramen is Tonkatsu ramen which has a milky, murky, and pork bone stock flavour. The prok bones are boiled on high heat for as long as 72 hours which makes this ramen so flavourful.

Is instant ramen better in Japan?

Yes, instant ramen is generally considered to be of higher quality and more diverse in flavor options in Japan compared to other countries. This is primarily due to the fact that instant ramen originated in Japan, and the country has a strong culture of ramen appreciation. As a result, Japanese instant ramen brands often prioritize using better ingredients, more authentic flavors, and more innovative packaging.

Japanese Instant Ramen Noodles

I hope you enjoyed some of our top recommendations for the best Japanese instant ramen. These instant ramen are delicious and so easy to make. It’s definitely worth having once in a while. Don’t forget to top it with your favorite toppings like egg, meat or scallions. Cheers!

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